Exposition Park in Pittsburgh holds a significant place in baseball history, particularly for its role in the first modern World Series in 1903. Located on the north shore of the Allegheny River, Exposition Park was originally part of a larger complex that hosted various expositions and events, giving it its name. The park itself went through several iterations and rebuilds due to frequent flooding, with the third and final version being completed in 1890.
By the turn of the century, Exposition Park had become the home field for the Pittsburgh Pirates, one of the premier teams in Major League Baseball at the time. The Pirates, led by star players like Honus Wagner, had established themselves as a dominant force in the National League.
The 1903 baseball season culminated in a historic event: the first modern World Series, which pitted the champions of the National League against the champions of the newly formed American League. The Pittsburgh Pirates, having clinched the National League pennant, faced the Boston Americans (now known as the Red Sox), who were the champions of the American League. This series marked the beginning of what would become an enduring American sports tradition.
The 1903 World Series was a best-of-nine series, a format later changed to the best-of-seven series used today. The first game of the series was held at the Huntington Avenue Grounds in Boston, but the series soon shifted to Exposition Park in Pittsburgh for the next three games.
On October 6, 1903, Exposition Park hosted its first World Series game. A festive atmosphere enveloped the stadium as fans packed the stands, eager to witness this historic event. The Pirates secured a victory in the first World Series game held at Exposition Park, with Deacon Phillippe pitching a strong game. The home crowd was ecstatic, and the win gave the Pirates a 2-1 lead in the series.
The following two games at Exposition Park saw varying fortunes for the Pirates. Despite their strong start, they ultimately lost two out of the three games played at home. As the series progressed, it became clear that the competition was fierce, with both teams showcasing their talents and determination.
The series returned to Boston for the final games, where the Boston Americans managed to secure the championship by winning five games to three. While the Pirates did not win the inaugural World Series, their participation and the games held at Exposition Park cemented the park's place in baseball history.
Exposition Park continued to serve as the Pirates' home field until 1909, when they moved to the newly built Forbes Field. The site of Exposition Park eventually succumbed to urban development, but its legacy lives on. Today, the area is part of Pittsburgh's North Shore, near the location of PNC Park, the modern home of the Pittsburgh Pirates.