Q 01/05

In which year was the first modern World Series played?

A) 1901

B) 1903

C) 1905

D) 1908

Answer · why

B) 1903

It came two years after the American League declared itself a second major league; the two circuits had spent the interim raiding each other's rosters...

Q 02/05

Which team won that first modern World Series in 1903?

A) Pittsburgh Pirates

B) New York Giants

C) Boston Americans

D) Chicago Cubs

Answer · why

C) Boston Americans

Boston came back from a 3–1 deficit to take the series; the franchise would later be renamed the Red Sox.

Q 03/05

The 1904 World Series was never played because the owner of which club refused to take part?

A) Philadelphia Athletics

B) New York Giants

C) Boston Americans

D) Chicago Cubs

Answer · why

B) New York Giants

Owner John T. Brush snubbed the upstart American League; the Giants relented and played (and won) in 1905 under new rules.

Q 04/05

What is the prize handed to the World Series winner?

A) Landis Cup

B) Pennant Shield

C) Commissioner's Cup

D) Commissioner's Trophy

Answer · why

D) Commissioner's Trophy

Unlike the Stanley Cup, a new one is made each year for the champion to keep.

Q 05/05

A players' strike wiped out the World Series in which year?

A) 1981

B) 1985

C) 1994

D) 1995

Answer · why

C) 1994

It was the first time the Series had gone unplayed in 90 years; the Montreal Expos owned baseball's best record when play stopped.