Reaching the World Series for the first time in his 18-year career, Walter Johnson single-handedly made the Washington Senators heavy sentimental favorites in the World Series against the John McGraw's National League champion Giants, the first team in history to win four straight pennants. Sir Walter struck out 12 Giants in the first Series game, but his opponents showed little for sentiment, trimming him 4-3. In the fifth contest, they did it again, this time 6-2.
New York appeared poised to seal the world's title with a 3-1 lead starting the eighth inning of the seventh game Oct. 10 at Washington's Griffith Stadium. But the Senators struck for two tying runs. Manager Bucky Harris, who had used a pinch hitter for his pitcher during the rally, signalled Johnson to take over mound duties for the ninth. He matched the Giants' pen of Art Nehf, Hugh McQuillen and Jack Bentley through scoreless 9th and 10th innings, calmed a threat in the 11th, and retired the side in order after allowing a one-out single in the 12th.
In the bottom of the Senator 12th, fate struck a mortal blow for sentiment. With one out, Muddy Ruel lifted a foul pop almost directly over his head behind home plate. Giant catcher Hank Gowdy moved for the ball, but got his foot caught in his discarded mask and stumbled. Staked to a second chance, Gowdy slammed a double past third base to put the winning run in scoring position.
Johnson, next up, grounded to shortstop. But 20-year-old Travis Jackson, half of the brilliant young left side defensethat also featured 18-year-old third baseman Fred Lindstrom, bobbled the ball. Johnson was safe as Ruel held. Earl McNeely slapped another apparent easy out, this one toward Lindstrom. Bu tthe ball hit a pebble and bounced wildly over the youngster's head as Ruel raced around to the plate with the run that made champions out of the Senators...and Walter Johnson.
Rogers Hornsby bats .424 for St. Louis, the highest batting average of the 20th century.
Lyman Lamb, an outfielder with Tulsa of the Western League, hits his 100th double of the season Sept. 29.
IN THE WORLD
Democrats take more than 100 ballots to nominate John W. Davis for president; Calvin Coolidge easily defeats him in November.