The first World Series took place in 1903 as a best of nine series between the Boston Americans (later named the Red Sox) of the American League and the Pittsburgh Pirates of the National League. The Americans won the series 5-3 to become baseball's first World Series champions. Players on the Americans received $1,182 each for winning the Series. Each member of the Chicago White Sox, who won the 2005 World Series, received a slightly higher paycheck for winning - $325,000!