It was a finale packed with drama — and one of baseball’s most surprising endings.
Was there ever a greater Series?
The 1926 World Series between the Cardinals and Yankees ended with one of the most unforgettable moments in baseball history: Babe Ruth thrown out trying to steal second to end the game — and the Series. The tying run on first, Ruth likely broke for second on a failed hit-and-run, sealing St. Louis’s first championship. Just as memorable was 39-year-old Grover Cleveland Alexander, who entered Game 7 in the seventh inning with the bases loaded — a day after pitching nine innings — and struck out Tony Lazzeri to escape disaster. Two innings later, Alexander walked Ruth, who had already homered, before Hornsby’s tag ended it all. A stunned Yankee Stadium watched as the Cardinals celebrated their first World Series crown.
From the archives:
”Alex pitches to the Babe” — read the game recap including the details of the 9th inning
”Word Series Heroes” — read the game recap from a Missouri paper, including records that were broken, a as well as a “World Series Heroes” list for every series since 1905