Baseball Today

SPEAKING

"I don't even know if it's sunk in yet. It may take a little while longer. But I don't want to pinch myself. I don't want to wake up. It's a magical ride and I want to stay on it as long as possible." - Colorado first baseman Todd Helton, on the Rockies' unpredictable run to the World Series.

SEASONS

Oct. 18

1910 - The Philadelphia Athletics pounded the Chicago Cubs 9-3 for a 2-0 lead in the World Series. Eddie Collins had three hits, including two doubles, and two stolen bases.

1950 - Connie Mack, at age 87, retired as manager of the Philadelphia Athletics after 50 years, and Jimmy Dykes was named to replace him. Mack, together with Ben Shibe, founded the Athletics in 1901.

1973 - The Mets' Jerry Koosman and Tug McGraw combined to three-hit the Oakland A's and take a 3-2 lead in the World Series.

1977 - Reggie Jackson hit three consecutive home runs to lead New York to an 8-4 victory over the Los Angles Dodgers and give the Yankees the World Series title in six games. Jackson drove in five runs, and all three shots came on the first pitch.

1999 - Orlando Hernandez pitched shutout ball into the eighth inning and Derek Jeter hit a two-run homer as the New York Yankees won their record 36th pennant, beating the Boston Red Sox 6-1 in Game 5 of the AL championship series.

Today's birthdays: Alex Cora 32; Doug Mirabelli 37.