[T206Jim]

Here is a RPPC depicting the pivotal moment of Game 3 of the 1912 World Series at Fenway Park. The RPPC says game 2, but as made clear below it actually means the 2nd game at Fenway which was Game 3 of the Series.

1912-world-series-game-3-postcard-crop-Net-54.jpg

and here is the description of the ninth inning from the New York Times.


NYT-Word-Series-game-3-clipping-Net-54.jpg

We can tell from the scoreboard that it is the ninth inning and that the Red Sox trail the Giants 2 to 0. Boston is listed on the top line of scoreboard, as was tradition at that time, and so we can tell that Boston is at bat. If we enlarge the "Batter" portion of the scoreboard we can see that there is 1 out and "5" is at the bat. "5" would correspond to the 5 hole hitter who would be Gardner.


1912-world-series-game-3-postcard-crop-Net-54-batter-info.jpg


Now let's look at the players on the field in light of the play by play description in the NYT ariticle. Marquard is on the mound and Gardner has just ripped one down the line at first, you can see DeVore diving for the ball in vain and the 1st base coach indicating it is a fair ball. Lewis is running from 1st base and looking back over his shoulder to make sure the ball wasn't fielded. He was ultimately held up by Wagner at third and Gardner was held to a double by this caution. This would prove pivotal as Marquard managed to get out of the inning allowing only Lewis to score to preserve a 2 to 1 victory.

It is not often we get to see a key moment from a Deadball game in live action. If anyone else has a RPPC with a story to tell I'd love to hear it!