Last Updated: January 22nd, 2024 by Jake Cain
Title: Boston Americans and Pittsburgh Pirates, Huntington Avenue Grounds, 1903 World Series
Caption: Boston and Pittsburg [sic], Oct. 13th 1903
Creator: Chickering, Elmer
Date: 1903
Description: The Pirates: (Top, left to right)- second baseman Claude Ritchey, catcher Harry Smith, catcher Eddie Phelps, outfielder Ginger Beaumont, pitcher Deacon Phillippe, pitcher Sam Leever, pitcher Bucky Veil, pitcher Gus Thompson, outfielder Tommy Leach, outfielder Jimmy Sebring, pitcher Brickyard Kennedy, catcher Fred Carisch and shortstop Honus Wagner. Middle: Pirate manager and outfielder Fred Clarke. Boston players: third baseman-manager Jimmie Collins, outfielder Chick Stahl, pitcher Bill Dineen, outfielder Buck Freeman, pitcher Cy Young, first baseman Candy LaChance, outfielder Patsy Dougherty, pitcher George Winter, catcher Duke Farrell, outfielder Jack O’Brien, pitcher Long Tom Hughes. Bottom: shortstop Fred Parent, catcher Lou Criger, second baseman Hobe Ferris,
BPL Collection: McGreevey Collection
Who’s In This Photo?
Claude Ritchey – Second baseman Claude Ritchey was a consistent player for the Pirates who played from 1897 to 1909, contributing to the team’s strong infield defense. Although not a power hitter, he was known for his ability to get on base and was a part of the Pirates’ 1903 National League Championship team.
Harry Smith – Catcher Harry Smith was a reserve player for the Pirates whose major league career spanned from 1901 to 1910. Smith played sparingly in the 1903 season and World Series, serving mainly as a backup catcher.
Eddie Phelps – As another catcher for the Pirates, Eddie Phelps played from 1902 to 1913, often in a backup role. He was part of the Pirates’ squad during the 1903 World Series, though his contributions were limited during the series.
Ginger Beaumont – Outfielder Ginger Beaumont was the 1903 National League batting champion, hitting .341, and led the league in hits and runs scored. Beaumont played from 1899 to 1910, and his prowess at the plate helped the Pirates secure their National League pennant in 1903.
Deacon Phillippe – Pitcher Deacon Phillippe was a workhorse for the Pirates in the 1903 World Series, pitching five complete games and winning three of them. Phillippe’s career spanned from 1899 to 1911, and his performance in 1903 is still remembered as one of the finest pitching efforts in early World Series history.
Sam Leever – Pitcher Sam Leever, one of the Pirates’ top hurlers with a 25-game winning season in 1903, had his World Series cut short due to a shoulder injury sustained in a trapshooting accident. From 1898 to 1910, Leever was a key part of the Pirates’ pitching staff but unfortunately could not contribute significantly to the 1903 series.
Bucky Veil – Pitcher Bucky Veil, a lesser-known player, pitched in relief during the 1903 World Series, going seven innings without allowing an earned run. His professional baseball career was brief, with only two seasons at the major league level, including his appearance in the historic series.
Gus Thompson – Pitcher Gus Thompson was another Pirates pitcher with a short major league career (1903-1906), but he made a relief appearance during the 1903 World Series. Thompson’s role was limited, and he threw two innings in the series.
Tommy Leach – Outfielder Tommy Leach was a talented hitter and fielder for the Pirates and played from 1898 to 1918. In the 1903 World Series, Leach contributed significantly to the Pirates’ offense, and over his career, he was known for his speed and versatility.
Jimmy Sebring – Outfielder Jimmy Sebring made history by hitting the first home run in World Series play during the 1903 Series, an inside-the-park homer. Sebring’s career lasted from 1902 to 1909, and while not a household name, he secured a spot in baseball lore with that notable achievement.
Brickyard Kennedy – Pitcher Brickyard Kennedy was at the tail end of his career during the 1903 World Series, having been a successful pitcher primarily in the 1890s. In the series, Kennedy started one game for the Pirates but was not able to secure a victory.
Fred Carisch – Catcher Fred Carisch was part of the Pirates’ catching corps during the 1903 World Series, but like Smith and Phelps, his role was limited. Carisch’s major league tenure was from 1903 to 1914, mostly in a backup role.
Honus Wagner – Shortstop Honus Wagner, a Hall of Famer, led the National League in batting in 1903 but struggled in the World Series with a .222 average and several uncharacteristic fielding errors. Wagner’s illustrious career extended from 1897 to 1917, earning him a reputation as one of the greatest shortstops ever to play the game.
Fred Clarke – Outfielder and Pirate manager Fred Clarke was a key player and the leader guiding the Pirates to the 1903 National League championship. A Hall of Famer, Clarke played from 1894 to 1915 and managed for decades, establishing himself as one of the early greats of the game.
Jimmie Collins – As the third baseman-manager for the Boston Americans, Jimmie Collins led his team to victory in the first modern World Series in 1903. Collins was a superb defensive player and respected leader during his career from 1895 to 1908, and he is remembered as a pioneering third baseman and Hall of Famer.
Chick Stahl – Outfielder Chick Stahl was a solid contributor for the Boston Americans with a .274 average in 1903. Stahl’s career spanned from 1897 to 1906, and he was known for his hitting ability and outfield skills.
Bill Dineen – Pitcher Bill Dineen played a pivotal role in the 1903 World Series, pitching three complete-game victories for the Boston Americans. Dineen’s playing career went from 1898 to 1909, and he later found success as an umpire.
Buck Freeman – Outfielder Buck Freeman was a power hitter for the Boston Americans, hitting .287 with 104 RBIs in 1903. Freeman, who played from 1891 to 1907, was one of the top sluggers of his era and was instrumental in Boston’s World Series triumph.
Cy Young – Legendary pitcher Cy Young led the American League with 28 wins in 1903 and helped pitch the Boston Americans to World Series victory. With a career spanning from 1890 to 1911, Young set records that still stand today, and the annual pitching award in Major League Baseball is named in his honor.
Candy LaChance – First baseman Candy LaChance was known for his defensive skills and played an important role for the Boston Americans. LaChance played from 1893 to 1905 and was part of the first-ever World Series championship team.
Patsy Dougherty – Outfielder Patsy Dougherty hit the first-ever over-the-fence home run in World Series history in 1903. Dougherty’s career spanned from 1902 to 1911, and his offensive output was a key part of Boston’s series comeback.
George Winter – Pitcher George Winter contributed to the Boston pitching staff during the 1903 season. While less heralded than teammates Young and Dineen, Winter played from 1901 to 1908 and had a role in the Americans’ championship run.
Duke Farrell – Catcher Duke Farrell was a part of the Boston roster during the 1903 World Series. Farrell’s long playing career stretched from 1888 to 1905, and he served as a veteran presence on the championship team.
Jack O’Brien – Outfielder Jack O’Brien had limited playing time in the 1903 World Series. O’Brien’s career went from 1902 to 1903, and despite his brief major league stint, he was a member of the first World Series-winning team.
Long Tom Hughes – Pitcher Long Tom Hughes played a year with the Boston Americans during his career from 1900 to 1913. Even though Hughes had a rough outing in the 1903 Series, he later found success with other teams.
Fred Parent – Shortstop Fred Parent was a solid middle infielder for the Boston Americans, contributing to their 1903 World Series win. Parent’s career lasted from 1899 to 1911, and he was known for his reliable defensive play.
Hobe Ferris – Second baseman Hobe Ferris was known for his defensive skills and played for the Boston Americans during the 1903 World Series. Ferris’s major league career spanned from 1901 to 1909, and he was a key contributor to Boston’s championship success.