1920–1945
Live Ball Era
The ball got livelier in 1920, and the money did too. A franchise could be rearranged in January, and a World Series could turn in one afternoon on a third strike that never reached the mitt.
The entries here are the ones still told as if a single decision built a club, or ended one. Several of them were smaller than the story that followed. The sale of Ruth was a sale. The curse was added later.
In this chapter
All 7 entries
The Sale of Babe Ruth
The Red Sox sold Babe Ruth to the Yankees for $100,000, paid in installments. The Broadway story that explains the sale is a myth.
Boston Red Sox · New York Yankees
Owen's Dropped Third Strike
The Dodgers were one strike from tying the World Series. Mickey Owen missed the third strike, and the Yankees scored four runs.
Brooklyn Dodgers · New York Yankees
No. 1929.10.12
1929
Hack Wilson Loses the Ball in the Sun
The Cubs led Game 4 of the 1929 World Series by eight runs. In the seventh, Hack Wilson lost a fly ball in the sun, and the Athletics scored ten.
Chicago Cubs · Philadelphia Athletics
No. 1926.08.15
1926
Three Men on Third
Babe Herman doubled off the right-field screen at Ebbets Field and arrived at third base to find two teammates already there.
Brooklyn Dodgers · Boston Braves
No. 1926.10.10
1926
Ruth Is Out at Second
The 1926 World Series ended with Babe Ruth thrown out at second. He said he was stealing on his own. Other accounts say a hit-and-run was on.
New York Yankees · St. Louis Cardinals