Established in 1929
The Greater Hartford Twilight Baseball League is one of America’s oldest baseball leagues. Previously known as the City Amateur League and City Independent Twilight League in the 1910’s and 1920’s, the loop reorganized in the summer of 1929. Local sporting goods store owner, Harry N. Anderson of Hartford was the league’s organizer and first President. In addition to the Hartford Twilight League, the Times Twilight League, Industrial League, Insurance League, Public Service League and the Catholic League also competed at that time. It was the Golden Era of baseball when games served as entertainment for thousands of fans.
The Savitt Gems
The most prolific franchise in the early years of the league was the Savitt Gems. Managed by Bill Savitt of Savitt Jewelers on Asylum Street, the Gems were 3-time winners of the Hartford Twilight League (1930-1932). Walter Berg was the club’s ace pitcher, Al Huband, a heavy hitter and George Dixon, a tall third baseman. Savitt and his Gems fielded some of the best ballplayers in Connecticut for two decades. They were a formidable independent club known throughout New England as hosts to Major League and Negro League teams at Hartford’s Bulkeley Stadium.
Amateur Ballplayers Become Local Heroes
The Holy Name nine also became a notable franchise in the 1930s. The “Names” were the first Hartford Twilight League team to advance players into professional baseball. A double-play duo, Bert Meisner and Pete Kapura, signed with the Hartford Senators of the Eastern League in 1931. Holy Name’s first baseman, Jigger Farrell, was a natural hitter who later became a mainstay player-manager for the Savitt Gems throughout their semi-professional years. Other successful teams in the league’s early years included Check Bread, Mahoney’s Service, Mayflower Sales, and Home Circle.
The Twi-loop Develops Pitching Prospects
The first Hartford Twilight League player to reach the Major Leagues was a left-handed hurler named Pete Naktenis of the Mayflower Sales. Naktenis, a Hartford Public High School and Duke University graduate, played for Connie Mack’s Philadelphia Athletics in 1936. Meanwhile, another twi-loop pitcher named Johnny “Schoolboy” Taylor played for Home Circle. Taylor was a Bulkeley High School alumnus who often faced off against Naktenis throughout his early career.
It was during his time in the Twilight League when the New York Yankees scouted Johnny Taylor, but he was denied a contract due to racial discrimination. After two twilight seasons Taylor eventually signed with the New York Cubans of the Negro National League in 1935. The highlight of his career occured in a Negro League All-Star Game at the Polo Grounds, where he threw a no-hitter against Satchel Paige. Taylor later signed to pitch for the Hartford Chiefs in 1949, making him Hartford’s first professional black athlete.
Savitt Gems Host Big League Stars
In 1935, the baseball advocates including Harry N. Anderson convinced the City of Hartford to build an enclosed diamond in Colt Park. The new grounds became Municipal Field and the Hartford Twilight League took on the moniker “Munie League” as an alternate name. However Municipal Field was badly damaged by the Northeastern United States flood in March of 1936. The field would not be rededicated until September of 1936, and other leagues summer sprang as a result. By 1937, the Hartford Twilight League was recast as the East Hartford Twilight League and plenty of other players split off into the Central Connecticut Twilight League.
Meanwhile, the Savitt Gems entertained fans with visiting stars and benefit games at Bulkeley Stadium. Before he served in World War II, Ted Williams manned left field for the Gems versus the New Britain Cremos. On September 29, 1942,”The Kid” batted clean-up, went 2 for 3 and hit a game-winning solo homer. 3 years later, the Gems welcomed Babe Ruth to Hartford for an exhibition against the New Britain Cody’s. At 50, Ruth put on a home run hitting display in batting practice. He was a pinch-hitter in the game but grounded out to the pitcher. Ruth’s cameo with the Gems marked his final appearance in a ballgame.
The Twilight League Resumes
In 1946, the Greater Hartford Twilight Baseball League reorganized under the leadership of League President, John “Bud” Mahon who later became City Treasurer of Hartford. Teams such as Lenny’s Yellow Taxi, West Hartford Merchants and Columbia A.C. featured skillful ballplayers, many of whom had just returned home from war. A particularly talented team was the 1950 Nutmeg Dukes, the GHTBL’s first African-American entry. The Dukes dominated the competition and won the 1950 Regular Season and Playoff championships. The team’s shortstop, Harold “Hal” Lewis signed to play professional baseball in 1951 with the Boston Braves organization.
St. Cyril’s Leads the League
The 1950’s were a decade of growth for the Twilight League. Moe Drabowsky of Windsor, Nick Koback of Hartford and Joey Jay of Middletown signed professional contracts and had long careers in the Major Leagues. Many more professional players would follow, yet the league retained its highly competitive status. During this time, perhaps no team was more successful than the St. Cyril’s baseball club. They collected 5 Twi-loop championships from 1951 to 1960. St. Cyril’s was commanded by long-time Manager, Ed Kostek. The team was comprised of local star athletes like Al Phelon, a crafty pitcher, Bill George, a veteran catcher and a speedy outfielder named Ed Samolyk.
Industrial Company Teams Flourish
Throughout the 1950’s and 1960’s manufacturing corporations sponsored twilight league franchises and hired personnel accordingly. Pratt & Whitney Aircraft, Hamilton Standard and Valco Machine controlled the standings. From 1953 to 1957, Pratt & Whitney won a total of 6 Regular Season and Playoff Championships. They were led by their manager and former big leaguer, John “Bunny” Roser. Prominent players for Pratt & Whitney included Paul Chicon, a strong hitting outfielder, and Parker Swan, a commanding pitcher. Soon thereafter, Hamilton Standard outdid their Aircraft rivals by winning 8 league titles from 1955 to 1966 behind star players Wally Widholm at catcher and Hal Lewis at shortstop.
The Moriarty Brothers
In 1964, the Moriarty Brothers franchise began their domination of the Hartford Twilight League by winning their first Regular Season Title. The club was sponsored by a car dealership owner and GHTBL Hall of Famer, Matt Moriarty of Manchester, Connecticut. Nicknamed the Comets, the Moriarty’s roster was stacked with former professional ballplayers. The Comets were steered by pitchers like Pete Sala, Leverette Spencer, and John Serafini. Standout batters included Bob Carlson, Jim Balesano, Leo Veleas, Rich Riordan and their MVP, player-manager Gene Johnson. The Moriarty Brothers dynasty holds an all-time Hartford Twilight League record of 28 league titles.
A Twilight League Legend
Gene Johnson would become a cornerstone of the Greater Hartford Twilight Baseball League. His dedication to the league was unparalleled, compiling a record of 57 years as a player and manager. Johnson entered the league with St. Cyril’s in 1953 while attending Manchester High School at the age of 17. He chased his dream to play professional baseball, signing with the New York Giants in 1955 and embarking on a 7-year minor league career. In 1962, Johnson was playing in the Milwaukee Braves organization. He got demoted to their Class B affiliate despite a .315 batting average. Rather than report, Johnson returned to Connecticut to raise a family with his wife Helen.
Gene Johnson, Player of the Half Century
Johnson’s professional days ended, however his Hartford Twilight career resumed immediately. He rejoined Moriarty Brothers and assumed the role of player-manager in 1962. The franchise was the class of the league for 3 decades before being rebranded Newman Lincoln-Mercury. Overall, Gene Johnson won 34 GHTBL Championships, 5 batting titles and was named “Player of the Half Century” in 1982. His quick bat, glovework at third base and competitive attitude allowed him to play baseball well into his 50’s. Johnson even made an appearance in a game at 75 years old when his team needed an extra outfielder. He passed away on November 10, 2014 at the age of 77. In 2015, Johnson’s longtime franchise, then named Foss Insurance, won one last Playoff Championship in his honor.
Bristol Cassins
During the 1970’s the Bristol Cassins challenged Moriarty Brothers as the league’s top team. The Cassins conquered the standings from 1974 to 1978 under the leadership of their sponsor, Don Cassin and their manager, Joseph Lowery. The club’s Most Valuable Player, Luke Lamboley guarded third base and their ace on the mound was Michael Beaudoin. Bristol’s lineup included Robert “Duke” Snyder, Dave Cichon, Jim Ziogas and Dave Raponey who intimidated opposing pitching. As one of the league’s best hitting teams, the Cassins won 4 GHTBL Championships.
Newington Capitols
The 1980’s brought about a new dynasty in the Newington Capitols. Also known as the “Caps”, they entered the Twilight League in 1982 and quickly enjoyed success. The Caps won 5 Playoff Championships in 6 years. The club gave up very few runs behind professional caliber pitchers, Jim Snediker, Mike Schweighoffer and Tim Zerio. Dave Sacco was the team’s player-manager as well as Most Valuable Player. A talented lineup of sluggers included Scott Cormier, Mike Magnifico, Gino Caro and Dave Rose. By the end of their GHTBL run in 2001, the Newington Capitols had captured a grand total of 14 league titles.
Frank McCoy & the Vernon Orioles
Back in 1966, Frank McCoy Sr. formed, sponsored, and managed the Vernon Orioles. McCoy, a Hartford attorney and later a four-term Mayor of Vernon, managed the team until 1998. Known as “Mr. Vernon Oriole” McCoy served as GHTBL Vice President until his passing in 2010. Thanks to McCoy, the Vernon Orioles are the longest franchise in league history and have become one of the most successful GHTBL franchises of all-time. Players like Alan Putz, Joe Calaci and Steve Krajewski were a few of the great Vernon Orioles through the years. Nowadays, the Orioles are led by Manager Jack Ceppetelli who recently earned 7 straight league titles.
Tom Abbruzzese’s Bankers Franchise
Since 1976, Tom Abbruzzese has managed the same GHTBL franchise. Abbruzzese initially managed Society for Savings Bank with his father, Mike Abbruzzese. The club has fielded some of the best twilight players, including David Gale, Kevin Gieras and Rob Arkus. Society for Savings eventually became Bank of Boston and then People’s Bank in the summer of 2000. Abbruzzese’s Bankers have amassed 16 Regular Season and Playoff Championships. Tom has recruited numerous professional ballplayers to and from the Hartford Twilight year after year. His team remains a perennial contender for league supremacy to this day.
A New Era in the Twilight League
The summer of 2004 marked the 85th anniversary of the GHTBL. That same year, the Bristol Merchants began a run to remember in which they won a total of 9 championships in 6 years. The league’s Meriden-based franchise, now the Record-Journal Expos, have earned 4 titles since 2006. From 2011 to 2013, the Ferguson Waterworks franchise, led by their captain Greg Annino, achieved 3 consecutive Playoff Championships. The Vernon Orioles have recently proved to be the class of the league. Managed by Jack Ceppetelli, and led by players such as Nick Roy, Dan Trubia, Tony Trubia and Tyler Pogmore, the Orioles have achieved 7 consecutive championship seasons.
The Twilight League of Today
The East Hartford Jets have competed in the GHTBL since 1970, winning a total of 8 league titles. Their player-manager, Taylor Kosakowski along with their General Manager, Chris Kehoe have led the Jets to 4 consecutive Playoff Championships from 2020 to 2023. Top performers for the Jets during their dynasty run have been Jim Schult, Jeff Criscuolo, Manny Alejandro, Bryan Albee, Nate Viera, Kyle Desjardins and Corey Plasky. Criscuolo took over as player-manager in 2023.
Jack Repass’ 50th Anniversary Program
In 1979, Hartford native and GHTBL Secretary, John Scott “Jack” Repass (1924-2001) commemorated the league’s 50th year by publishing a 34-page booklet on the league’s history. Jack was one of three Repass brothers to play in the GHTBL. His older brother Bob “Spike” Repass went on to play second base for the St. Louis Cardinals, Washington Senators and Hartford Chiefs. Meanwhile Jack Repass played for the St. Cyril’s ball club Hartford before serving in the United States Navy during the Korean War. He returned home and became the Sports Information Director at the University of Hartford. Jack also managed the Yellow Cab team in the Twi-loop before becoming Secretary and establishing the GHTBL Hall of Fame.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY GHTBL PROGRAM
GHTBL Presidents
(1966 – 1976)
(1966)
(1951 – 1965)
(1938 – 1950)
(1936 – 1937)
(1930 – 1935)
