Series Wrapup

Story

The Pittsburgh Pirates won their second straight National League pennant in 1902, establishing a new N.L. record in the process by compiling a record of 103-36.  The Pirates’ amazing performance enabled them to finish a record 27 ½ games ahead of the second-place Brooklyn Superbas in the league standings.  The Pirates dominated the senior circuit in every way imaginable.  Jack Chesbro finished 28-6, to lead the league in victories.  He also compiled an outstanding 2.17 ERA, while completing 31 of his 33 starts.  Outfielder Ginger Beaumont led the league with a .357 batting average and 193 hits.  Honus Wagner remained the league’s best player, batting .330 and topping the circuit with 91 runs batted in, 105 runs scored, 30 doubles, 42 stolen bases, and a .463 slugging percentage.

Yet, although the Pirates made a mockery of the N.L. pennant race in 1902, there were several significant events that occurred in the senior circuit over the course of the season.  Several outstanding players also performed for other teams.  Following are some of the more notable events
and players that created interest around the league during the season:

• John McGraw jumped the American League at midseason to manage the Giants.  He remained the Giants’ skipper for the next 31 years.

• Jack Taylor of second-division Chicago led the National League with a 1.33 ERA and posted a dazzling 23-11 record.

• The National League named Harry Pulliam its new president.

• The Chicago Daily News coined the nickname "Cubs" for the Chicago team formally known as the “Orphans.”

• Jack Chesbro established a new record by throwing 41 consecutive scoreless innings.

• Cubs Joe Tinker, Johnny Evers, and Frank Chance played together for the first time in a game on Sept. 15.

• Boston's Vic Willis threw a National League record 45 complete games.  He also joined Togie Pittinger to give the Braves a pair of 27-game winners.

• Cardinals Jack and Mike O'Neill formed the National League's first brother battery.