1914—a year when the world was on the brink of war, but America was captivated by something else: baseball. From epic underdog victories to bitter rivalries, this was the year that shaped the future of America’s pastime. Ready to dive into the drama? Let’s go.
The Birth of the Federal League
In 1914, the baseball world was rocked by the emergence of the Federal League, a new rival to the established National and American Leagues. But this wasn’t just any upstart—the Federal League came out swinging, signing big-name players with promises of higher salaries and the freedom to negotiate their contracts. The Federal League altered the established order that had been created in baseball. It included eight teams, with the Chicago Federals and Kansas City Packers among them.
The Federal League challenged the dominance of the National and American Leagues, convincing several future Hall of Fame players such as Mordecai “Three Finger” Brown and Chief Bender to join. This led to greatly reduced attendances at National and American League games. Additionally, the Federal League’s emergence resulted in large increases in player salaries since there was a viable alternative to the National and American Leagues. Players used that leverage in contract negotiations to secure higher salaries. As a result, the National and American Leagues had to more than double player salaries to retain their stars.
The Miracle Braves
Now let’s talk about the Boston Braves, a team that started the season in dead last, only to pull off one of the greatest comebacks in baseball history. By midseason, they were called the “Miracle Braves” for a reason. Midseason turnarounds happen in all sports, but the story of the 1914 Boston Braves was an unlikely reversal of fortunes by any standards.
The Braves had a record of 26-40 by early July. However, three pitchers—Lefty Tyler, Bill James, and Dick Rudolph—led the Braves in a historic turnaround. The Braves started winning and took the lead in the National League standings beginning on September 8. They never relinquished first place after that. In their final 87 games of the season, they went an incredible 68-19. The Braves won the National League pennant.
The 1914 World Series
The 1914 World Series pitted the Boston Braves against the Philadelphia Athletics. The Athletics were heavily favored. However, in Game 1, Braves pitcher Dick Rudolph played incredibly well, while Hank Gowdy, the Braves’ catcher, scored a single, double, and triple, in addition to a walk and run. The Braves won Game 1, 7-1.
Game 2 was a legendary battle between Braves pitcher Bill James and Athletics pitcher Eddie Plank. They both shut down opposing batters until Braves third baseman Charlie Deal hit a fly ball in the ninth inning and got a double. Deal later stole third base and scored on Braves outfielder Les Mann’s two-out single. Bill James ended the game with a double play, and the Braves took a 2-0 lead in the World Series.
Game 3 was a classic, going to extra innings with the score tied 4-4. Les Mann scored the game-winning run in the 12th inning when Athletics pitcher Joe Bush threw a wild pitch to third base following Herbie Moran’s bunt. Only one win separated the Braves from World Series glory.
In Game 4, the desperate Athletics managed to tie the score 1-1 in the fifth inning. However, in the bottom of the fifth, Braves second baseman Johnny Evers scored a two-run single. This put the Braves up 3-1. Thanks to excellent pitching, the Braves held on and completed one of the most improbable sweeps in World Series history. The Braves’ World Series victory inspired baseball fans all over the country.
1914’s Lasting Legacy
1914 was a year of surprises and challenges. It tested the mettle of baseball and set the stage for its growth as America’s pastime. From the emergence of the Federal League to the incredible triumph of the Miracle Braves, this year left a lasting impact on the sport.
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