For many years, this year's pennant race in the National League was considered the greatest ever. Of course, with the passage of time, more recent pennant struggles have become more firmly etched in the memories of baseball fans. But this one was a doozie; the Chicago Cubs won the pennant, with 99 wins. The Giants and Pirates each had 98 wins - one game back. Not only was this a tight race, but it also included the infamous "Merkle Boner" game, which cost the Giants the pennant. It was a good thing, too; the Cubs went on to win the World Series, their last one of the century.

         The Cubs and Giants had a bitter rivalry, especially after the Merkle Game. It was fitting, then, that the best two pitchers in the league were their aces, Christy Mathewson and Mordecai "Three-Finger" Brown. Matty and Brown finished one-two in wins, ERA, shutouts, and saves. Mathewson had the better year, but Brown won the biggest game.
         After the Merkle game was wiped out, the two teams finished in a tie at the end of the season. A playoff game was held, with Mathewson squaring off against Cub pitcher Jack Pfiester. Pfeister was pulled early in favour of Brown, who pitched brilliantly in relief. Matty got roughed up a little, and the Cubs won the game and the pennant. Brown continued his dominance in the World Series, throwing a shutout, and two scoreless innings in relief.
        George McQuillan had a remarkable beginning to his career. In 1907, he started five games for Philadelphia; he went 4-0, and threw 3 shutouts. This year, his sophomore season, he continued to pitch brilliantly, though the Phillies didn't give him good support. McQuillan pitched well again in 1909, but was stuck with a losing record. In 1910, McQuillan pitched brilliantly for half a season, better than anyone in the league. But he was stopped by arm problems, and was later sold to Cincinnati. He never pitched well again, and ended his career with a losing record.