National League Pennant (1918)

Lore & Background

The 1918 pennant was the Cubs' first since 1910. The World Series was a best-of-nine affair, but Boston won 4 games to 2. The Cubs' Grover Cleveland Alexander pitched in the series. This pennant was not the final National League title before a long drought; the Cubs won the pennant again in 1929, 1932, 1935, 1938, and 1945.

In Their Own Story

The wind off Lake Michigan cut through the wool flannel at Weeghman Park (not yet Wrigley), chilling the patchwork roster left behind after the draft took so many of their peers. On the mound, Grover Cleveland Alexander stood with a preternatural calmness that seemed to mute the roar of the crowd, his gaze locking onto the batter as if time had stopped. The dugouts were hollowed out by the war, filled now with substitutes and veterans clinging to the game's rhythm. When the final out was recorded in the pennant-clinching game, a collective breath held in the stands before exploding into a chaotic mix of tears and cheers. Yet, amidst the celebration of the National League crown, a quiet dread lingered among the faithful; they had won the battle for the flag, but the long war against fate was only just beginning.

Reader's Guide

The 1918 Cubs won the National League pennant but lost the World Series to the Boston Red Sox, 4 games to 2.

Did You Know?

• The 1918 World Series was a best-of-nine series, but Boston won 4 games to 2.
• The Cubs' 1918 pennant was not their last before a long drought; they won again in 1929, 1932, 1935, 1938, and 1945.