League Park during the 1920 World Series 1920 Led by player-manager Tris Speaker, the Cleveland Indians won the World Series for the first time! The Indians overcame the tragic death of shortstop Ray Chapman, outlasted the Chicago White Sox and New York Yankees to win the American League pennant for the first time, and defeated Brooklyn five games to two in the best-of-nine World Series. Games four thru seven were played at League Park. The fifth game featured three World Series firsts:

  1. the first grand slam home run by Elmer Smith
  2. the first home run by a pitcher by Jim Bagby
  3. and the first-and-only unassisted Triple Play in World Series history by Bill "Wamby" Wambsganss)!

Wambsganss' triple play received nationwide attention. For an example, check out this article (along with a diagram of the play) in the October 16, 1920, edition of the Arizona Republican.

For more information on the Series, check out the Indians official timeline story of the 1920 victory.