1929 World Series recap

Game 1 witnessed perhaps the most unorthodox strategy in World Series history. Rather than start Lefty Grove, the best pitcher in the American League, A's manager Connie Mack went with veteran finesse artist Howard Ehmke, who pitched just 55 innings in the regular season. Ehmke fooled the Cubs all day, allowing just one unearned run and striking out 13 to set a Series record. Jimmie Foxx broke the scoreless game in the seventh with a solo homer, and the Athletics came up with two unearned runs in the ninth, making the final score 3-1.

A's starter George Earnshaw got knocked around in Game 2, but Grove came to the rescue with 4 1/3 innings of shutout relief. Meanwhile, Philly pounded out 12 hits on their way to nine runs, with Foxx and Al Simmons combining for two homers and seven RBIs, and won, 9-3.

Two days later in Philadelphia, Earnshaw again drew the starting assignment. He tossed a complete game this time, but lost 3-1 to Bullet Joe Bush.

Then came Game 4, perhaps the strangest Series game of them all. After seven-and-a-half innings, the Cubs were cruising with an 8-0 lead. One out, two lost balls in the sun and 13 batters later, the Cubs found themselves trailing 10-8. The next two hitters struck out, but the damage was done. Grove tossed two innings of perfect relief to clinch the improbable victory.

Lightning struck again in Game 5. After eight innings, Cubs starter Pat Malone was cruising along with a 2-0 lead and a two-hitter. Malone struck out leadoff man Walt French, but then Max Bishop singled and Mule Haas homered, tying the game. Cochrane grounded out, but Simmons doubled, and after an intentional walk to Foxx, Bing Miller also doubled to score Simmons and clinch the Series.

Managers: Connie Mack, PHA; Joe McCarthy, CHC