Paul Calle (American, 1928 - 2010) and Chris Calle (American, B. 1961) "1900s - First Baseball World Series" Signed lower right. Original Mixed Media painting on Illustration Board. This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.S. Celebrate the Century Series 32c First World Series stamp issued February 3, 1998. Until 1901, baseball was controlled by the National Baseball Federation. Then a new loop called the American League was established. By 1903 the new league had gained enough status to lure away many National League stars -- including the era's greatest pitcher, Cy Young, who led the Boston Red Sox to the American League Pennant that year. When Boston challenged the National League champs, the Pittsburgh Pirates, to a world championship series, the Pirates merely scoffed. But baseball fans liked the idea. Because of their insistent clamoring, Pittsburgh finally agreed to a best of nine series. On October 1, Boston's wooden bleachers were jammed with disappointed fans who watched the great Cy Young get pounded, as the Pirates, led by Horns Wagner, coasted to a 7-3 win. Boston came back, however, to win the second game 3-0. The series moved to Pittsburgh with the Pirates holding a two games to one edge, and the National League champs won the first game at home. But in the fifth game, Cy Young came through and Red Sox batters pounded Pirate pitchers to win 11-2. The Sox also won the sixth and seventh games, and headed back to Boston leading four games to three. On October 13, the Boston Red Sox made history by winning the final game 3-0. The World Series would go on to become America's greatest annual sporting event of the 20th century. Image Size: 17 x 12.75 in. Overall Size: 22.25 x 16.25 in. Unframed. (B15824)