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Tag: babe ruth

Wed. 11/10/21Tue. 03/12/24 by Weston Ulbrich

Meriden’s Jack Barry, 5-time World Series Champion

Meriden, Connecticut, native Jack Barry was a reliable shortstop in the early years of the American League. Most notably, he played on Connie Mack‘s fabled $100,000 Infield. Mack, who also began his baseball career in Meriden, signed Barry to the Philadelphia Athletics in 1908. At the time of his signing, Barry was captain of the Holy Cross baseball team in Worcester, Massachusetts. He wound up playing eleven seasons in the majors and won the World Series five times.

Jack Barry, Philadelphia Athletics, 1908.

Jack Barry, Philadelphia Athletics, 1913.

Though Jack Barry had a mediocre .243 career batting average, he was a defensive wiz. He suited up for winning clubs every season of his career except for his rookie year and his last year. With Philadelphia, he earned World Series victories in 1910, 1911 and 1913. During the 1911 World Series, he slashed .368 against John J. McGraw‘s New York Giants dynasty, beating them in six games. Barry also appeared in the 1914 World Series but lost to the miracle Boston Braves. He was lauded by sportswriters as the A’s best glove and perhaps the best infielder in the American League.

*$100,000 Infield* – L to R: Stuffy McInnis, Frank “Home Run” Baker, Jack Barry and Eddie Collins, Philadelphia Athletics, 1913.

Despite his talents, Barry was sold midseason in 1915 by Connie Mack to the Boston Red Sox, in part due to financial pressures caused by the nascent Federal League. Barry joined a Boston roster which included rookie pitcher, Babe Ruth. Alongside Ruth, Barry continued to win with a playoff bound club. At the 1915 World Series against the Philadelphia Phillies and their ace, Grover Cleveland Alexander, the Red Sox took the series in five games.

In 1916, Barry appeared in 94 games during the Regular Season and Boston would repeat as champions. However, Barry did not appear in a playoffs game due to an injury. Instead, he served as Assistant Manager during the postseason under Holy Cross teammate and Red Sox manager, Bill Carrigan. The next season Boston’s owner Harry Frazee promoted Barry to player-manager. However, by the middle of 1917, a patriotic Barry became one of the first professional ballplayers to enlist for World War I.

I consider it my duty to do all I can for my country…I’m no slacker. If I can be of any use, I’ll quit baseball.”
Jack Barry, Washington Times, July 29, 1917.

L to R: Babe Ruth, Bill Carrigan, Jack Barry and Vean Gregg of the Boston Red Sox, 1915.

Barry and four other Red Sox players enlisted as yeomen in the Naval Reserve. They were called to active duty and ordered to report on November 3, 1917. Barry and his teammates were stationed at Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston throughout the 1918 season. Meanwhile, Babe Ruth and the rest of the Red Sox captured another World Series. On the orders of his commanding officer, Barry managed a major league caliber team on the base. The servicemen were known as Jack Barry’s Charlestown Navy Yard nine, but they called themselves the Wild Waves.

Braves Field, Boston, Massachusetts, c. 1920.

Barry’s Navy Yard All-Stars featured two future Hall of Fame inductees: Herb Pennock and Rabbit Maranville. Other star players included King Bader and Ernie Shore. The Navy used their star power to boost morale at home and abroad. The Wild Waves matched up against amateur, college and professional clubs and on a few occasions, performed before an estimated crowd of 40,000 fans at Braves Field and in Boston.

Babe Ruth, Jack Barry and Rabbit Maranville, Braves Field, 1935.

Due to Barry’s year-long absence from the Red Sox, owner Frazee hired Ed Barrow as Boston’s manager in 1919. Then in June, Barry was traded back to Philadelphia as part of a four-man deal. At 32 years old with an ailing knee, Barry was no longer the player he had once been. He retired a few weeks later. In his major league career, Barry compiled 1,009 hits, 10 home runs and 429 RBI in 1,223 games. Even though he never made the AL All-Star Team, Barry exhibited defensive dependability and winning intangibles.

Jack Barry, Manager, Holy Cross, with Joe Cronin, Infielder, Boston Red Sox, 1937.

In 1921, Jack Barry was tapped to be head coach at his alma mater, College of the Holy Cross. His coaching days were just as successful as his playing career. He compiled the highest career winning percentage (.806) in collegiate baseball history and won the 1952 College World Series. Barry was head coach at Holy Cross for more than forty years until his death in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts at age 73. In 1966, he was among the first class of inductees to the American Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Barry also became an inaugural veteran inductee of the College Baseball Hall of Fame in 2007, along with Lou Gehrig, Christy Mathewson and Joe Sewell.

Jack Barry (right), Manager, Holy Cross, 1951.

A few miles away from where he grew up on Grove Street, Jack Barry was laid to rest at Sacred Heart Cemetery. The City of Meriden and its residents honored his legacy by creating Jack Barry Little League. The youth league existed from 1950 until 2020, when it merged with Ed Walsh Little League, after Ed Walsh – another major leaguer from Meriden. In Worcester, Massachusetts, the Little League program has retained the name Jack Barry Little League to this day.

Sources

Meriden’s Jack Barry and the Wild Waves by Michael Griffen on Slideshare.net.
Jack Barry SABR Bio Project entry by Norman Macht.
Various articles found on Newspapers.com.

Thu. 02/18/21Mon. 09/25/23 by Weston Ulbrich

Babe Ruth’s Connecticut Car Crash

At 24 years old George Herman “Babe” Ruth escaped disaster in Connecticut. After setting a new major league home run record in his first year with the New York Yankees, Babe Ruth bought a brand new Packard Roadster for $12,000. On September 30, 1920, he was driving from New York City to Springfield, Massachusetts, to play in an exhibition game. Halfway through his trip, Ruth crashed into a heavy Mack Truck while speeding through a tunnel named the Yalesville Culvert in Wallingford, Connecticut (near the Meriden city line).

The Meriden Daily Journal, October 1, 1920.

Ruth was thrown from the car but luckily walked away from the accident with only a few scratches. His Roadster was totaled, but the Great Bambino refused to miss his appearance and hitchhiked his way to Springfield. The very next day Ruth appeared in another exhibition game for a team called the Hartford Poli’s at Muzzy Field in Bristol, Connecticut. He played every position except pitcher and went 4 for 4 at the plate.

Yalesville culvert where Ruth crashed, Wallingford, Connecticut, 2020.

Fri. 08/02/19Thu. 11/28/24 by Weston Ulbrich

The Hartford Poli’s Baseball Club

The Hartford Poli’s burst onto the amateur baseball scene in 1905. They were formed by the energetic management and employees of Poli’s Theatre, a hub of vaudeville entertainment on Main Street. Backed by the iconic venue, the team brought together skilled players aged 18 to 30 and quickly earned a reputation as Hartford’s “fastest” club. Their popularity would peak around World War I when they hosted Ty Cobb and Babe Ruth for several benefit games.

Poli’s Theatre, Main Street, Hartford, Connecticut, 1903.

In contests that included major leaguers, the Poli’s drew large crowds and respectable challengers from across New England. Their fiercest rival was a crosstown team from Pratt & Whitney Aircraft Company. The popularity of the Poli’s baseball club amplified the prestige attached to the theatre. Behind it all was their founder, Sylvester Z. Poli, a renowned theater magnate who established venues in Hartford, New Haven, Bridgeport, Waterbury, and cities throughout the Northeast.

Sylvester Zefferino Poli, (December 31, 1858 – May 31, 1937) an Italian immigrant to the United States who became a world famous theatre magnate.

In their early years, the Hartford Poli’s were the cornerstone of the Poli Baseball League, an intercompany circuit formed by employees. The Poli’s quickly established themselves as a dominant force. In 1908, they clinched the league championship in dramatic fashion, crushing the New Haven Poli’s 18-6 in the title game. Their victory was crowned with a championship cup, presented in a grand ceremony by Sylvester Poli himself.

Poli’s Theatre employees form a baseball league, 1905.

Building on their success, the Hartford Poli’s outgrew the company league, and emerged as one of Connecticut’s premier independent teams. In their early seasons, they were managed by R. J. Kelly and captained by first baseman, Fred Jendron. Their top hitter was a man named Hockers Gamerdinger. The theatre’s doorman, Curtis Gillette, was the Poli’s assistant coach and second baseman.

Hockers Gamerdinger, Hartford Poli’s, 1912.

Gillette was promoted to superintendent of the theatre as well as manager of the team in 1913. He appointed first baseman Ed DeVanney as captain. The Poli’s had a remarkable season, winning 26 of 31 games against opponents like the Hartford Royals, Hartford Olympias and East Hartford Pastimes. The employee of Poli’s earned multiple amateur state titles and solidified their reputation as one of Connecticut’s elite independent clubs.

The Poli’s scouted local greats such as pitchers Ed “Smiler” Oppelt and Jack Vannie, infielder Joe Griffin and a potent two-way player named Rex Islieb. These players formed superior lineups that often overpowered the competition. About ten years into the franchise, the Poli’s were a centerpiece of amateur baseball in the capital city. Their home fields included Colt Park and Wethersfield Avenue Grounds.

Poli Theatre expanded its baseball presence in 1915 by constructing Poli Field in East Hartford. Spanning ten acres, the park featured a grandstand that extended from first to third base. Wire netting was installed behind home plate to protect spectators from foul balls. With a new home and a talented hometown roster, the Poli’s were a main attraction, drawing massive crowds and hosting some of baseball’s biggest stars.

On Tuesday, October 24, 1916, legendary Detroit Tigers outfielder, Ty Cobb arrived in Hartford to take on the Poli’s. As a guest star for the New Haven Colonials, Cobb showcased his all-around ability as a center fielder, first baseman, and relief pitcher. He tallied two hits, flashed his trademark speed in a rundown, and pitched three innings of one-hit ball. Cobb’s only blemish on the mound was a double by Poli’s catcher John Muldoon, who racked up three hits. Despite Muldoon’s efforts, Cobb and the Colonials shut out the Poli’s and their guest star, Benny Kauff, with a decisive 7-0 victory. Perhaps because it was a Tuesday afternoon, the exhibition drew an intimate crowd of 800 fans.

Manager Gillette recruited New York Giants pitcher Benny Kauff to face Ty Cobb and the New Haven Colonials, 1916.

Joe Griffin, Shortstop, Hartford Poli’s, 1916.

Babe Clark, Captain and First Baseman, Hartford Poli’s, 1916.

Lester Lanning, Outfielder, Hartford Poli’s and Wesleyan University graduate, 1917.

Rex Islieb, Shortstop, Hartford Poli’s Baseball, 1917.

New York Bloomer Girls play against the Hartford Poli’s, 1917.

Then in mid-September of 1918, the Poli’s welcomed recent World Series champion George Herman “Babe” Ruth of the Boston Red Sox. Ruth appeared in a benefit game for American troops fighting overseas in World War I. His arrival in Hartford was met with a wave of excitement, as cheering fans lined the streets to catch a glimpse of the Babe. Poli’s manager Curtis Gillette drove Ruth to the Hotel Bond on Asylum Street, where Ruth was immediately swarmed by reporters eager to capture every moment of his visit.

Hartford Poli’s Baseball Club with Babe Ruth (back row, third from right), 1918.

Ruth and the Poli’s faced off against the Fisk Red Tops of Chicopee, Massachusetts, on Sunday, September 15, 1918. Ruth pitched and batted third in a stellar performance. He recorded two hits, including a double that ricocheted off the “Bull Durham” tobacco sign in center field. On the mound, he dominated with a complete-game shutout, allowing four hits. The Poli’s edged out the Red Tops 1-0, thanks to Ruth’s Red Sox teammate, catcher Sam Agnew, who drove in the game’s only run. Opposing them was another Red Sox star, Dutch Leonard, tossing for the Red Tops. The Red Sox players dazzled over 5,000 spectators at Wethersfield Avenue Grounds, and Ruth earned $350 for his appearance.

Bill Kopf, Shortstop, Hartford Poli’s, 1918.

New Haven Colonials vs. Hartford Poli’s, 1918.

Al Mamaux, Pitcher, Hartford Poli’s guest star, 1918.

Fred Rieger, Pitcher, Hartford Poli’s, 1918.

Joe Briger, Catcher, Hartford Poli’s, 1918.

John “Boggy” Muldoon, Catcher, Hartford Poli’s, 1918.

A week later, Ruth returned to play for the Poli’s in a Sunday doubleheader at Wethersfield Avenue Grounds. The Poli’s went toe-to-toe with Pratt & Whitney Aircraft in a pitcher’s duel. Five Major League players, including Ruth, appeared that day. Ruth recorded a quality start but was outdueled by Pratt & Whitney’s ace and Red Sox teammate, “Bullet” Joe Bush. Despite Ruth’s strong performance, the Poli’s were narrowly defeated 1-0.

Ruth to play at the Hartford Grounds with Poli’s, 1918.

In the second game of the day, Ruth and the Poli’s confronted a former Hartford Senators pitcher turned New York Yankee, Ray Fisher. Fisher was the headliner for a Fort Slocum team who ended up besting the Poli’s. Ruth played first base, had a base hit and scored their lone run. A crowd of more than 3,000 were in attendance for the occasion; a doubleheader featuring Babe Ruth in Hartford.

The following year, on September 28, 1919, Babe Ruth reprised his role with the Hartford Poli’s in a game against the New Britain Pioneers. Hartford Mayor Richard J. Kinsella threw out the ceremonial first pitch and posed for a famous photograph with Ruth. The Great Bambino hit two homers over the right field fence, but due to a “short porch” ground rule, he was only allowed one base for each long ball. Earlier in the day, Ruth had hit a batting practice home run said to travel over 500 feet. The Poli’s shut out the Pioneers in front of more than 6,000 fans at Poli Field in East Hartford.

Hartford Poli’s vs. New Haven Nutmegs, 1919.

Mayor of Hartford, Richard J. Kinsella and Babe Ruth, 1919.

The Hartford Poli’s convinced Babe Ruth to make an encore appearance in 1920, following his first season with the New York Yankees. On October 2, 1920, Ruth starred for the Poli’s in a game against New Departure at Muzzy Field in Bristol, Connecticut. Batting cleanup, he played nearly every position and went 4 for 4, with three singles and a double. Despite Ruth’s standout performance, New Departure shut out the Poli’s, thanks to crafty pitching from Gus Helfrich, a minor league spitballer from the New York State League. To accommodate the massive crowd, extra trains and trolleys were scheduled to Bristol that Saturday afternoon, drawing 10,000 fans to witness Ruth’s final game with the Hartford Poli’s.

Ruth Four Hits at Bristol for the Hartford Poli’s, 1920.

Babe Ruth in the batter’s box, Muzzy Field, Bristol, CT, 1920.

Babe Ruth tagged out, Muzzy Field, 1920.

Babe Ruth playing first base, Muzzy Field, 1920.

Ruth accepts honorary gift, Muzzy Field, 1920.

For more than 15 years, the Hartford Poli’s were a top-tier amateur baseball club. By 1920, the team had developed some of the best talent in Hartford, including standout third baseman Rex Islieb, left-handed ace Bill Pike, and hard-throwing pitcher Jim O’Leary. In 1921, the Poli’s disbanded and evolved into a new team, the All-Hartfords, with a roster largely made up of former Poli players. Though a century has passed since the Poli’s played, their contributions remain culturally significant, serving as a source of entertainment and civic pride for the city.

The Man Behind the Poli’s

Poli’s baseball clubs were sponsored by Sylvester Zefferino Poli, a theater mogul, vaudeville pioneer, and entertainment proprietor. Born in 1853 in New York City to Italian immigrant parents, Poli initially gained recognition as an expert wax sculptor in 1881. His successful wax figurine business set the stage for his future ventures in vaudeville. Poli went on to become a major figure in the theater industry, pioneering vaudeville theaters throughout the northeastern United States.

In 1903, he opened Poli’s Theatre on Main Street in Hartford. By 1916, Poli was celebrated as the largest individual theater owner in the world. Upon his retirement at age 70, he had amassed 28 theaters, 3 hotels (including the Savoy in Miami), 500 office buildings, and two major development sites. Poli’s influence in the entertainment industry left a lasting legacy, especially in Connecticut.

The summer home of Sylvester Z. Poli and his family, “Villa Rosa” Woodmont, Milford, Connecticut, 1910.

“The Fortune Hunter” at Poli’s Theatre, 1912.

Poli’s Palace Theatre, Main Street, Hartford, CT, 1914.

In July of 1928, Sylvester Poli merged his company with Fox New England Theaters, retaining majority interest in the newly created Fox-Poli’s. However, in May of 1934, Loew’s Theatres purchased Poli’s remaining theaters, which were rebranded as Loew’s-Poli Theaters. In his final years, Poli resided at his summer home, Villa Rosa, in the Woodmont section of Milford, Connecticut, a palatial estate named in honor of his wife, Rosa Leverone.

Poli’s Capitol Theatre, Main Street, Hartford, designed by Thomas W. Lamb. Opened August 28, 1920.

Fox Poli Theatre, Main Street, Hartford, Connecticut, 1929.

Loews Poli Theatre in the background, Hartford, Connecticut, 1956.

Sylvester Z. Poli passed away on May 31, 1937, at the age of 79 from pneumonia. Loew’s-Poli Theatre in Hartford lasted long afterwards, until 1957.

Sources:

Hartford Courant, 1 Aug. 2019, p. A1. Newspapers.com, www.newspapers.com
Paventi, Michael. “CPTV Documentary Profiles Italian-Born New Haven Theater Mogul Sz. Poli.” Hartford Courant, 14 Jan. 2021, www.courant.com/2021/01/14/cptv-documentary-profiles-italian-born-new-haven-theater-mogul-sz-poli/.
Mister Wonderland. Vimeo, vimeo.com/ondemand/misterwonderland.

Sat. 06/15/19Wed. 04/03/24 by Weston Ulbrich

Bulkeley Stadium, Gone But Not Forgotten

Morgan G. Bulkeley Stadium

Former names: Clarkin Field (or Stadium) from 1921-1927 and Wethersfield Avenue Grounds (or Hartford Baseball Park) from 1901-1921.
Location: Hanmer Street & George Street, off of Franklin Avenue in Hartford, Connecticut.
Capacity: 12,500
Opened: 1928
Demolished: 1955
Tenants: Hartford Baseball Club (1902-1932, 1934, 1938-1945), Hartford Blues Football Club (1925-1927), Savitt Gems (1932-1945) and Hartford Chiefs (1946-1952).

Bulkeley Stadium, Hartford, Connecticut, 1928.

Morgan G. Bulkeley Stadium was once a major sports venue in Hartford, Connecticut. It was the site of Babe Ruth’s final ballgame and thousands of minor league games. Bulkeley Stadium served as the home of the Hartford Baseball Club, a minor league team nicknamed the Senators, the Bees, the Laurels and then the Chiefs. Major league stars and amateurs from all around the world made appearances at Hartford’s most historic stadium.

Initially constructed in 1921 as Clarkin Field, the stadium was renamed in 1928 to honor former Connecticut Governor, United States Senator and the First President of the National League, Morgan Gardner Bulkeley. Semi-professional baseball teams like the Savitt Gems and the Hartford Indians frequently used Bulkeley Stadium. The facility also featured the Hartford Blues of the National Football League, nationally sanctioned boxing matches, motor sports and artistic performances.

Map of baseball venues throughout Hartford’s history, 2004.

A block east of Bulkeley Stadium was the ballpark’s original site; Wethersfield Avenue Grounds – also referred to as Hartford Baseball Park, Hartford Base Ball Grounds, or the Hartford Grounds. In March of 1896, Hartford’s Manager William Barnie led the construction a grandstand on the south side of the city, measuring 150 feet wide and 20 feet tall. In December of 1905, James H. Clarkin purchased the Hartford Senators and leased Wethersfield Avenue Grounds. At the time, the diamond was, “regarded as the finest in this section of the country,” according to the Hartford Courant.

Barnie secures Wethersfield Avenue Grounds, 1896.

Hartford Ball Park, Wethersfield Avenue, 1896.

Wethersfield Avenue Grounds, Hartford, Connecticut, 1908.

Countless games were played at Wethersfield Avenue Grounds by all levels of baseball. High demand in the facility led to improvements and renovations on several occasions. The first remodel was completed in spring of 1910, which included a new ticket office, a large concessions stand and carpeting in the clubhouse. Manager Bob Connery of the Hartford Senators (Connecticut State League) was reportedly pleased with the improvements according to the Hartford Courant on April 9, 1910. Wethersfield Avenue Grounds became a destination for the game’s biggest names.

William Moore, Hartford Groundskeeper, 1910.

New Haven vs. Hartford at Wethersfield Avenue Grounds, 1912.

Benny Kauff, Outfielder, Hartford Senators, 1913.

Hartford Senators & Judge Kenesaw Landis, Wethersfield Avenue Grounds, 1916.

In the summer of 1916, the infamous Ty Cobb delighted a small crowd of 800 Hartford fans at Wethersfield Avenue Grounds. Cobb guest starred for the visiting New Haven Colonials at first base and as relief pitcher against the semi-professional Hartford Poli’s. Alongside Cobb on the Colonials was Torrington High School alumnus and Philadelphia Athletics shortstop, Joe Dugan. The Colonials beat the Poli’s 7-0. Cobb would visit Hartford again in 1918, though his visit would be overshadowed by another great slugger.

In 1918 and 1919 the one and only Babe Ruth played at Wethersfield Avenue Grounds as part of his annual barnstorming tour. Days after winning the World Series with Boston Red Sox, Ruth made his first appearance in Hartford on September 16, 1918, playing for the Hartford Poli’s. Ruth pitched the Poli’s to a 1-0 victory versus the Fisk Red Tops. He hurled a complete game shutout and allowed just four hits. Ruth batted third in the order, recording a single and double. He drew a crowd of about 5,000 spectators and earned $350 for his appearance.

Babe Ruth plays at Wethersfield Avenue Grounds, 1918.

In 1921, Owner Clarkin built a new venue about a block from the old Wethersfield Avenue Grounds. The site was located at the intersection of Hanmer Street and George Street off of Franklin Avenue in South Hartford. The grandstand, made of steel and concrete, wrapped around the field from foul pole to foul pole. Locker rooms below the stands were equipped with showers, baths, and telephones. The facility was dubbed Clarkin Field (or Clarkin Stadium), and it quickly gained an outstanding reputation as one of New England’s best ballparks.

Hartford Police defeat Waterbury Police at Clarkin Stadium, 1921.

Clarkin Field hosted Lou Gehrig at the controversial start of his professional career. Larrupin’ Lou began with the Hartford Senators of the Eastern League in 1921, 1923, and 1924. Jim Thorpe, the famous Native American olympian and football player, appeared in the Senators lineup towards the end of his baseball career. Leo Durocher, Jo-Jo Morrissey, Kiddo Davis, and Pete Appleton were also Senators during the 1920’s.

Hartford Senators with Lou Gehrig (seated, center) at Clarkin Stadium, 1923.

In 1927, an accidental fire severely damaged the grandstand at Clarkin Stadium. Though it was rebuilt two months later, the Hartford Senators played all of their games on the road until mid-July. Perhaps because of losses incurred by the fire, Clarkin decided to retire from baseball. He sold the team and Clarkin Field in 1928.

Both the Senators and the stadium were purchased for over $200,000. The buyers were a group of investors led by Robert J. Farrell, a real estate and insurance agent and a longtime business manager for the Senators. Hartford continued to play in the Eastern League under Farrell’s direction. Before the 1928 season, Clarkin Field was renamed Bulkeley Stadium to honor Morgan G. Bulkeley – who had passed away six years prior. Many upgrades were made to the venue including new seats made of steel. Unexpectedly, President Farrell died at age 32 of acute appendicitis in 1930.

New stadium seating, Bulkeley Stadium, 1928.

William Eisemann, Catcher, Hartford Senators, Bulkeley Stadium, 1928.

Mayor Norman Stevens & Robert J. Farrell, Bulkeley Stadium, 1928.

Pittsburgh Pirates visit Bulkeley Stadium, 1928.

Bulkeley Stadium boxing, Bat Battalino v.s. Eddie Lord, 1929.

Robert J. Farrell, Hartford Baseball owner, 1930.

Baseball Hall of Fame inductee Hank Greenberg played for the 1930 Hartford Senators at Bulkeley Stadium. King Bader was Hartford’s manager that year. During the depths of the Great Depression, the Senators were purchased by the Brooklyn Dodgers organization. Hartford entered affiliated baseball and won the 1931 Eastern League championship behind Red Howell, Al Cohen and Bobby Reis. When the Eastern League disbanded in the middle of the 1932 season, Bulkeley Stadium and the City of Hartford were left without a headlining baseball club.

Hartford Senators and Judge Kenesaw Landis, 1930.

Hartford Courant reporters play at Bulkeley Stadium, 1930.

Hartford vs. New Haven at Bulkeley Stadium, 1931.

Hartford vs. Allentown at Bulkeley Stadium, 1932.

Then in July of 1932, a semi-pro club called the Savitt Gems became tenants at Bulkeley Stadium. They were backed by a local jeweler and baseball promoter, Bill Savitt. He first created the Gems in 1930 as part of the Hartford Twilight League. With the stadium as their home, the Gems became one of the most famous semi-pro teams in America. From 1932 to 1945 the Savitt Gems welcomed big league stars to Hartford including: Babe Ruth, Cy Young, Ted Williams, Honus Wagner, Lloyd Waner, Dizzy Dean, Jimmie Foxx, Jim Thorpe, Chief Bender, Josh Gibson, Martin Dihigo, Satchel Paige, Johnny Taylor, Johnny Mize, Bill McKechnie, Moose Swaney and Monk Dubiel.

Bulkeley Stadium Official Scorecard, 1932.

Savitt Gems vs. New Britain Falcons at Bulkeley Stadium, 1932.

Bill Savitt & the Savitt Gems, Bulkeley Stadium, 1932.

Savitt Gems vs. Pittsburgh Pirates, 1933.

Johnny Taylor pitches for the Savitt Gems at Bulkeley Stadium, 1934.

Motorcycle racing at Bulkeley Stadium, 1935.

Bill Savitt & Dizzy Dean at Bulkeley Stadium, 1936.

Savitt Gems vs. Cleveland Indians, 1937.

In 1938, the Boston Bees of the National League brought back minor league baseball to Hartford. Boston purchased the Hartford Senators and leased Bulkeley Stadium. The club was referred to as the Hartford Senators and the Hartford Bees (and Hartford Laurels). During the 1942 season, Del Bissonette served as player-manager while eventual Hall of Fame pitcher, Warren Spahn earned 17 wins and 12 losses. A few years later, Hartford won the 1944 Eastern League pennant due to pitching by Hal Schacker and Pete Naktenis, a Hartford native and a former Savitt Gems ace.

Charlie Blossifield & the Hartford Bees move into Bulkeley Stadium, 1938.

Hartford Bees at Bulkeley Stadium, 1938.

Hartford vs. Springfield at Bulkeley Stadium, 1940.

Governor Hurley on Opening Day, Bulkeley Stadium, 1941.

The Eastern League’s Hartford Baseball Club, Bulkeley Stadium, 1942.

Bob Brady, Catcher, Hartford Bees, Bulkeley Stadium, 1944.

Hartford vs. Williamsport, Bulkeley Stadium, 1944.

Hartford Baseball Club, Bulkeley Stadium, 1944.

On September 30, 1945, Babe Ruth returned to Hartford to play in a charity game at Bulkeley Stadium as a member of the Savitt Gems. At 50 years old, Ruth drew a crowd of more than 2,500. He took batting practice before the game and clouted a home run over Bulkeley Stadium’s right field fence. During the exhibition, Ruth coached first base. He later entered the game as a pinch-hitter and grounded out to the pitcher. The ballgame was Ruth’s final appearance of his playing career. Ruth passed away less than 3 years later at the age of 53.

Babe Ruth plays for Savitt Gems, Bulkeley Stadium, 1945.

Bill Savitt & Babe Ruth at Bulkeley Stadium, 1945.

Babe Ruth plays his last ball game on the Savitt Gems at Bulkeley Stadium, 1945.

In 1946, Hartford’s minor league franchise changed their name to the Hartford Chiefs as a result of their major league affiliate, reverting their official name back to the Boston Braves. Players Gene Conley, George Crowe, Frank Torre and local Wethersfield native, Bob Repass were standouts for the Hartford Chiefs at Bulkeley Stadium. When the Boston Braves moved to Milwaukee after the 1952 season, the Hartford Chiefs of the Eastern League were also relocated.

Warren Spahn (center, left), Bulkeley Stadium, 1947.

Hartford Chiefs vs. Wilkes-Barre, Bulkeley Stadium, 1947.

Hartford Chiefs vs. Trinity College, Bulkeley Stadium, 1947.

Boston Braves vs. Trinity College, Bulkeley Stadium, 1948.

Hartford Fire Department, Bulkeley Stadium, 1948.

Johnny Taylor, Hartford Chiefs at Bulkeley Stadium, 1949.

Hartford Courant All-Stars at Bulkeley Stadium, 1949.

Boston Braves vs. Boston Braves at Bulkeley Stadium, 1949.

1950 Hartford Chiefs at Bulkeley Stadium.

Hugh Casey, Brooklyn Dodgers at Bulkeley Stadium, 1950.

Major League All-Stars vs. Hartford Indians, 1950.

Johnny Mize and Gene Woodling, New York Yankees at Bulkeley Stadium, 1950.

Anguish over Gene Conley Bulkeley Stadium, 1951.

Gene Conley, Hartford Chiefs, Bulkeley Stadium, 1951.

Tommy Holmes, Manager, Hartford Chiefs teaches clinic, Bulkeley Stadium, 1951.

Business Manager Charles Blossfield, 1951.

Trinity College Baseball, Bulkeley Stadium, 1952.

Eddie Matthews at Bulkeley Stadium, 1952.

St. Louis Browns, Bulkeley Stadium, 1953.

Jim Piersall & Joey Jay, at Bulkeley Stadium 1953.

In 1955, Bulkeley Stadium was sold for the last time. The Milwaukee Braves conveyed the property for $50,000 to John E. Hays Realty of Hartford. The stadium fell into disarray and was eventually demolished. A shopping center was planned for the site but it never materialized. Instead, a nursing home called Ellis Manor was built on the property.

Bulkeley Stadium Monument Dedication, 1998.

A stone monument and a stone home plate were dedicated at the site in 1998. At another commemorative ceremony in 2013, James Francoline was in attendance. Francoline was a pitcher with the Hartford Senators and the Savitt Gems who threw batting practice to Babe Ruth at Bulkeley Stadium – long gone but not forgotten.

On the baseball field at Bulkeley Stadium, Leo Durocher played his first season of professional baseball. On the same diamond, Lou Gehrig, learned the rudiments of first base play and went directly from there to Yankee Stadium and baseball immortality. Hank Greenberg was a raw rookie who couldn’t make the grade here and had to be shipped down to Evansville. The greatest athlete of all time, Jim Thorpe, wore the Hartford uniform in one of the most bizzare periods of the city’s baseball history. Paul Richards was a Hartford catcher there and Van Lingle Mungo, a Hartford pitcher. Babe Ruth and Ted Williams played at Bulkeley Stadium when Bill Savitt was keeping the place alive. A man could go down Franklin Avenue to Bulkeley Stadium and see young ball players who were going to be the very best in the majors.
Bill Lee, Sports Editor, Hartford Courant, July 9, 1955.

Ellis Manor on site of Bulkeley Stadium, 2014.

References

The Hartford Courant database on Newspapers.com
“Bulkeley Stadium: Hartford’s last home to pro baseball”. SABR. Retrieved 2016-01-24.

External Links

Thu. 02/14/19Tue. 11/29/22 by Weston Ulbrich

Bill Savitt, King of Diamonds

It was once written of Hartford’s most prolific baseball promoter that there were, “at least five Bill Savitt’s.”

1. The jeweler, who owned and operated a store on Asylum Street in Hartford.

2. The advertising genius who coined the phrase “Peace of Mind Guaranteed” often abbreviated to “P.O.M.G.”

3. The sportsman who created the Savitt Gems, Hartford’s preeminent semi-professional baseball club who played with and against some of the world’s best players.

4. The philanthropist who would speak in public if his fees went to charity.

5. The world traveler who met with the Pope in Rome and was made an honorary Roman citizen.

Bill Savitt in front of Savitt Jewelers, 35 Asylum Street, Hartford, 1986.

William Myron “Bill” Savitt was born in Springfield, Massachusetts, on March 9, 1901, to Harold and Hattie (Fein) Savitt. At an early age, Bill Savitt worked as a newspaper boy, a theater usher and a field hand on a tobacco farm. He quit school in the tenth grade to start working full-time. Although he never enrolled in higher education, he would receive an honorary doctorate from Springfield College in 1980. His first steady job was at a Springfield jewelry store as an errand boy and clerk. Savitt soon relocated to Hartford, Connecticut, in 1917 and established his own store in 1919 called Savitt Jewelers, at a tiny shop on Park Street.

Savitt grand opening advertisement, 1925.

Savitt presents watch to Bat Battalino, 1929.

Savitt worked twelve hour days to be available for customers. In 1935, he moved Savitt Jewelers for the final time to 35 Asylum Street, where the store became the largest retail jewelry business in the state. He transformed the business from a one-man operation into an enterprise employing seventy-five people, including fifteen jewelers. His catchy slogans “Savitt Jewelers, 35 Asylum Street, 35 seconds from Main Street” and “Peace of Mind Guaranteed” became household phrases across Connecticut.

Throughout his life, Savitt was a devoted baseball fan, especially of Hartford-based teams but also of the Boston Red Sox. During the 1930’s and 1940’s Savitt sponsored and organized a baseball club known as the Savitt Gems. Amid the Great Depression and World War II, thousands paid admission to witness the Gems oppose professional clubs, semi-pro teams, barnstorming outfits, local amateurs and stars of the national game. Thanks to Savitt, Hall of Fame legends played in Hartford during the Golden Age of Baseball. Babe Ruth, Ted Williams, Jimmie Foxx, Satchel Paige and many others played at Hartford’s Bulkeley Stadium.

Bulkeley Stadium, Hartford, Connecticut, 1936.

Ruth, Williams, Foxx and Paige each visited Hartford to play against the Savitt Gems.

However, Bill Savitt’s primary motive for promoting the Gems was to benefit the Greater Hartford community. He led efforts to organize charity games for Camp Courant, the Red Cross, the United Service Organizations (USO) and many others. Savitt was often spotted in the sports section of the Hartford Courant or the Hartford Times newspapers gifting watches, medals and trophies to athletes and youngsters.

Bill Savitt awards Camp Courant All-Stars, 1934.

Bill Savitt awards Camp Courant champions, 1935.

His support of Hartford sports also served as a clever marketing tactic for his business. While running the jewelry store, Bill Savitt embarked on his lifelong baseball journey in the spring of 1929. He decided to sponsor a team in the Hartford Twilight League (also known as the City Independent Twilight League). Then he rebranded Hartford’s Cardinal Athletic Club to the “Savitt’s Cardinals” who competed against top amateurs in the Greater Hartford area.

Savitt’s team was made up of mostly Hartford residents. GHTBL Hall of Fame inductees, Frank “Bat” Orefice, a catcher, and Ray Kelly, an outfielder, were members of Savitt’s first club. When the regular season ended in a tie for the pennant, a playoff game was played between Savitt’s Cardinals and Economy Grocers. On September 28, 1929, at Hartford’s Colt Park, the Cardinals were shutout the Grocers 7-0 in the first championship game of Hartford Twilight League.

Frank “Bat” Orefice, Savitt’s Cardinals, 1929.

Bill Savitt recommitted to the twi-loop in 1930 and created a new team called the Savitt Gems. The club starred a former pitcher for the Hartford Senators, Al Huband and brothers, George Dixon at third base and John Dixon at first base. The Gems wore white uniforms with navy piping and navy striped socks. They contended for a twilight championship against the Holy Name baseball club in a three-game playoff series.

1930 Savitt Gems, Hartford Twilight League Champions

Leading the Holy Names were another pair of brothers; James “Jigger” Farrell at first base and Tommy Farrell in left field. At shortstop for the Names was a future professional, Bert Meisner, while local ace “Click“ McGrath, handled mound duties. On Tuesday, August 19, 1930, a crowd of more than 7,000 spectators gathered at Colt Park in Hartford. Nelson “Lefty” Buckland allowed just three hits, guiding the Savitt Gems to victory (5-2). At an awards banquet later that year, Savitt gifted each Gems player a gold watch and a lobster dinner.

James “Jigger” Farrell, Holy Name, 1930.

Nelson “Lefty” Buckland, Savitt Gems, 1930.

The Savitt Gems returned to the Hartford Twilight League for the 1931 season, continuing to dominate. Savitt recruited new pitchers: Walter Berg from the Springfield Ponies of the Eastern League, Art Boisseau of Dartmouth College, and Russ Fisher, an amateur hurler from Scotland, Connecticut. First baseman and player-manager, Tommy Sipples was the team’s best hitter. Savitt’s team won a second straight championship, beating Holy Name yet again in the final game. George Dixon recorded two runs, a stolen base and an RBI single for the Gems, winning by a final tally of 11-5.

In the summer of 1932, Bill Savitt’s Gems were drawing large crowds to Colt Park. Meanwhile, the Hartford Senators of the Eastern League experienced a sharp decrease in attendance. Midway through the season, the entire Eastern League collapsed, “under the pressure of economic conditions” of the Great Depression. Hartford baseball fans were without a professional team to root for at Bulkeley Stadium. The baseball void would not last long.

Hartford Senators disband after winning the Eastern League pennant, Bulkeley Stadium, 1932.

Despite widespread economic strife, Savitt swooped in to cure Hartford of its baseball woes. He leased Bulkeley Stadium and put the Savitt Gems on display as an independent, semi-professional ballclub. With a stadium and a championship team, Savitt operated the Gems as the Hartford’s primary baseball franchise. More often than not, the Gems played games at home due to Bulkeley Stadium’s excellent playing surface and central location. Savitt frequently scheduled his team to play doubleheaders on Sunday afternoons.

Bill’s younger brother, Max Savitt, an attorney and later a Circuit Court judge also supported the Gems as a sponsor. The Savitt brothers signed several professional players, adding to a roster of Hartford Twilight League players. This semi-professional formula would captivate baseball audiences in Hartford for the next two decades. In addition to featuring his Gems at Bulkeley Stadium, Savitt used the ballpark to support civic life. He hosted numerous benefit games to fundraise for charitable causes.

1932 Savitt Gems, Hartford Twilight League champions at Bulkeley Stadium, Hartford. Bill Savitt (far left) and Max Savitt (far right).

For example, in the summer of 1932, the Savitt Gems faced off against a pitching phenom Pete “Lefty” Naktenis. The Hartford Public High School hurler played for the Frederick Raff company team, a refrigerator retailer in Hartford. The Gems seized the game by a score of 4 to 2. Bill Savitt and Frederick Raff donated $5,979.99 in ticket sales to Camp Courant after the game. Later that summer, the Savitt Gems won their third straight and final Hartford Twilight League championship.

After leasing Bulkeley Stadium, Bill Savitt attempted to recruit New York Yankees slugger, Lou Gehrig who had just swept the Chicago Cubs in the 1932 World Series. The “Iron Horse” was well-known in Hartford because Gehrig had made his professional debut at the age of 18 with the Hartford Senators in 1921. Gehrig returned to Columbia University the following year to play fullback for the football team. Then he signed with the Senators again in 1923, propelling them to an Eastern League pennant.

Lou Gehrig, First Baseman, Hartford Senators, 1924.

By the time Bill Savitt inquired about hiring Gehrig in 1932, he was a three-time World Series champion and American League MVP. The price to land Gehrig for a single game appearance was $500 and half of the gate receipts. Savitt determined Gehrig’s price to be too steep and pleasantly declined via telegram. Savitt’s plan to lure Gehrig was covered in the Hartford Courant and baseball fans in Connecticut were disappointed in the outcome. However, as Savitt had proved in the past, he would not be discouraged by the occasional defeat.

Lou Gehrig, First Baseman, New York Yankees, 1932

Savitt welcomed all sorts of baseball clubs to Bulkeley Stadium. The first independent club to take on the Gems was McKesson-Robbins of Bridgeport, Connecticut. Manufacturing company teams like the Meriden Insilcos were common foes. Other opponents included the Bridgeport Bears, New Haven Chevies and clubs from Branford, Norwich, Torrington, Waterbury and Windsor.

On October 2, 1932, the Gems met the New Britain Falcons at Bulkeley Stadium. Savitt signed Rabbit Maranville of the Boston Braves as a guest star to bat leadoff. Jigger Farrell played left field and hit second in the Gems lineup. Former Boston Braves outfielder, John “Bunny” Roser hit third and former New York Yankees catcher Hank Karlon batted clean-up. Tommy Sipples hit fifth and blasted a home run in the game. Eastern League shortstop, Don Curry batted sixth and compiled three hits on the day. Former Hartford Senators pitcher, Johnny Miller hurled an excellent game, allowing one run on five hits. With their best lineup yet, the Gems beat the Falcons by a score of 4 to 1.

Johnny Miller, Pitcher, Savitt Gems, 1932.

Rabbit Maranville, Second Baseman, Savitt Gems, 1932.

Don Curry, Shortstop, Savitt Gems, 1932.

In March of 1933, Bill and Max Savitt attempted to revive professional baseball in Hartford. They attended an Eastern League meeting to discuss plans with regional owners. Yet plans for an Eastern League broke down. The Savitt brothers leased Bulkeley Stadium for another season while the Hartford Senators remained out of contention.

Bill Savitt and Max Savitt (standing, center) at an Eastern League meeting in 1933.

Growing ever-busy with his many pursuits, Savitt delegated baseball operations by hiring a business manager named Walter Hapgood. As a former front office executive of the Boston Braves and President of the Montreal Royals, Hapgood was well-connected among professional teams and players. He was sometimes called the ”P.T. Barnum of Baseball.” Savitt and Hapgood ran the Gems like a professional club, while wooing Major League and traveling teams to Hartford.

Walter Hapgood, Business Manager, Savitt Gems, 1933.

The Savitt Gems of 1933 were coached by former Hartford Senators Manager, Bill Gleason. Big leaguers such as Bruce Caldwell, Pat Loftus, and Robert “Red” Munn joined as full-time players. Out-of-work Eastern Leaguers George Underhill, Cy Waterman, and Henry “Pop” LaFleur glowed for the Gems. They entertained large gatherings of fans at Bulkeley Stadium against teams like the Detroit Clowns, Pennsylvania Red Caps, House of David and the Georgia Chain Gang.

Bill Gleason, Second Baseman, Savitt Gems, 1933.

Savitt Gems vs. Pennsylvania Red Caps, 1933.

Bruce Caldwell, Outfielder, Savitt Gems, 1933.

Savitt Gems vs. Georgia Chain Gang, 1933.

Bill Savitt’s baseball club caused quite the stir when Connie Mack’s Philadelphia Athletics visited Hartford. During harsh economic times, Savitt made a risky payment of a $500 to guarantee the game. On Thursday, June 15, 1933, the Athletics traveled to Hartford on a train that accidentally derailed. The A’s and their power-hitting first baseman, Jimmie Foxx safely arrived an hour late to the ballpark. Connie Mack took another train that was delayed in Philadelphia, and he ultimately was unable to make the trip.

Ready or not, the A’s handled the Savitt Gems easily, winning by a score of 6 to 1. Gems batters were no match for the pitching of “Big Jim“ Peterson who earned a complete game win. Foxx, the Major League leader in home runs at the time, was held to a base hit. A few days later, Connie Mack telephoned Bill Savitt to thank him for hosting his Athletics, asking, “Is there anything I can do for you?” To which Savitt replied, “Just tell the other teams what kind of guy I am.” From that day forward, professional teams called on Savitt for exhibition games.

Jimmie Foxx, Philadelphia Athletics, 1933.

On August 2, 1933, Savitt and his Gems met the Boston Red Sox in another Bulkeley Stadium blockbuster. On a hot and humid day, the Gems sparkled brightly behind their newest big league signing, starting pitcher Bill Morrell. The Red Sox collected eight hits and scored a lone earned run off of Morrell. With the Gems up 2 to 1 in the top of the seventh inning Red Sox pitcher, Dusty Cooke smashed a two-run triple. The Savitt Gems lost a close one to the Red Sox by a final of 3 to 2.

Bill Morrell, Pitcher, Savitt Gems, 1933.

Marty McManus, Player-Manager, Boston Red Sox, 1933.

On August 28, 1933, the Pittsburgh Pirates and their fifty nine year old player-manager Honus Wagner came to Hartford. Wagner was accompanied by Hall of Famers, Pie Traynor, Freddie Lindstrom, Lloyd Waner and his brother, Paul Waner. Each of them collected a hit besides Wagner, who served as base coach until the top of the ninth inning. Wagner pinch hit and grounded out. The Gems featured Chicago White Sox outfielder, Bill Barrett as a guest star. Gems first basemen, Jigger Farrell had three hits while centerfielder, Jimmy Coyle had a pair of singles. The Pirates scratched the Gems 9-4 before more than 4,000 fans at Bulkeley Stadium.

Honus Wagner, Manager, Pittsburgh Pirates, 1933.

As Bill Savitt revolutionized Hartford sporting events, he also created a more inclusive baseball community. He quietly became a trailblazer of Baseball Integration more than a decade before Major League Baseball permitted people of color. Savitt was one of the first baseball owners in the nation to open the game to minority players. In a segregated time, Savitt hosted all persons of color at Bulkeley Stadium. He signed black and latino pitchers as well as several baseball legends of color. As a progressive thinker and a humanitarian, Bill Savitt refused to discriminate based on race or skin color.

Savitt organized integrated games between Negro League teams and his Gems on Hartford’s grandest stage. The Brooklyn Royal Giants, New York Cubans, New York Black Yankees, Boston Hoboes and the Schenectady Black Sox were billed as perennial foes of the Gems. Others included the Boston Royal Giants, Philadelphia Colored Giants, Newark Eagles and the Jersey City Colored Athletics faced the Gems throughout the 1930’s. There were also barnstorming outfits like the Hawaiian All-Stars led by player-manager, Bucky Lai as well as Mexico’s Carta Blanca baseball club, featuring pitching ace, Luis Longoria. Even a popular female player, Jackie Mitchell, was Savitt’s guest of honor.

Philadelphia Colored Giants vs. Savitt Gems, 1933.

Savitt Gems vs. Brooklyn Royal Giants, 1935.

Al Nalua, Pitcher, Hawaiian All-Stars, 1935.

Luis Longoria, Pitcher, Carta Blanca, 1937.

In August of 1933, Savitt’s club did battle with Harjo’s Oklahoma Indians captained by Jim Thorpe, the multi-sport athlete and Olympic gold medalist. The Gems and Indians appeared in a controversial five-game series, highlighted by Thorpe’s outrage over umpiring. In the bottom of the fourth inning of game one, Gems shortstop Jackie Cronin hit a long fly ball to right field. Thorpe missed the catch while running across the foul line. The home plate umpire John “Boggy” Muldoon ruled the ball fair and Cronin had himself an RBI triple.

1933 Harjo’s Oklahoma Indians – Jim Thorpe (sitting, center).

Jim Thorpe defiantly disputed Muldoon’s judgement of the play. After a lengthy argument, Thorpe called his team off the field. The Hartford crowd began to grow restless, forcing Bill Savitt to dismiss the umpiring crew and overturned the call. Gems bench players stepped in as replacement umpires. Savitt later made peace with the Hartford Umpires and they were hired back for the next four games against Thorpe’s club. The Gems won the series over Harjo’s Indians, who performed war dances and used racial stereotypes to attract paying crowds.

Johnny Roser, First Baseman, Savitt Gems, 1933.

Jim Thorpe, Harjo’s Oklahoma Indians, 1933.

Bill Savitt bucked the trend of prejudice in baseball. He recruited a black Bulkeley High School graduate named Johnny ”Schoolboy” Taylor. The young ace pitcher appeared in an exhibition game against the Gems on September 24, 1933. It was then that Savitt first encountered Taylor’s speedy fastball and sharp curve. Batters scratched only 3 hits off Taylor, who had nine strikeouts. However, he walked eight and yielded a 3-0 loss to the Gems.

Johnny Taylor, Pitcher, Savitt Gems, 1933.

Savitt would pursue Johnny Taylor, even though black athletes were barred from organized baseball. Taylor (often referred to as “Jackson” Taylor in the Hartford Courant) made his debut for the Gems against the New Britain Falcons at Bulkeley Stadium on October, 8, 1933. The eighteen year old was marvelous but lost in a pitcher’s duel, 1-0. His next performance came on the last game of the season in another matchup against New Britain. Taylor was effectively wild. He struck out seventeen and walked ten in a complete game, 4-2 win for the Gems.

Savitt Gems vs. New Britain Falcons, 1933.

Johnny Taylor, Pitcher, New York Cubans, 1935.

In 1934, the Hartford Senators reclaimed their stake in Bulkeley Stadium and reassembled their minor league club in the short-lived Northeastern League. Bill Savitt’s team was out of contention until September. Jigger Farrell, the heart and soul of the team, was appointed player-manager. The “lanky speedball pitcher” Johnny Taylor signed with the Gems once again. In the season’s first game, Farrell, Taylor and the Gems conquered Hartford’s Catholic League All-Stars by a final of 4-3. Taylor not only tossed a complete game, but he also batted in the game-winning run.

Jigger Farrell appointed player-manager of the Savitt Gems, 1934.

Jigger Farrell, Player-Manager, Savitt Gems, 1936.

Johnny Taylor cemented his reputation as Bill Savitt’s ultimate ace-for-hire on October 10, 1934. At Bulkeley Stadium, Taylor threw a “no-hitter” against the Philadelphia Colored Giants. Then, Taylor signed with the Negro National League’s New York Cubans. Knowing that his homecoming would draw large crowds, Savitt hosted Taylor and the Cubans twice in the summer of 1935. Taylor whirled a shutout in the first game but lost the second match up to a strong Gems lineup.

Johnny Taylor, Pitcher, Savitt Gems, 1935.

Sam Hyman and Johnny Roser, Savitt Gems, 1935.

In the fall of 1935, Bill Savitt challenged the Philadelphia Athletics to a long-awaited rematch. He enlisted Bridgeport native and former Boston Red Sox pitcher, Johnny Micheals, to hurl against the Athletics. Michaels grabbed headlines for his unexpected complete game victory, three base hits and game-winning run. Jigger Farrell and Tommy Farrell also shined for the Gems, each collecting a pair of hits. While Connie Mack tended to a family engagement, Jimmie Foxx served as manager. “The Beast” was held hitless and made a rare pitching appearance to end the game. The Gems conquered the A’s (6-4), asserting themselves as one of the best semi-pro clubs in the nation.

Jimmie Foxx, First Baseman, Philadelphia Athletics, 1935.

John Michaels, Pitcher, Savitt Gems, 1935.

Walter Dunham, Catcher, Savitt Gems, 1935.

Jackie Cronin, Infielder, Savitt Gems, 1935.

Bill Savitt’s club fielded a multitude of professional caliber players in 1936. Every day names included a pair of brothers, George “Bushy” Kapura and Pete Kapura, minor league catcher, Wally Dunham and Hal Beagle, an outfielder from New Britain. Sam Hyman, Frank Coleman, and Jackie Kelly were among the Gems pitching staff. There were also amateurs donning Savitt’s uniform such as Hop Dandurand, a strong-armed shortstop, Johnny Campion, a right-handed slugger from Hartford and Audie Farrell, Jigger’s younger brother.

George “Bushy” Kapura, Savitt Gems, 1936. — George “Bushy” Kapura, Infielder, Savitt Gems, 1936.

Lefty LaFleur and Walter Berg, 1936. — Pitchers, Lefty LaFleur and Walter Berg, Savitt Gems, 1936.

Pete Kapura, Savitt Gems, 1936. — Pete Kapura, Infielder, Savitt Gems, 1936.

Jackie Kelly, Pitcher, Savitt Gems, 1936.

On Tuesday evening, July 28, 1936, the Savitt Gems played host to the St. Louis Cardinals at Bulkeley Stadium. About 6,300 excited fans attended the game. Nicknamed the Gashouse Gang, the Cardinals boasted some of the most colorful characters in baseball. Dizzy Dean, Joe Medwick, Johnny Mize and a Hartford fan favorite, Leo Durocher, were among Savitt’s honored guests. The Cardinals were greeted by jubilant applause as they ran onto the field.

Dizzy Dean, Pitcher, St. Louis Cardinals, 1936.

St. Louis Cardinals visit Hartford, 1936.

Savitt Gems host St. Louis Cardinals, 1936.

Dizzy Dean was in attendance but did not play in the game. Instead, he gave a speech near the Cardinals’ dugout after being presented with gold watch by Bill Savitt. “Diz” delighted fans with remarks in which he teased his teammates. In the game, Gems starting pitcher, Louis Kurhan gave up five runs on eight hits in four innings of work. Pop LaFleur, Bushy Kapura and Hank Karlon each had three hits. However, as expected, the St. Louis Cardinals trounced the Savitt Gems by a score of 11-5.

Savitt and players of the St. Louis Cardinals, 1936.

That same year, Bill Savitt welcomed back Johnny Taylor of the New York Cubans along with their player-manager, Martín Dihigo. Taylor fanned eighteen batters and shut out the Gems, 11-0. The next season, Taylor thrilled spectators when he switched sides and tossed a 22-strikeout, 20-inning performance for the Gems. He edged the Philadelphia Colored Giants, 6-5. 3,400 fans witnessed the game which lasted four hours and fifteen minutes. Taylor went on to become an all-star in the Negro National League, Mexican League and Cuban League, yet he made time in the offseason to pitch for his friend, Bill Savitt.

Martin Dihigo, Player-Manager, New York Cubans, 1936.

In August of 1937, Savitt “staged a surprise party,” for Bob Feller and the Cleveland Indians at Bulkeley Stadium. Before the game, Savitt presented wristwatches to Feller and Indians manager, Steve O’Neill at home plate. Feller, a youthful eighteen years old did not pitch because the first game of the doubleheader was rained out. The teams waited out the rain and played the second game. Cleveland inched out the Savitt Gems by an outcome of 8-7. The Gems had their opportunities, but were overpowered by the bat of Julius “Moose” Solters who clouted to two home runs in the game.

Bob Feller, Pitcher, Cleveland Indians, 1937.

Savitt presents gifts to Bob Feller & Steve O’Neil of the Cleveland Indians, 1937.

Hank Karlon, Catcher, Savitt Gems, 1937.

Johnny Campion, Infielder, Savitt Gems, 1937.

In 1938, Bill Savitt and his Gems acquired hometown hero, Pete “Lefty” Naktenis. The Hartford native had become a Duke University graduate and a former member of Connie Mack’s Philadelphia Athletics. Naktenis threw a complete game over the Philadelphia Colored Giants in his first appearance for Savitt. While property of the Cincinnati Reds the next year, Naktenis tossed for the Gems and outdueled Mickey Harris of the Scranton Red Sox.

Savitt Gems vs. Philadelphia Colored Giants, 1938.

Pete “Lefty” Naktenis, Savitt Gems, 1938

New York Black Yankees vs. Savitt Gems, 1939.

Savitt eventually organized a game between his Gems and the city’s professional squad, the Hartford Senators. On July 1, 1940, a forty-piece marching band and 4,000 spectators were on hand to see Jim Hickey pitch the Senators to a narrow 6-5 victory. Hickey allowed eleven hits; three of them to Gems outfielder Jake Banks. Savitt’s club outhit the Senators and the exhibition game raised more than $2,000 for the Red Cross during the early stages of World War II.

For the 1941 season, he hired former Major League pitchers Edward “Big Ed” Walsh, Jack Salveson and Bob Brady to sling for the Gems. His everyday position players were Al Jarlett, Gus Gardella, Jimmy Francoline, Frank Messenger, Ed Kukulka, Stan Todd, Mickey Katkaveck and Joe David. Standout amateurs, most of whom were contributing to the war effort in nearby factories, included men like Ray Curry, Vic Pagani and Yosh Kinel.

L to R: Outfielders of the Savitt Gems – John Dione, Ed Holly, Jake Banks and Ray Curry, 1940.

1941 Savitt Gems at Dexter Park, Queens, New York.

Next, Savitt landed one of the greatest hitters of all-time in 1942. Before serving in World War II, Ted Williams drove to Hartford to appear for the Gems. Savitt had convinced Williams to play centerfield versus the New Britain Cremos in return for $1000 in war bonds. The Cremos featured battery mates of the Brooklyn Dodgers and 1941 World Series winners, Hugh Casey and Mickey Owen. Before the game in batting practice, Williams wowed more than 2,500 fans with is natural hitting ability.

Bill and Max Savitt welcome Ted Williams to Hartford, 1942.

Savitt Gems vs. New Britain Cremos, 1942.

Two other big leaguers, Bob “Spike” Repass and Johnny Barrett also appeared for the Gems, but it was Ted Williams who won the night. In the seventh inning, “The Kid” cracked a game-winning home run beyond the centerfield wall and the Gems edged New Britain (2-1). Hartford-born ace, Monk Dubiel had kept the Cremos at bay for five scoreless innings. The following year, Dubiel signed with the New York Yankees, though he often returned in the offseason to pitch for the Savitt Gems.

Bob “Spike” Repass, Infielder, Savitt Gems, 1942.

Pete Kapura and Bob Hungerford, Savitt Gems, 1943.

Hank Karlon, Catcher, Savitt Gems, 1942.

Joe Tripp, Shortstop, Savitt Gems, 1943.

On a late summer evening in 1943, Kansas City Monarchs star Leroy “Satchel” Paige collided with the Gems at Bulkeley Stadium. Paige showed off his burning fastball and jug-handle curve, but the Gems weren’t fooled. They raked hits off of Paige in the first three frames. Andy Fisher and Ed Holly both had three base knocks. Lou Ucich and George Woodend did the pitching for the Gems. Savitt’s game against Satchel Paige ended in a tie due to “dimout regulations” amid World War II.

Satchel Paige, Pitcher, Kansas City Monarchs, 1943.

A few days later, Savitt hosted a U.S. Coast Guard team called the Dolphins to take on his Gems. Coast Guard brought Norman “Babe” Young, a home run hitter from the New York Giants and Hank Majeski, an infielder of the Boston Braves. As for the Gems, standouts included third baseman John “Whitey” Piurek and outfielder John Augustine. Pitchers on both sides were ineffective in the doubleheader, allowing a total of sixty-one hits. The Dolphins won the first game 15-9. Bushy Kapura went deep for the Gems in game two, who won 12-11.

Babe Young, Outfielder, New York Giants, 1943.

Bob Brady and George Woodend, Savitt Gems, 1943.

Mickey Katkaveck, Catcher, Savitt Gems, 1944.

On September 7, 1945, Josh Gibson and Sammy Bankhead of the Homestead Grays challenged the Gems at Bulkeley Stadium. With a runner aboard in the seventh frame, Gibson poled a home run over the center field fence. Hank Karlon, Ray Curry, and Joe Tripp each had a multi-hit day for the Gems. However, Homestead Grays pitcher, Ernest Carter held the Gems scoreless for seven straight innings. In the bottom of the eighth inning, the Gems rallied, but iy would not be enough, as Josh Gibson and the Grays defeated Bill Savitt’s club.

Josh Gibson, Catcher, Homestead Grays, 1945.

Later that month, on September 25, 1945, Hartford’s own Monk Dubiel and his New York Yankees squared off against the Savitt Gems. The Gems hosted the Yankees at Muzzy Field in Bristol, Connecticut. The Yankees demonstrated their superior firepower before 3,000 spectators. New York’s right fielder, Arthur “Bud” Metheny hit two homers. The Yankees won behind Dubiel who permitted just three earned runs.

On September 30, 1945, Bill Savitt welcomed the world’s most famous athlete to Hartford’s Bulkeley Stadium. George Herman “Babe” Ruth agreed to visit for a doubleheader benefit series between the Savitt Gems and the New Britain Codys. At fifty-one years of age, the “Great Bambino” put on a powerful home run hitting display in batting practice. Ruth wore a brand new Savitt Gems’ uniform with a red cap and red stockings. Babe Ruth coached first base for the Gems during the first two innings of the nightcap.

Then in third inning, he pinch-hit for Cliff Keeney. Ruth stepped in the batter’s box, swung and missed at the first pitch he saw. Then, he fouled a ball straight back for strike two. On the third pitch, Ruth tapped a comebacker to the pitcher and was forced out at first base. About 2,500 paid admission to catch a glimpse of Ruth, who signed autographs and posed for photos after the game. Ruth’s cameo, organized by Bill Savitt, marked the Babe’s final appearance in a baseball game before passing away on August 16, 1948.

James “Jigger” Farrell and Babe Ruth, 1945.

Ruth signing autographs at Bulkeley Stadium, Hartford, 1945.

After the traumatic events of World War II, Bill Savitt focused on new opportunities outside of baseball. For a brief period in 1946, Savitt Jewelers showcased one of the largest precious stones in the world, the Jonker Diamond. The store later featured Hope Diamond. Around this time, Bill and his brother Max sold Bulkeley Stadium and established a radio station, WCCC Hartford. In 1949, Bill Savitt broadcasted on air with “Old Blue Eyes” Frank Sinatra from Hartford’s Hotel Bond.

Savitt Jewelers, Jonkers Diamond ad, 1945.

WCCC Hartford, Savitt with Sinatra, 1949.

L to R: On air at WCCC Hartford – Ted Williams, Sebby Sisti, Max Savitt, Harry Cleveland, Warren Spahn and Bill Savitt, 1947.

Bill Savitt donating to Camp Courant, 1949.

Bill Savitt gifts baseballs at Camp Courant, Hartford, 1949.

As for Savitt’s ballclub, the Gems eventually disbanded at the end of 1949 season. He continued to support baseball by donating to the Hartford Twilight League. Savitt kept up with his former players by hosting twi-loop old-timers games at Dillon Stadium. Dozens of Gems attended the reunions such as Johnny Taylor and Pete Naktenis; as did sportswriters, umpires and city officials. The largest gathering of twilight league old-timers was held in 1968.

Savitt Jewelers ad, Hartford Courant, 1950.

GHTBL Old-Timers’ with Bill Savitt (second from right), Dillon Stadium, 1968.

He also threw annual Christmas Eve parties at Savitt Jewelers. Gems alumni and their longtime manager Jigger Farrell attended each year. As an inside joke, Bill placed an advertisement in the Hartford Courant signaling his intention to sign Farrell for another year as manager. Though the Gems were no longer an active team, Savitt honored the tradition every Christmas from 1950 until 1984. One headline read, “Jigger Farrell Signs for the Umpteenth Year.” Savitt’s dear friend, passed away on May 6, 1985, and he remembered Farrell saying:

“You never met a greater guy in your life. He was a great athlete and a great Christian.”
Bill Savitt

L to R: Bill Savitt, Johnny Roser, Bud Mahon, Jigger Farrell and Bob Steele.

Another close friend of Savitt was the prominent Hartford broadcaster and announcer for the Gems, Bob Steele. Savitt and Steele bonded over shared interests. They complemented each other personally and professionally for decades by cross-promoting in print and radio ads. They also co-founded a West Hartford scholarship fund. Both men known to be quick-witted, as Steele once presided over a friendly roast of Savitt attended by 450 people at the Sheraton-Hartford Hotel.

Savitt Jewelers advertisement featuring Bob Steele, Hartford Courant, 1944.

L to R: Jim O’Day, Bill Savitt and Bob Steele, 1955.

Savitt & Steele Super Bowl advertisement, 1970.

Savitt was also a friend to Hartford’s nonprofit and civic organizations. He became chairman of the Hartford Chapter of the Red Cross in 1952 and ideas for economic recovery in the wake of Connecticut’s 1955 flood disaster brought about change to Red Cross policy. Then he was appointed Chairman of the Commerce Committee at University of Hartford. His contributions led to the development of the Bloomfield Avenue campus. In 1960, Hartford’s Nathan Hale Chapter and New Britain’s Elpis Chapter of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association chose Savitt as Hartford County’s Outstanding Citizen.

Bill Savitt at Red Cross Headquarters, Geneva, Switzerland, 1952.

Savitt standing on his head for the Red Cross, 1952.

Bill Savitt accepts marketing award, 1951.

Savitt was recognized by National Conference of Christians and Jews. He was a member of Emanuel Synagogue of West Hartford and served on the synagogue’s Board of Directors. The Jewish War Veterans praised Savitt for exemplifying the principles of American interfaith relationships with the JWV Citizenship Award. The Greater Hartford Junior Chamber of Commerce once gave him an “Outstanding Boss” honor. He also received a certificate from the Veterans of Foreign Wars for meritorious service to veterans both during World War II and after the war.

Savitt’s honor Little League champions, 1953.

Savitt’s host Little League dinner, 1953.

Almost every year through the 1950’s and 1960’s, Savitt purchased a block of concert tickets for students of the Connecticut Institute of the Blind to hear the Hartford Symphony Orchestra at Bushnell Memorial Auditorium. He sponsored thousands of young athletes and donated hundreds of trophies to organizations for athletic achievements in the Greater Hartford area. Subsequently, Savitt was awarded the 1962 Distinguished Service Medal by Hartfords’ Jonathan Lodge of Odd Fellows.

Savitt sponsors show for Camp Courant at the Bushnell, 1955.

Savitt Jewelers ad, Hartford Courant, 1960.

Savitt and employees at Savitt Jewelers, 1960.

Savitt with employees at at Savitt Jewelers, 1960.

Bill Savitt receives Jonathan Lodge of Odd Fellows Award, 1962.

Savitt Jewelers billboard on Asylum Street in Hartford, 1965.

During the latter half of his life, Savitt was bestowed with even more honors. In 1971, the United States Small Business Administration awarded him as the Connecticut Small Businessman of the Year. He also accepted awards from the Ted Williams Jimmy Fund, Hartford Public Schools, Times Farm, Camp Courant, Ned Coll’s Revitalization and the American Legion. William A. O’Neill, 84th Governor of Connecticut, proclaimed April 30, 1987, “Bill Savitt Day” and the City of Hartford named a street “Savitt Way” in the North End (still exists today).

Connecticut Small Businessman of the Year Award, 1971.

Savitt honored by Masons, Hartford, 1973.

Savitt thanks his loyal customers, 1976.

Bill Savitt supporting the Hartford Twilight League, 1983.

Because of his generosity, Bill Savitt made many friends along the way. When his friend Ted Williams refused to tip his cap after his last homer in 1960, Savitt wrote to Williams:

“Be a gentleman. These are your customers. These are people who make you who you are. You need to tip your hat.”
Bill Savitt

Finally on Ted Williams Day in 1991, a seventy-two year old Williams famously tipped his cap to the Fenway faithful saying:

“Today, I tip my hat to all the fans of New England. The greatest sports fans on earth.”
Ted Williams

Bill Savitt in the office at Savitt Jewelers, 1986.

Ted Williams tips his cap at Fenway Park, 1991.

Bill Savitt passed away on March 14, 1995. He was the beloved husband of his wife Helen Savitt and father of Rosalie and Deborah. Savitt left behind an immense legacy of charity and goodwill. Many remembered him for keeping business and baseball alive in Hartford. Few Connecticut men have made a greater impact as a baseball promoter than Bill Savitt, King of Diamonds.

1930 Savitt Gems Hartford Champions ring (photo taken in 2019).

A Savitt Jewelers 10% off discount coin, 2019.

Sources:
1. Hartford Courant database accessed via www.Newspapers.com.
2. Reading Times accessed via www.Newspapers.com.

Tue. 11/06/18Mon. 04/19/21 by Weston Ulbrich

When Babe Ruth Barnstormed Greater Hartford

A young George Herman “Babe” Ruth visited the Greater Hartford area of Connecticut, to play baseball on multiple occasions. Like many big leaguers of his time, Ruth barnstormed the nation to earn additional pay. When he first visited the Constitution State in the fall of 1918, Ruth was a 23 year old starting pitcher for the Boston Red Sox. He had won more games than any left-handed pitcher in the previous four seasons. During that stretch, he compiled a 2.28 earned run average and a .650 winning percentage. His phenomenal achievements and large physical traits gave him instant appeal.

Ruth warming up at the 1918 World Series.

Ruth’s first appearance in Connecticut came after the 1918 World Series wherein the Red Sox defeated the Chicago Cubs. A victorious Ruth pitched 29 ⅔ scoreless innings (a mark not broken until Whitey Ford recorded 33 ⅔ innings in 1961). Attending the World Series was James H. Clarkin, sole proprietor of the Hartford Senators of the Eastern League. Clarkin tried to recruit both teams to play an exhibition game in Hartford benefiting American soldiers fighting in World War I. When his offer was declined Clarkin managed to land Babe Ruth instead.

Ruth and Boston Red Sox win 1918 World Series.

When Connecticut baseball fans received reports of Ruth’s arrival, they were clamoring to see him in action. Days after winning his second World Series, he appeared in several exhibition games throughout the state. His initial stop was in New Haven at Lighthouse Point Baseball Park. Ruth played first base for the semi-pro New Haven Colonials. He slugged a home run in a 5 to 1 loss against the Cuban Stars made up of players from the Negro Leagues.

The next evening, on Saturday, September 14, 1918, Ruth departed from New Haven and arrived in Hartford. He attracted large crowds of people hoping to meet the budding superstar. He was driven into the city by Manager Curtis Gillette of the semi-pro Hartford Poli’s baseball club to lavish accommodations at Hotel Bond on Asylum Street. The Hartford Poli’s were known as one of the “fastest” clubs in New England. The next day, Ruth joined the Poli’s on the Hartford’s top-notch diamond at Wethersfield Avenue Grounds.

On Sunday, September 15, 1918, Babe Ruth and the Hartford Poli’s opposed the Fisk Red Tops of Chicopee, Massachusetts. While pitching and batting third, he recorded two hits including a double off the “Bull Durham” tobacco sign on the center field wall. Ruth also threw a complete game shutout, allowed 4 hits and led the Poli’s to a 1-0 victory. He beat his Red Sox counterpart, Dutch Leonard who guest starred on the mound for the Fisk Red Tops. Another Red Sox teammate, Sam Agnew played catcher for the Poli’s and drove in the game’s only run. Ruth and the gang entertained a Hartford crowd of more than 5,000, earning $350 for his appearance.

A week later, Ruth once again played at the Wethersfield Avenue Grounds for the Hartford Poli’s in a doubleheader. In the opening game, the Poli’s went head to head with the Pratt & Whitney Aircraft company nine. Five Major Leaguers including Ruth appeared that day. Ruth again was starting pitcher and hit third in the lineup. Even though he pitched well, Ruth was out-dueled by his Red Sox teammate and Pratt & Whitney guest star, “Bullet” Joe Bush who won the game by a score of 1 to 0.

Babe Ruth and “Bullet” Joe Bush, Boston Red Sox, 1918.

In the second game of the doubleheader, Ruth and the Poli’s faced an army base nine from Fort Slocum near New Rochelle, New York. Ray Fisher, former Hartford Senator turned New York Yankees ace mowed down Poli batters. The Fort Slocum nine beat the Poli’s by a score of 4 to 1. Ruth played first base, hit a single and scored the Poli’s lone run. A crowd of about 3,000 people were in attendance for this rare occasion; a doubleheader featuring Babe Ruth in Hartford.

The Babe must have enjoyed stopping over in Connecticut, because in autumn of the following year, he came back. This time he brought his Boston Red Sox teammates to Muzzy Field in Bristol, Connecticut, where Ruth would set a new record. On September 21, 1919, he played first base and hit fourth for the Red Sox versus Bristol’s semi-pro juggernaut, the New Departure Endees. The team was sponsored by New Departure, a division of General Motors, and a manufacturer of ball bearings for automobiles, planes, ships and military equipment.

Babe Ruth & Eddie Goodridge of New Departure, Muzzy Field, 1919.

Also on the field for the Red Sox was Hall of Fame outfielder, Harry Hooper who had two hits and a run on the day. Though it was Babe Ruth who stole the show. “All eyes were pointed at the famous baseball mauler,” according to the Hartford Courant when he blasted the first ever home run at Muzzy Field. Hooper was on first base when the Babe connected with a pitch thrown by New Departure’s Freddie Rieger, a star pitcher for the Pittsfield team in the Eastern League. Ruth’s homer sailed over the right field fence as 5,000 onlookers cheered in adulation. The Red Sox won by a score of 6 to 2 over New Departure. The game would be remembered as Connecticut’s most thrilling sporting event of the year.

Babe Ruth and Lester Sigourney, New Departure Manager, Muzzy Field, 1919.

L to R: DeWitt Page, Babe Ruth and Judge William J. Malone, Muzzy Field, 1919.

While the rest of the Red Sox went home, Ruth stay in Connecticut. He played first base in another game with the Hartford Poli’s on September 28, 1919 at Poli Field in East Hartford. The Poli’s were met by the New Britain Pioneers, the Hardware City’s top ball club. Mayor of Hartford, Richard J. Kinsella threw out the game’s ceremonial first pitch and posed for a photograph with Ruth. The Babe hit two balls over the right field fence but was only allowed one base for each long ball due to a “short porch” ground rule. Earlier that day he had hit a batting practice homer said to be struck over 500 feet. The Poli’s shutout the Pioneers 3 to 0 before a crowd of more than 6,000 fans.

Babe Ruth and Mayor Richard J. Kinsella, Hartford, Connecticut, 1919.

Spectators at Poli Field, East Hartford, Connecticut, 1919.

A few months later, on January 5, 1920, Babe Ruth was purchased by the New York Yankees from the Red Sox for $125,000 cash and $300,000 in loans. His services were sold after Ruth refused to return to the Red Sox at a salary of $10,000 per year. The Yankees struck the deal of the century. Ruth went on to smash his own home run record with an astounding 54 dingers in the 1920 season, while batting at .376 clip. New York only made Ruth bigger, better and in higher demand to fans across the country. Fortunately for cranks in Connecticut, the Babe kept coming back to play for the Poli’s.

By the end of 1920, the New York Yankees were runner-ups in the American League behind the Cleveland Indians. As the season came to a close, Manager Gillette of Hartford persuaded Ruth to join the Poli’s once more. Again they faced the New Departure squad at Muzzy Field. On October 2, 1920, The Babe hit clean up for the Poli’s, played every position except pitcher and went 4 for 4 with 3 singles and a double. Nonetheless, New Departure shutout the Poli’s 7 to 0 thanks to crafty pitching from Gus Helfrich, a minor league spitball hurler from the New York State League. Extra trains and trolleys were scheduled to Bristol that Saturday afternoon, allowing 10,000 fans a chance to see Babe Ruth one last time at Muzzy Field.

Babe Ruth coming to Muzzy Field, Bristol, Connecticut, 1920.

Babe Ruth at Muzzy Field, Bristol, Connecticut, 1920.

Connecticut’s amateur and semi-pro baseball clubs regularly hosted Babe Ruth and in return, he left a long-lasting impression. In Greater Hartford and beyond, Ruth earned baseball thousands of new fans. He barnstormed throughout the East Coast in grand fashion, ushering in the home run era and baseball’s Golden Age (1920 to 1960). He retired in 1935 after leading the New York Yankees to their first 4 World Series wins. Ten years later, Babe Ruth took the final at bat of his career when he appeared in an exhibition game for the Savitt Gems at Hartford’s Bulkeley Stadium.