1904....McGraw's World Series"curse" on Boston

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Posted By: David Atkatz

As I stated before, McGraw refused to play a post season series with the winner of the A.L. pennant, "whomever that may have been.* At the time McGraw and Giant's owner John T. Brush announced the decision, the hated New York American League Club was leading the A.L. pennant race, and McGraw was not going to risk losing to them. He and Brush had fought hard to keep the team out of New York, and the A.L. was only able to place a team in Manhattan when they found owners--Frank Farrell and ex police chief "Big Bill" Devery, who were as politically well-connected (and as corrupt) as Brush.

On October 3, Highlander President Joseph Gordon sent the following challange to Brush:

“New York, Oct. 3, 1904

“John T. Brush, Esq., President New York National League Club

“Dear Sir: In behalf of the Greater New York Baseball Club of the American League, I hereby challenge the New York National League Club to play a series of seven games for the world’s championship in the event of the winning of the American League pennant by the Greater New Yorks. In view of a general popular demand in the interest of true sportsmanship, I believe that such a series should be arranged forthwith.
“As far as the Greater New York Club is concerned, gate receipts cut an insignificant figure. The New York public which has supported the game loyally through years of vicissitudes, is entitled to consideration, and the time has now arrived, in my estimation, when this support should be rewarded by the playing of a series that will be memorable in baseball history.
“The American League won the title of world’s champions when the Bostons defeated the Pittsburgs last year. If the Greater New Yorks defeat the Bostons in the American League race, we will have a right to defend the title. If you wish to prove to the baseball public that the New York Nationals are capable of winning these added laurels from the Greater New Yorks, we will pave the way. The responsibility will rest upon you, Mr. Brush, to accept or decline this fair, square proposition, made in the interests of the national sport.
“In stipulating the number of games to be played, we would suggest that three be played at the Polo Grounds, three at American League Park, and the place of the seventh, if it becomes necessary to play it, to be decided by the toss of a coin, the winner of four games to be the champions of the world.

“Very truly yours,
Joseph Gordon
“President, Greater New York Baseball Club of the American League.”


Of course, McGraw could not refuse to play only his cross-town rivals, so he claimed that the A.L. was a minor league, and that the Giants would not stoop to playing the winner of a minor league pennant. A few days later, when Chesbro's wild pitch delivered the pennant to Boston, it was just too bad for the Pilgrims--McGraw could not play them without making his real reason for refusing known.