The National League was established in 1876 and the American League in 1901, replacing the American Association. While the American League was new, there was no friendship between the two leagues. Hoping for an end to the bitter rivalry, in 1903 managers Barney Dreyfuss and Henry Killilea agreed that their two teams, winners of their respective pennants, should play each other in a best of nine series.
October 1 saw the first game of the series between the Boston Americans (American League) and the Pittsburgh Pirates (National League), and fans who attended were not disappointed. Pittsburgh's pitcher, Deacon Phillippe, gave up six hits and right fielder Jimmy Sebring hit the World Series' first home run, a grand slam that led the Pirates to a 7-3 victory.
The next game, Boston's pitcher threw a three hitter and won the game 3-0. Due to injury and illness, Phillippe pitched five complete games and won three of them. However, Cy Young was brought in by Boston to take the lead in the series, which lasted until October 13.
The first World Series was a pitcher's duel and in the end, Boston of the American League won the first "official" World Series. This year's Fall Classic will be the 111th match up between the American League and the National League since 1903. Once we know which team is the National League Champion and the American League Champion, then the 2015 World Series can commence. Play ball!
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