The 1887 World Series: Game Eight

The Detroits and Browns were due [in Boston] at 8:30 this morning but owing to delay on the route did not arrive until 11 o'clock. The day was warm, and sultry and threatening clouds no doubt kept many from the grounds. Notwithstanding this drawback there were fully 5000 people present. Owing to the fact that the seats and grand stand at the Boston League grounds had been torn down to make way for a new stand, the game was played on the old Boston Union grounds, on which a professional game has not been played since 1884. The grounds were in wretched condition. The stand was small and in miserable repair, and the accommodations generally very poor. The stand filled up early, and the crowd which still poured in formed a line around the entire field. The Browns feeling that Caruthers was their best chance to win, asked that he be put in the box. The little pitcher was anxious to play, and his wish was gratified. Bushong caught him. It was intended to put Conway in the box for Detroit, but at the last moment Getzein was put in. Bennett caught him. During the first inning a drizzling rain set in which continued throughout the day, making it very uncomfortable for the players and spectators in the open seats. The grounds too, were so narrow that a number of balls were lost, and delays occurred on that account. Every one was glad when the game was ended. It proved to be a bad policy to put Caruthers in the box. He was wild, and was also hit very hard. He was well supported, considering the condition of the ground. Bushong caught well, Caruthers keeping him busy by his irregular delivery. Comiskey played a good first base. Robinson did some fine fielding at second, and led his team at the bat. His three hits were hard drives along the left foul line. Latham had but little to do in the field, but he did some clever batting. His bunt hit set the crowd wild. Gleason was put back at short, and he did good work. He also batted hard, but always at some one. O'Neill, Welch and Foutz were kept busy chasing leather, but they reached only a few of the drives into their territories. Getzein was hit hard but he managed to keep the hits scattered. He was, as usual, magnificently supported. Bennett's hand is very sore, but he caught again, and was just as great as usual. To single out any Detroit player for praise would an injustice. All were great. Thompson's batting, however, is worthy of notice. His two home runs were terrific drives, the one over the fence being one of the longest hits ever seen in Boston. Gaffney stopped over in Worcester and did not arrive until late. Until he came Kelly did all the umpiring. After his arrival Kelly called the balls and strikes, while he took care of the field. Robinson was presented with a gold-headed cane by the McCarthy Club, and Richardson received a bouquet of flowers.

-St. Louis Globe-Democrat, October 19, 1887