Mordecai Brown by Edward Drobinski - HTML preview

Mordecai Brown

Page 72

While Giants fans were disappointed, few blamed Mathewson. Sportswriters noted that the Giants “could not hit at critical times.” As one New York writer acknowledged, “The Chicago Cubs outplayed us yesterday, and won by clean hitting and clean playing.”

Some fans used the loss as an excuse for rowdy behavior, running onto the field to lash out at three Cubs players who were heading for the clubhouse. After the game, believing the Cubs had stolen the pennant from their team, New York fans threw hats, bricks, and bottles at the Chicago players. In one especially egregious act, a fan threw a punch that struck Frank Chance in the neck and throat area, staggering him. He was rushed by car to his hotel, where a physician examined him, telling him he would feel better in a day or two. Despite being in pain, Chance said he’d be ready to play in the World Series. It had so injured his throat he couldn’t speak for days. The riotous atmosphere required a police escort for the Cubs by paddy wagon.

And in Chicago, where cheering fans took to the streets in celebration, it was a great day to be a Cubs supporter. The Cubs had won their third consecutive pennant, and now the chance for a second consecutive World Series championship lay ahead.