The 1887 World Series: Game Fifteen

And finally, at long last, we've reached the last game of the 1887 world's championship series.

The Browns' victories of late have been like angels visits, few and far between, but they come sometimes, and yesterday was one of the occasions. They outplayed the Wolverines at every point, winning the game in the first inning, and clinching it in the second, making 7 runs in the first two innings. Sportsman's Park wore a deserted look. Not over 800 people sat, shivered and watched the game, and they evidently came for the purpose of guying the home team whenever the occasion offered. But, as luck would have it, they had little chance to badger the home lads, who played ball something like the Browns of old. The home players looked in vain for sympathy from the crowd. Latham waddled up to the plate and the accustomed cheer was not forthcoming. Lyons made his appearance without attracting attention. O'Neill stalked up to the plate and the usual cry of "Kill it, Jim!" was not heard. The crowd seemed to care little whether he hit the ball or not. When Comiskey, the Browns' hard-working captain, advanced to the batsman's position, not a hand was raised. Caruthers was cheered as he stepped to the plate, and was the only one of the Browns who was noticed at all. Such is a ball player's life. The Browns have won two world's championships, and three Association pennants, and their present defeats should not dim the luster of their former great triumphs. Bill Gleason was laid off yesterday, and Lyons put in his place. The youngster batted well, but was a trifle nervous in the field, making three errors. Caruthers was fairly effective, and was well supported. Latham led at the bat, and Bushong also did good work with the stick. Baldwin pitched for the visitors and was hit hard. Ganzel and Sutcliffe caught him well. Kelly took care of the field, while Gaffney attended to the balls and strikes. The Detroits left for home last night...

[After the sixth inning,] It grew so dark and cold that the game was called.

-St. Louis Globe-Democrat, October 27, 1887

All I have to say is that I'm glad they canceled the rest of the scheduled games because, as it was, a fifteen game series was too long. It might not have been too bad if they cancelled all the games after Detroit clinched the series but these last few games were just pointless.