October 16, 1909: Babe Adams’ Shutout Delivers Pittsburgh’s First World Series Title

Babe Adams pitched a seven-hit shutout on October 16, 1909, beating the Detroit Tigers 8–0 in Game 7 to give the Pittsburgh Pirates their first World Series championship.

The anniversary falls Friday, 117 years after the rookie right-hander finished a Series in which he won three complete games. Pittsburgh manager Fred Clarke entrusted the deciding game to Adams on two days’ rest after victories in the opener and Game 5.

Adams had gone 12–3 with a 1.11 earned run average during the regular season. He was 27, although 1909 was his first full major-league season, and Pittsburgh’s rotation included several more established pitchers.

Detroit threatened early in the finale, putting runners at second and third with one out in the second inning. Adams escaped without allowing a run. Pittsburgh built its lead against Bill Donovan and George Mullin.

Honus Wagner contributed a two-run triple. Adams retired 16 of the final 18 batters, according to SABR’s reconstruction of Game 7.

Detroit lost its third consecutive World Series. Adams supplied three of Pittsburgh’s four championship wins, reversing the club’s disappointment against Boston in the inaugural modern Series in 1903.