SHOCKTOBER PREVIEW: INTERESTING WORLD SERIES FACTS

 

1906:  (White Sox vs. Cubs)

This inter-league matchup generated such fervor in Chicago that Charles Martin—a city councilman and avid White Sox supporter—was arrested after brawling with an intoxicated Cubs fan.

 

1926: (Yankees vs. Cardinals)

Babe Ruth had a phenomenal Series for the Yankees, setting a new record with four homers. But he also blew it for New York in Game 7. With two away in the bottom of the ninth, he took it upon himself to attempt a steal of second base. He was thrown out by a wide margin, ending the series in favor of St. Louis.

 

1955: (Dodgers vs. Yankees)

The Dodgers’ win over the Yankees in ’55 was their first in six showdowns against New York. It was their last championship while stationed in Brooklyn. Since moving to Los Angeles, the Dodgers have faced the Yankees five times in World Series play and won on three occasions. 

 

1969: (Mets vs. Orioles)

Prior to this championship season, the Mets had averaged 105 losses per year. They were so bad in the early days that manager Casey Stengel once complained: “The Mets have shown me more ways to lose than I even knew existed.”  

 

1985: (Royals vs. Cardinals)

In Game 6 of this Series, umpire Don Denkinger missed a critical call at first base that allowed the Royals to stage a game-winning rally. Incredibly, a pair of St. Louis disc jockeys gave out Denkinger’s phone number and address over the air. Denkinger was still receiving hate mail and death threats two years later.

 

1987: (Twins vs. Cardinals)

Noise levels generated by fans at the Metrodome in Minnesota ranged from 80 to 125 decibels during Game 2 of this Series. Putting this in perspective, eight hours of exposure to 90 decibel noise can cause permanent damage to your ears. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health recommends that workers not be exposed to decibel levels over 85 for an extended period of time. Game 2 lasted close to three hours.

 

2001: (Diamondbacks vs. Yankees)

This Series took place less than two months after the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center. Though President George W. Bush was told by security officials that it would be safer to throw out the ceremonial first pitch before Game 1 in Arizona, he felt it would be more appropriate to do it in New York before Game 3. Prior to the opening ceremony, bomb-sniffing dogs combed Yankee Stadium, snipers were placed in various locations, and vendors were vetted by federal agents. Bush wore a New York City fire department fleece with a bulletproof vest underneath. He fired a strike to home plate and got a rousing ovation.

 

2006: (Cardinals vs. Tigers)

TV ratings for this Series were the lowest ever for a Fall Classic at the time. It was one of the sloppiest Series ever played with both teams combining for 16 errors in seven games. St. Louis also had the worst regular season record of any pennant-winning club. Since 2006, seven other World Series have had lower TV ratings.