After two years of battling each other over players, the established National League and upstart American League signed a peace agreement before the '03 season. They did not, however, make arrangements for a postseason series. It wasn't until August, with the Pilgrims and Pirates well in front of their respective leagues, that their owners agreed on a so-called "World's Championship Series," best-of-nine format.

In the opener, Pirates ace Deacon Phillippe bested Cy Young, who was victimized by four unearned runs. The final was 7-3, with Pittsburgh right fielder Jimmy Sebring driving home four runners.

The next day, the Pilgrims evened the Series at one game apiece behind Bill Dinneen's three-hit shutout. Pirates starter Sam Leever, suffering from a sore arm, allowed two runs in the first inning before exiting, and the final was 3-0.

Phillippe started again in Game 3, and again he beat the Pilgrims, 4-2 this time. After one day of travel and another of rain, the Series resumed in Pittsburgh.

Again Phillippe started for the Pirates, and again he bested Boston. It wasn't easy, though, as the Pilgrims tallied three runs in the top of the ninth to make the final 5-4. Down three games to one, Boston romped in Game 5, with Cy Young (who helped his own cause with a two-run triple) on the happy end of an 11-2 decision.

Dinneen and Young made it three straight for Boston in Games 6 and 7, topping the Pirates 6-3 and 7-3, respectively. Young beat Phillippe, finally a loser after three straight wins.

Back in Boston for Game 8, the Pilgrims made it four straight to capture the first "modern" World Series Championship, the workhorse Dinneen blanking the Bucs and Phillippe (starting yet again), 3-0 on four hits.

Managers: Jimmy Collins, BOS; Fred Clarke, PIT