1945 World Series Game 7 vs Tigers

Lore & Background

In the decisive Game 7, Paul Richards drove in four runs to lead the Tigers to a 9–3 victory to clinch the Series. The World Series again used the 3–4 wartime setup for home field sites, instead of the normal 2–3–2. Although the major hostilities of World War II had ended, some of the rules were still in effect and many of the best MLB players were still in military service. Warren Brown, author of a history of the Cubs in 1946, commented on this by titling one chapter 'World's Worst Series'. He also cited a famous quote of his, referencing himself anonymously and in the third person. When asked who he liked in the Series, he answered, 'I don't think either one of them can win it.' In a similar vein, Frank Graham jokingly called this Series 'the fat men versus the tall men at the office picnic.' One player decidedly not fitting that description was the Tigers' slugger Hank Greenberg, who had been discharged from military service early. He hit the only two Tigers homers in the Series, and scored seven runs overall and also drove in seven. The series matched the league MVPs, with Phil Cavarretta (a .355 hitter that year) of the National League and Hal Newhouser of the American League for the second straight season for Detroit. Newhouser led the Tigers to two victories, including a complete game performance in Game 7. The Curse of the Billy Goat originated in this Series before the start of Game 4. Having last won the Series in 1908, the Cubs owned the dubious record of both the longest league pennant drought and the longest World Series drought in history, not winning (or appearing in) another World Series until 2016. The Series was a rematch of the 1935 World Series. In that year's Game 6, Stan Hack led off the top of the ninth inning with a triple, but was stranded. The Cubs lost the game and the Series. Hack was still with the Cubs in 1945. According to Warren Brown's account, Hack was seen surveying the field before the first Series game. When asked what he was doing, Hack responded, 'I just wanted to see if I was still standing there on third base.' To date, the Chicago Cubs have had no personnel from this team elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

In Their Own Story

The wind howled off Lake Michigan, whipping the ivy-covered walls as the eighth inning began. The score sat tied 3-3, but the tension was suffocating. In the top of the frame, Detroit seized momentum. A critical defensive breakdown at third base allowed a run to cross home plate, sparking a three-run explosion that shattered Chicago's composure. The roar of the crowd turned into a collective groan that echoed through the bleachers, marking the beginning of another long wait.

Reader's Guide

The 1945 World Series was tied 2–2 after four games, then the Tigers won Game 5, the Cubs won Game 6, leading to Game 7. In Game 7, the Cubs went with the overworked Borowy, who lasted just three batters, each of whom singled, the last of which scored a run. Paul Derringer replaced him, intentionally walked Roy Cullenbine with one out to load the bases, then one out later, walked Jimmy Outlaw before Paul Richards cleared the bases with a three-run double. The Cubs got a run in the bottom of the first on Phil Cavarretta's RBI single with two on off Hal Newhouser, but in the second, Derringer allowed a two-out single, then three consecutive walks to force in another run. The Cubs got another run in the fourth when Cavaretta singled and scored on Andy Pafko's triple. In the seventh, Cullenbine drew a leadoff walk off Paul Erickson and scored on Paul Richards's two-out double. The Tigers won 9–3.

Did You Know?

• The 1945 World Series was the 42nd edition of the World Series.
• The Tigers won their second championship and first since 1935.
• The Series used a 3–4 wartime setup for home field sites instead of the normal 2–3–2.
• Warren Brown titled a chapter 'World's Worst Series' and famously said, 'I don't think either one of them can win it.'
• Hank Greenberg hit the only two Tigers homers in the Series, scoring seven runs and driving in seven.