1908 World Series Game 2 vs Tigers
An iron arm from Pfiester and a rare ninth-inning blast secured Chicago's back-to-back crown.
On October 13, 1908, Game 2 of the World Series transformed Bennett Park into a theater of tension as the Chicago Cubs faced off against the Detroit Tigers. More than just a contest between two powerhouses, this matchup defined baseball at the height of the Deadball Era, where runs were scarce and pitching reigned supreme. The Cubs' rotation proved too formidable for Detroit's star-studded lineup, securing a victory that pushed them to a 2-0 series lead on their way to a second consecutive championship.
- Series Result
- Cubs won 3-2
- Winning Pitcher
- Jack Pfiester
- Losing Pitcher
- Bill Donovan
- Home Run Record
- First World Series home run by a Cub (Frank Schulte)
- Attendance
- Approximately 17,000
- Final Score
- Cubs 4, Tigers 3
Lore & Background
Frank Schulte’s ninth-inning home run did more than win the game; it etched his name into history as the first Chicago Cub to ever hit a World Series home run. In an era defined by bunts and stolen bases, this power display was seismic, instantly shifting momentum in Chicago's favor. The victory sent the Cubs to a 4-3 lead over Detroit, silencing Bennett Park’s home crowd and extending their series advantage. While the Tigers’ aggressive base-running tested the Cubs' defense throughout the day, they ultimately could not break Jack Pfiester's command.
In Their Own Story
The wind howled off the Detroit river, carrying the scent of coal smoke and autumn leaves into Bennett Park. On the mound, Jack Pfiester wiped sweat from his brow, eyes locked on Ty Cobb in the batter’s box as the crowd roared—a sea of blue clashing against red. By the bottom of the ninth, with one out and runners aboard, Frank Schulte stepped into the box to face Bill Donovan. The pitch arrived low; Schulte swung with everything he had. The crack of the bat was sharp, echoing through the stadium as the ball soared deep into right field, clearing the fence for a historic blast that would clinch the game.
Reader's Guide
This contest took place on October 13, 1908, at Bennett Park in Detroit during the best-of-seven World Series. It featured a complete-game duel between Jack Pfiester (Cubs) and Bill Donovan (Tigers), culminating in a dramatic bottom of the ninth-inning three-run home run by Frank Schulte that broke a tight defensive struggle. The 4-3 victory gave Chicago a commanding 2-0 series lead, showcasing their resilience against Detroit's offensive threats. Beyond the box score, this game symbolizes the zenith of early 20th-century Cubs dominance and remains a pivotal moment in franchise history.
Did You Know?
- Frank Schulte hit the first home run in World Series history by any Chicago Cub.
- The Cubs won their second consecutive World Series title following this victory.
- Jack Pfiester pitched a complete game, allowing only three runs on six hits.
- Ty Cobb and Sam Crawford were key offensive threats for Detroit but could not solve the Cubs' pitching in this decisive moment.