On this day a century ago, St. Louis clinched its first title by beating New York in Game 7 of the 1926 World Series. The only series‑ending caught stealing saw Babe Ruth—who swiped 123 bases in his career—thrown out by catcher Bob O’Farrell in the bottom of the ninth. Grover Cleveland Alexander pitched complete‑game wins in Games 2 and 6, then sealed the 3‑2 victory with the final 2 1/3 innings. Can you imagine a championship ending on a stolen base?
The White Sox travel to Cleveland for the decisive Game 5 of the ALDS at 7 p.m. CT. Sean Burke, who limited the Guardians to one run over 5 1/3 relief innings in Game 2, will take the mound for Chicago. Cleveland counters with Gavin Williams, the Game 2 starter who also closed out Game 4, returning to the hill. The victor earns a day’s rest before meeting the Rays in Game 1 of the ALCS on Monday.
The Dodgers will hand the ball to Tarik Skubal in Game 1 of the NLDS against Milwaukee on Sunday, with Yoshinobu Yamamoto slated for Game 2. Together they surrendered just two earned runs over 13 innings in two winning starts against Atlanta, extending their postseason pedigree. Skubal boasts a 1.97 ERA across 45 2/3 playoff innings, while Yamamoto carries a 2.14 ERA and a 2025 World Series MVP trophy from 63 playoff frames. Milwaukee is expected to announce ace Jacob Misiorowski as the Game 1 starter today.
3. Are the A’s close to naming a GM?
The Athletics appear on the brink of a front‑office appointment, with reports that a decision could come this week. Names floating include Phillies business chief Sam Fuld, Cubs assistant GM Jared Banner, Brewers assistant GM Matt Kleine and Cardinals assistant GM Rob Cerfolio, joining a roster that already features Billy Owens, Mike Groopman, Taylor Smith, former Nationals ops chief Mike Rizzo and ex‑Astros GM James Click. The club has searched for a permanent baseball‑operations head since David Forst’s dismissal in early August; interim GM Dan Feinstein is not a candidate. For my money, the A’s will pick a leader with major‑league experience. I expect the new GM to be announced within days.