1948 World Series

The 1948 World Series matched the Cleveland Indians against the Boston Braves. The Braves had won the National League pennant for the first time since the "Miracle Braves" team of. The Indians spoiled a chance for the only all-Boston World Series by winning a one-game playoff against the Boston Red Sox. Though superstar pitcher Bob Feller failed to win either of his two starts, the Indians won the Series in six games to capture their second championship and their first since (as well as their last to the present date).

It was the first World Series to be televised on a nationwide network and was announced by famed sportcasters Red Barber, Tom Hussey (in Boston) and Van Patrick (in Cleveland).

This was the only World Series from to  not to feature a New York team, and also the last World Series until  not won by a New York team (which the Braves won, except they had relocated to Milwaukee by then). Both teams would meet again in the 1995 World Series—by that time, the Braves had moved to Atlanta.

Game 1
Wednesday, October 6, 1948 at Braves Field in Boston, Massachusetts

Braves pitcher Johnny Sain and Indians pitcher, Bob Feller engaged in a scoreless pitchers' duel when the Braves came to bat in the bottom of the eighth inning. Feller walked Braves catcher Bill Salkeld to open the inning. Braves manager, Billy Southworth then substituted the slow-footed Salkeld with Phil Masi, who entered the game as a pinch runner. Mike McCormick followed by hitting a sacrifice bunt, advancing Masi to second base. Feller issued an intentional walk to Eddie Stanky, who was replaced by Sibby Sisti. Feller then made a pick off attempt of Masi at second base. Indians' shortstop, Lou Boudreau, appeared to tag Masi out, but umpire Bill Stewart called him safe. Tommy Holmes proceeded to hit a single that allowed Masi to score the only run of the game, giving the Braves a 1–0 victory.

The umpire's controversial ruling touched off heated debates among the media and fans, especially after Associated Press photographs of the play were published. Although Feller allowed only two hits, he took the loss in what would be the closest he ever came to winning a World Series game. Upon his death in 1990, Masi's will revealed that he really was out on the pick-off play.

Game 2
Thursday, October 7, 1948 at Braves Field in Boston, Massachusetts

The second game also made television history when a live broadcast of the Indians–Braves matchup was shown aboard the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad's Marylander passenger train travelling between Washington, D.C. and New York City, using a receiver operated by Bendix Corporation technicians. An Associated Press reporter observing the demonstration said, "Technically, it was surprisingly good."

Game 3
Friday, October 8, 1948 at Cleveland Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio

Game 4
Saturday, October 9, 1948 at Cleveland Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio

A new World Series single-game attendance record was set with 81,897 fans.

Game 5
Sunday, October 10, 1948 at Cleveland Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio

Satchel Paige appeared for the Indians, becoming the first black pitcher to take the mound in World Series history.

The previous day's single-game attendance record was broken with 86,288 fans.

Game 6
Monday, October 11, 1948 at Braves Field in Boston, Massachusetts

Composite box
1948 World Series (4–2): Cleveland Indians (A.L.) over Boston Braves (N.L.)