1939 Philadelphia A’s Score Card Centennial Anniversary Program vs. Red Sox Ted Williams HR

In honor of the 100th anniversary of baseball in 1939, Connie Mack presented an exhibition game between the 1910 and 1929 World Series Champion Athletics teams between the two games of a double header held on September 10, 1939.

On that day, the Red Sox’ demotion in the standings had long since stuck; they were still in second place but 17½ games behind the Yankees, with the White Sox just 1½ games behind them. Boston had lost seven games in a row. The Philadelphia Athletics were in seventh place and 10 games away from any chance to advance. The two teams met on that Sunday afternoon doubleheader at Philadelphia’s Shibe Park.

In the first game, the Red Sox broke the game open in the top of the ninth. After Dickman grounded out, Finney reached on an error by Siebert at first base. Cramer flied out to center, leaving one on with two out for Ted Williams. Williams hit a two-run homer “far over the right field barrier,” pushing the Red Sox lead to 8-4.4 Cronin followed with a double. The next two Red Sox batters walked, loading the bases. Doerr came through with a two-run single to center field for a 10-4 advantage. With the Williams home run producing Boston’s seventh and eighth runs, he had the game-winning base hit. It was the 25th home run of the young rookie’s career. The A’s rallied slightly but ultimately lost the game 10-7.

Presented is a 1939 Philadelphia Athletics score card from that first game of that doubleheader, where the Red Sox won 10-7. It is fully scored in the interior in pencil even showcasing the 9th inning where Williams hit his break-open-the-game homer. The program measures 7 x 11 inches and features moderate discoloration in spots from age/handling but still has very bright colors. There’s also a central crease present from where someone most likely rolled it to put it in their pocket.

1939 Philadelphia A’s Score Card Centennial Anniversary Program