First World Series

Scene from the first World Series ever played. Originally planned as a best-of-nine-games tournament, the Boston Red Sox defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates five games to three in 1903. I'm not sure when in the series this picture was taken; perhaps at the conclusion. There are no players on the field, just fans and some gentlemen in suits at home plate. Boston won the final game of the series 3-0 at their home field, the Huntington Avenue Baseball Grounds.

John Joseph McGraw. 1873–1934.
Player, 1891–1906, mostly for the Orioles and the Giants. Played all four infield positions, plus occasional catcher; mostly second base and shortstop.
He earned his nickname, Little Napoleon, as a manager. He managed for 33 years, finally hanging it up in 1932. A cantankerous man, he was ejected from 116–131 ball games; sources vary, but either way it was a first place record that stood until 2007. He led the New York Giants to the World Series nine times (after earning the berth but refusing to participate in 1904; he thought it was silly). The Giants won in 1905, 1921 and 1922. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1937.