On this page we will look back at life in the city during the war years. Here we will provide the visitor with the stories making the news, what was happening in sports and entertainment, city politics, the social scene and the prominent people at the time. We will also recount the events occurring in the war on that day. So, check back each day for new editions.
To share your family or neighborhood stories, please email PhillyWWIyears@gmail.com
TODAY IN PHILADELPHIA – FRIDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1915
There are fair skies over the city today with a gentle cool breeze from the west. The high today will reach 64° with the low tonight around 54°. The day this city’s Phillies fans have been waiting for has arrived. The World Series began today at National League Park.
SPECIAL WORLD SERIES EDITION
At precisely 2:07pm Grover Cleveland Alexander took the mound for the Phillies and threw the first pitch. The Red Sox would counter with Ernie Shore. Shore had a record of 19 and 8 this season while Old Pete had 31 victories with 10 wins. The two pitchers met before the game, shook hands and exchanged pleasantries (shown below).
Over 21,000 crowded into the Park and the bleachers were packed (shown below). Outside the Park householders took a page from the book of neighbors of Shibe Park and sold seats on their rooftops overlooking the diamond for .50¢. Every window of the 10 story Ford building overlooking the field was filled with spectators. All the streets around Broad & Huntingdon took on a country fair atmosphere. There were peanut and lemonade vendors and housewives sold slices of freshly baked pies and cakes. All around the Park thousands milled about listening for news from inside or having each play relayed from those with seats.
To be honest Alex didn’t have his best stuff today. His speed was down and his location not sharp. But when he needed to he summoned that grit and determination he is known for and shut down the Red Sox, gaining the win 3 to 1. The Phillies scored first in the 4th inning when Possum Whitted drove home Dode Paskert with an infield single. The Red Sox tied the score in the top of the 8th after Tris Speaker drew a walk and moved to 2nd on a sacrifice by Dick Hoblitzell. Speaker was then driven home by a stinging drive into left by Duffy Lewis.
In the bottom of the 8th the hometown faithful took to their feet cheering the boys on. Milt Stock walked followed by a line drive by Dave Bancroft over 2nd base. Dode Paskert then worked a walk. Gavvy Cravath chopped a grounder to second scoring Stock. Next up was Fred Luderus who slapped a grounder to pitcher Shore which was enough to score Bancroft. In the 9th Alexander put the Red Sox down by striking out Jack Barry, getting pinch hitter Babe Ruth to ground out and popping up Harry Hooper to end the game.
When the last out was made the fans rolled over the field in celebration, dancing and singing. The Boston rooters at the game applauded the victors in a show of good sportsmanship. Once the jubilant Phillies fans dispersed from the field the Royal Rooters of Boston, all 400 strong, took to the diamond led by their band. The musicians played a number of tunes as the Bostonians marched around. There was some good natured ribbing by the Phillies rooters but after a bit the Boston fans and band received appreciative applause from the hometown crowd. Game 2 is tomorrow at 2:00pm.
GET YOUR COPY OF PHILADELPHIA: THE WORLD WAR I YEARS BY JUST CLICKING ON THE LINK BELOW.