A Hall of Fame replacement

Joe Sewell

In the first 25 days after their starting shortstop, Ray Chapman, is struck in the head – and subsequently dies – from a pitch delivered by the New York Yankees’ Carl Mays, the Cleveland Indians use Joe Sewell as Chapman’s replacement.

Since he joins the Indians after the Sept. 1 postseason roster deadline, though, Sewell – batting .329 in 22 games after replacing Chapman on Sept. 10 – is not eligible for the upcoming 1920 World Series against Brooklyn.

Dodgers owner Charles Ebbets

Brooklyn owner Charles Ebbets, clearly a magnanimous fellow, allows Cleveland to add the 21-year-old Sewell to its Series roster before just before Game 1 is played 104 years ago today in Brooklyn.

Ebbets then watches a week later as Sewell scoops up the final two groundouts in the seventh and final game in the best-of-9 series that Cleveland wins.

Sewell goes on to a 14-year, Hall of Fame career with the Indians and New York Yankees.

Sewell also forever remembers his predecessor.

“I would forget I was Joe Sewell,” he says years later when remembering the 1920 World Series, “and imaging I was Ray Chapman, fighting to bring honor and glory to Cleveland.”