Jul 27 7:00 PM Palmer Field PhilliesMets	Jul 28 6:00 PM Wethersfield High School OriolesM&T Bank	Jul 28 6:00 PM Bristol Central GreenersExpos	Jul 28 7:00 PM Northwest Park BrewersJets	Jul 30 6:30 PM Ceppa Field MetsExpos	Jul 30 7:00 PM Northwest Park GreenersBrewers	May 29 7:00 PM Northwest Park ExposBrewers	May 29 8:00 PM Muzzy Field MetsGreeners	May 31 5:00 PM Nevers Park MetsPhillies	May 31 5:00 PM McCoy Field M&T BankOrioles	Jun 1 7:00 PM McKenna Field GreenersJets

Tag: babe ruth

Al Niemiec Baseball Player Meriden Connecticut Native GHTBL

Wed. 11/12/25Mon. 04/27/26 by Weston Ulbrich

From Meriden to the Majors: Alfred Niemiec’s Baseball Odyssey

Like so many kids from Meriden, Connecticut, and every town in between, Al Niemiec had ambitious dreams of a Major League Baseball career. His dream became reality in 1934 when he was called up to the American League. That same year, Niemiec crossed paths with his idol, Babe Ruth, even snagging one of Ruth’s hotshot liners at second base.

Niemiec’s story is intertwined with the trade that delivered Ted Williams to the Red Sox, and yet Niemiec is best remembered for his groundbreaking legal battle against organized baseball, securing work rights for World War II veterans.

1933 Alfred J. Niemiec Meriden Connecticut Baseball Player — Al Niemiec, 1933.

Born May 18, 1911, Alfred Joseph Niemiec grew up on Meriden’s Ridgefield Street. His father was a city firefighter and his mother was a homemaker. Niemiec attended Meriden High School and graduated from St. Thomas Seminary (Bloomfield, CT).

He became an All-New England third baseman at College of the Holy Cross (Worcester, MA) under head coach Jack Barry, a fellow Meriden native. In the summertime, Niemiec appeared in the Middlesex County League for Meriden’s St. Stanislaus club. At the end of his senior year at Holy Cross, Niemiec was voted, “best all ’round man” on campus by his peers.

1933 Alfred J. Niemiec Meriden Connecticut Holy Cross Baseball 1 — Al Niemiec, Holy Cross, 1933.

He went on to impress in the minor leagues. Niemiec was signed by the Red Sox and assigned to the Reading Red Sox in the New York-Penn League. He appeared in 62 games and hit for a .306 batting average. He credited his manager, Nemo Leibold, for turning him into a true professional.

During offseasons, he coached Meriden’s St. Stanislaus Basketball Club as part of the State Polish League. Niemiec then proved to be durable after 137 appearances for the Kansas City Blues.

1934 Boston Red Sox Spike Merena Skinny Graham Mel Almada George Hockette and Al Niemiec at Fenway Park 1 — L to R: Boston Red Sox players Spike Merena, Skinny Graham, Mel Almada, George Hockette, and Al Niemiec at Fenway Park, 1934.

His flashy fielding and quick legs earned him a late-season call-up to Boston. Niemiec made his Major League debut at Fenway Park on September 19, 1934, smacking two hits with a run batted in against St. Louis. He went 3-for-3 with another RBI the next day.

1936 Al Niemiec Philadelphia Athletics Meriden Connecticut Native 1 2 — Al Niemiec, Philadelphia Athletics, 1936.

Unfortunately, his hot start fizzled, and his bat was inconsistent. Though he committed no errors for the Red Sox, he was shipped off to upstate New York to help the Syracuse Chiefs clinch an International League pennant.

1936 Al Niemiec Philadelphia Athletics Meriden Connecticut Native — Al Niemiec, Philadelphia Athletics, 1936.

Manager Connie Mack and the Philadelphia Athletics saw potential in the 25 year old Niemiec. The A’s traded for him, along with $75,000 in cash in a deal involving Doc Cramer and Eric McNair. Mack had started his baseball career in Niemiec’s hometown of Meriden more than five decades prior to the trade.

Niemiec played 69 games for the Mackmen in 1936, alongside another Connecticut native, Pete Naktenis. After posting a dismal .197 batting average, Niemiec was plunged back down to the minors.

1936 Philadelphia Athletics Connie Mack Al Niemiec — 1936 Philadelphia Athletics

Although he captured another minor league title with the Little Rock Travelers, the Red Sox decided to trade Niemiec. On December 7, 1937, the Associated Press reported: “Beating other clubs to the deal, the Boston Red Sox today obtained Ted Williams, promising ‘kid’ outfielder, from San Diego of the Pacific Coast league for two players and cash.”

The two players were infielder Al Niemiec and outfielder Dom Dallessandro. Williams began his campaign as the game’s greatest hitter, while Niemiec found himself as far from home as ever.

1937 Little Rock Travelers Al Niemiec — 1937 Little Rock Travelers with Al-Niemiec (standing, far left).

Niemiec made the most of the Pacific Coast League. He shined as a defensive wiz for the San Diego Padres and the Seattle Rainiers. Niemiec anchored second base for the Rainiers and won three straight PCL titles. He often led the league in fielding percentage while sporting a respectable batting average.

Then, a more serious duty called. Alfred Niemiec enlisted in the United States Navy and rose to the rank of Lieutenant during World War II.

1940 Sicks Stadium Seattle Washington — Sick’s Stadium, Seattle, Washington, 1940.

When he returned to reclaim his spot with the Rainiers in 1946, Niemiec was 35 years of age. In just 11 games played, Seattle released him on grounds that he was too old for second base.

Unfazed, Niemiec fought back, citing the Selective Training and Service Act of 1940, known as the G.I. Bill, which guaranteed veterans their old jobs for at least a trial period. The Rainiers sent him a dismissal letter which praised his loyalty but cut him anyway.

1940 Al Niemiec Seattle Rainers Baseball Meriden Connecticut Native — Al Niemiec argues with an umpire in Seattle, 1940.

Niemiec took his case to the Selective Service System, an independent agency of the United States government which slammed the Rainiers for violating the law. Backed by Major League Baseball, the team dug in, arguing Niemiec’s skills had faded.

The case landed before District Court Judge Lloyd Black in June 1946. His ruling stated that the team’s old age claim was a “hunch,” not cause, and their contract did not override the law.

1945 Seattle Rainers in Service Al Niemiec — Seattle Rainiers program with Emil Sick, owner, 1945.

Judge Black ordered the Rainiers to pay Niemiec $2,884.50—his contract value minus earnings from a brief stint with Providence and from a side-job as a beer salesman for a brewery, owned by Rainiers proprietor, Emil Sick.

Niemiec’s win in court rippled, and other veterans like John Yelovic and Larry Guay secured similar payments. His stand challenged baseball’s iron grip on players, and achieved a victory for veterans’ rights amid a game slow to change.

1946 Jun 26 All Baseball Involved in Niemiec Case 1 edited — *Niemiec* v. Seattle Rainier Baseball Club, 1946.

Niemiec’s last job in baseball took place in Great Falls, Montana, as General Manager. He resigned after one season and returned home to Meriden. He married Tessie Nowakowski of 82 Gale Street, Meriden, and they raised four children. An athlete in her own right, Tessie was a locally known basketball player for the Meriden Insilcos.

Al Niemiec loved his family, fishing, golfing and gardening at his home at 85 Gale Street (where Ceppa Field’s parking lot is located nowadays). The family eventually moved to the West Coast, and many years later, on October 29, 1995, Al Niemiec died at 84 in Kirkland, Washington.

1935 Mrs. Alfred Niemiec Tessie Nowakowski 1 — Tessie (Nowakowski) Niemiec

His legacy lives on today through his historic legal fight for veterans’ rights, but also through his surviving family members—some still in Meriden.

A descendent of Niemiec, A.J. Hendrickson, is Player-manager of the Record-Journal Expos in the Greater Hartford Twilight Baseball League. After ten years in the Twi-loop, Hendrickson still swings with the same grit of his forefathers.

AJ Hendrickson Record Journal Expos Baseball GHTBL 3 — A.J. Hendrickson, Player-Manager, Record-Journal Expos, 2025.

Source

Obermeyer, Jeff. “Disposable Heroes: Returning World War II Veteran Al Niemiec Takes on Organized Baseball.” Baseball Research Journal, vol. 39, no. 1, Summer 2010, https://sabr.org/journal/article/disposable-heroes-returning-world-war-ii-veteran-al-niemiec-takes-on-organized-baseball/.

Sat. 03/04/23Fri. 05/16/25 by Weston Ulbrich

Cobb, Ruth & Wethersfield Avenue Grounds of Old South Hartford

A long lost baseball park in the South End of Hartford, Connecticut, once hosted Ty Cobb, Babe Ruth, hometown professionals and local amateurs. Wethersfield Avenue Grounds, also referred to as Hartford Baseball Park or the Hartford Grounds was built in 1896. Hartford Base Ball Club owner and manager, William Barnie, led the construction of a grandstand, 150 feet wide and 20 feet tall. Then in 1905, James H. Clarkin purchased the Hartford Senators of the Connecticut State League and leased Wethersfield Avenue Grounds. At that time, the Hartford Courant praised the baseball diamond as “the finest in this section of the country.”

1896 Hartford Base Ball Club Wethersfield Avenue Grounds — Barnie secures Wethersfield Avenue Grounds, 1896.

1896 Hartford Ball Park Wethersfield Avenue — Hartford Ball Park, Wethersfield Avenue, 1896.

1900 Billy Barnie Hartford Manager — Bill Barnie, 1900.

1905 James Clarkin Hartford Senators Baseball Club Owner — James Clarkin, 1905.

1908 Hartford Base Ball Grounds — Wethersfield Avenue Grounds, Hartford, Connecticut, 1908.

Including home stands of the Hartford Senators, thousands of games were played on the skin diamond at Wethersfield Avenue Grounds. High demand in the venue caused improvements and renovations on several occasions. The first remodel came after the Senators won a pennant in 1909. The following spring Wethersfield Avenue Grounds boasted a new ticket office, a concessions stand and carpeting in the clubhouse. Senators Manager Bob Connery expressed his pleasure with the upgrades and the ballpark became a destination for the game’s biggest names.

1910 WIlliam Moore Hartford Baseball Park Groundskeeper — William Moore, Hartford Groundskeeper, 1910.

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

1912 New Grandstand at Wethersfiled Avenue Grounds Hartford Baseball Park — Wethersfield Avenue Grounds, 1912.

1913 Benny Kauff Hartford Senators — Benny Kauff, Outfielder, Hartford Senators, 1913.

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

In the summer of 1916, the infamous Ty Cobb delighted a Hartford crowd fans at Wethersfield Avenue Grounds. Cobb guest starred for the visiting New Haven Colonials at first base and 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 shutout the Poli’s 7-0. Cobb would return to Hartford in 1918, though his visits would be overshadowed by another great slugger.

1916 Ty Cobb New Haven Colonials vs Hartford Polis — Ty Cobb plays in Hartford, 1916.

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. Ruth pitched the Hartford Poli’s to a 1-0 victory versus the Fisk Red Tops, by hurling a complete game shutout and allowing just four hits. He also batted third in the order, recording a single and double. The game drew a crowd of about 5,000 spectators and Ruth was paid $350 for his appearance.

1918 Babe Ruth Hartford Wethersfield Aveune Grounds — Babe Ruth plays at Wethersfield Avenue Grounds, 1918.

In 1921, Owner Clarkin built a new ballpark a stones throw from Wethersfield Avenue Grounds. The new site was located at the intersection of Hanmer Street and George Street off of Franklin Avenue in South Hartford. Dubbed Clarkin Field, the new grandstand of steel and concrete wrapped from foul pole to foul pole. The park was completed in 1921 and baseball at Wethersfield Avenue Grounds finally came to a close.

1913 Jack Barry Philadelphia Athletics Meriden Connecticut Infielder

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.

1908 Jack Barry Philadelphia Athletics Meriden Connecticut — Jack Barry, Philadelphia Athletics, 1908.

1913 Jack Barry Infielder Philadelphia Athletics Meriden Connecticut — 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.

1913 100000 infield Jack Barry Eddie Collins Stuffy McInnis Frank Baker Philadelphia Athletics — *$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.

1915 Jack Barry Boston Red Sox Infielder — Jack Barry, Boston Red Sox, 1915.

1915 Jack Barry Boston Red Sox Kneeling — Jack Barry, Boston Red Sox, 1915.

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.

1915 Babe Ruth Bill Carrigan Jack Barry and Vean Gregg Boston Red Sox edited — 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.

1920 c. Braves Field Boston Massachusetts — 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.

1935 Babe Ruth Jack Barry Rabbit Maranville Boston Braves Baseball — 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.

1937 Jack Barry Holy Cross and Joe Cronin Boston Red — 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.

1951 Apr 25 Holy Cross Jack Barry of Meriden — 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. 02/18/21Sun. 05/03/26 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).

1920 Oct 1 Babe Ruth Connecticut Car Crash edited — 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.

1920 Oct 1 Babe Ruth Meriden Connecticut Car Crash — The Meriden Daily Journal, October 1, 1920.

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.

Babe Ruth Meriden Connecticut Car Crash Culvert Location — 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.

1903 Polis Theatre Hartford — 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.

1920 Sylvester Z. Poli scaled — 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.

1906 Apr 13 Poli Baseball League Connecticut and Massachusetts — 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.

1912 Hockers Gamerdinger Hartford Polis — 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.

1913 Hartford Polis Baseball Club scaled — 1913 Hartford Poli’s Baseball Club

1914 Poli Baseball Team — 1914 Hartford Poli’s Baseball Club

1914 Polis Hartford Team Vannie Oppelt Corkins — Hartford Poli’s, 1914.

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.

1915 Poli Baseball Team scaled — 1915 Hartford Poli’s Baseball Club

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.

1916 Hartford Polis Baseball Club 1 — 1916 Poli Baseball Club

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.

1916 Ty Cobb New Haven Colonials vs Hartford Polis 1 — Manager Gillette recruited New York Giants pitcher Benny Kauff to face Ty Cobb and the New Haven Colonials, 1916.

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

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

1917 Sep 17 Manager Gillette Given Gold Watch Polis scaled — Curtis Gillette, 1917.

1918 Lester Lanning Wesleyan Hartford Polis 1 — Lester Lanning, Outfielder, Hartford Poli’s and Wesleyan University graduate, 1917.

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

1917 Hartford Polis Baseball — 1917 Hartford Poli’s Baseball Club

1917 New York Bloomer Girls vs. Hartford Polis — 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.

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.

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

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

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

1918 Fisk Poli Trophy — Fisk-Poli Trophy, 1918

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

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

1921 Jack Muldoon Hartford Polis — 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.

1918 Sep 22 Famous Speed Merchant and Peerless First Sackerl Appear this Afternoon Babe Ruth Hartford Polis — 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.

1918 Sep 23 Bush Shuts Out Polis in Hard Pitchers Battle — Hartford Courant excerpt, 1918.

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.

1919 Sep 29 Pioneers Lose to Polis and Ruth scaled e1732769383235 — Hartford Courant excerpt, 1919.

1919 Jun 29 Hartford Polis vs. New Haven Nutmegs at Poli Field — Hartford Poli’s vs. New Haven Nutmegs, 1919.

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

1920 Babe Ruth To Play for Polis scaled — Babe Ruth comes to Muzzy Field, 1920.

1920 Oct 3 Ruth Gets Four Hits at Bristol for Hartford Polis — Ruth Four Hits at Bristol for the Hartford Poli’s, 1920.

1920 Babe Ruth Muzzy Field Lifts One a Mile High — Babe Ruth in the batter’s box, Muzzy Field, Bristol, CT, 1920.

1920 Babe Ruth Muzzy Field Not So Fast — Babe Ruth tagged out, Muzzy Field, 1920.

1920 Babe Ruth Muzzy Field — Babe Ruth playing first base, Muzzy Field, 1920.

1920 Babe Ruth Muzzy Field Gift — 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

Rose and Sylvester Poli Milford Connecticut — Sylvester and Rosa Poli

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.

1906PolisStockCompany — Poli’s ad, Hartford Courant, 1906.

1909 Polis Mike Donlin Hartford Vaudeville — Poli’s ad, Hartford Courant, 1909.

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.

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

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

1914PolisPalaceTheatre — 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.

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

The Hartford Poli's Baseball Club 93 — Fox Poli Theatre, Main Street, Hartford, Connecticut, 1929.

1948 Leows Poli Theatre scaled — 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.

1940 Bulkeley Stadium Hartford Connecticut

Sat. 06/15/19Fri. 03/07/25 by Weston Ulbrich

Bulkeley Stadium, Gone But Not Forgotten

Morgan G. Bulkeley Stadium

Former names: Wethersfield Avenue Grounds (Hartford Baseball Park) from 1901-1921. Clarkin Field (Clarkin Stadium) from 1921-1927.
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).

1928 Bulkeley Stadium Hartford Connecticut 2 — Bulkeley Stadium, Hartford, Connecticut, 1928.

Morgan G. Bulkeley Stadium was a celebrated sports venue in Hartford, Connecticut, best known as the site of Babe Ruth’s final appearance. The stadium set the stage for countless minor league matchups and a diverse array of sporting events, allowing Hartford to host major league icons and rising amateur talents from around the world. Originally built in 1921 as Clarkin Field, it was renamed in 1928 to honor Morgan Gardner Bulkeley, former Connecticut Governor, United States Senator and first President of the National League.

1911 Morgan G. Bulkeley — Morgan Gardner Bulkeley, 1911.

The stadium was the primary home of the Hartford Baseball Club, a minor league club known by several different names over the years: Senators, Bees, Laurels, and eventually, Chiefs. Semi-professional teams like the Savitt Gems and the Hartford Indians attracted fans to the ballpark in the 1930s and 1940s. During off seasons, the facility featured the Hartford Blues of the National Football League, nationally sanctioned boxing matches, motor sports and artistic performances.

2004 Hartford Connecticut Baseball Park Map 2 — Map of baseball venues throughout Hartford’s history, 2004.

The story of Bulkeley Stadium originates a block to the east at Wethersfield Avenue Grounds, also referred to as Hartford Baseball Park or the Hartford Grounds. The diamond was built in March of 1896, by Hartford Baseball Club owner and manager, William Barnie. Then in 1905, James H. Clarkin purchased the team and leased Wethersfield Avenue Grounds. At that time, the Hartford Courant praised the playing surface as “the finest in this section of the country.”

After a few renovations to Wethersfield Avenue Grounds, owner Clarkin financed a new stadium a stone’s throw away. The new site was located at the intersection of Hanmer Street and George Street off of Franklin Avenue in South Hartford. Clarkin’s 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 park opened in 1921, dubbed Clarkin Field (also called Clarkin Stadium).

1921 Clarkin Field New Baseball Park Stands Erected By Local Company 1 — Clarkin Field, 1921.

1921 Clarkin Field Blueprint — Clarkin Field blueprint, 1921.

1921 Clarkin Field Hartford Baseball 2 — The new Clarkin Field, 1921.

1921 Aug 21 Hartford Police Game at Clarkin Field John M. Henry — Hartford Police defeat Waterbury Police, Clarkin Field, 1921.

1922 Clarkin Field Hartford Senators — Clarkin Field, 1921.

Clarkin’s field gained a reputation as one of New England’s top ballparks that drew world class players. The stadium played a significant role in Lou Gehrig’s early professional career with Hartford in 1921, 1923, and 1924. To skirt collegiate eligibility rules, Gehrig played under the guise of a pseudonym, Lou Lewis, before leading the Senators to the 1923 Eastern League pennant. Clarkin Field also hosted Jim Thorpe, the renowned Native American Olympian and football star, when he briefly joined the Senators during his final professional season. Other Hartford players in the 1920s included Leo Durocher, Jo-Jo Morrissey, Kiddo Davis and Pete Appleton.

1923 Hartford Senators Lou Gehrig — Hartford Senators with Lou Gehrig (seated, center), Eastern League Champions, Clarkin Field, 1923.

1923 Lou Gehrig Hartford Senators Clarkin Field 1 — Lou Gehrig at Clarkin Field, 1923.

1925 Opening Day Mayor Stevens Hartford Senators — Opening Day at Clarkin Field, 1925.

1926 Hartford Blues Football Clarkin Field — Hartford Blues Football, 1926.

In 1927, an accidental fire severely damaged the grandstand at Clarkin Field. The stadium was rebuilt two months later while 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 and the Senators in 1928 for over $200,000 to a group of local investors.

1927 Hartford Senators Clarkin Field Opening Day scaled — Hartford Senators Opening Day, 1927.

1928 James H. Clarkin Hartford Senators 2 — James H. Clarkin, 1928.

The new owners were spearheaded by Robert J. Farrell, a real estate and insurance agent who had been the team’s business manager. Under Farrell’s stewardship, Hartford remained a contender in the Eastern League. Ahead of the 1928 season, Clarkin Field was renamed Bulkeley Stadium to honor Morgan G. Bulkeley, the prominent political figure who had died six years earlier. The venue saw several upgrades, including the addition of steel seating. Though Farrell’s tenure as president was cut tragically short when he unexpectedly passed in 1930, at the age of 32, due to acute appendicitis.

1928 Bulkeley Stadium Seating — New stadium seating, Bulkeley Stadium, 1928.

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

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

1928 Pirates at Bulkeley Stadium — Pittsburgh Pirates visit Bulkeley Stadium, 1928.

1929 Bulkeley Stadium Boxing Bat Battalino Eddie Lord 1 — Bulkeley Stadium boxing, Bat Battalino vs. Eddie Lord, 1929.

1930 Robert J. Farrell Hartford Baseball Owner Dies — Robert J. Farrell, 1930.

In 1930, future Hall of Fame inductee Hank Greenberg suited up for the Senators at Bulkeley Stadium, and King Bader served as manager. Amid the Great Depression, the club was sold once more – this time to the Brooklyn Dodgers organization, marking Hartford’s entry into affiliated baseball. The team thrived in 1931, clinching the Eastern League championship with standout performances from Red Howell, Al Cohen and Bobby Reis. However, when the Eastern League folded midway through the 1932 season, Bulkeley Stadium lost its marquee baseball team.

1930 Hartford Senators with Judge Kennisaw Landis Bulkeley Stadium scaled — Hartford Senators with Judge Kenesaw Landis, 1930.

1931 May 1 Bulkeley Stadium Just Before the Battle Hartford Senators — Hartford vs. New Haven, Bulkeley Stadium, 1931.

1931 Bulkeley Stadium Hartford Courant Game — Hartford Courant reporters play at Bulkeley Stadium, 1930.

1932 Bulkeley Stadium Allentown vs Hartford Senators — Hartford vs. Allentown at Bulkeley Stadium, 1932.

The void at Bulkeley Stadium was filled in July of 1932 by the Savitt Gems, a semi-pro team from the Hartford Twilight League. The Gems were sponsored by Bill Savitt, a well-known jeweler and sports promoter. With Bulkeley Stadium as their home, the Gems became one of America’s most celebrated semi-pro teams. Between 1932 and 1945, Savitt and his Gems brought an impressive lineup of legends to Hartford: 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.

1932 Savitt Inc. Bulkeley Stadium Hartford — Bulkeley Stadium Official Scorecard, 1932.

1932 Aug 19 Baseball Bulkeley Stadium — Savitt Gems vs. New Britain Falcons at Bulkeley Stadium, 1932.

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

1932 Bulkeley Stadium Hartford Twilight 1 — Bulkeley Stadium, 1932.

1933 Aug 25 Bulkeley Stadium Pirates — Savitt Gems vs. Pittsburgh Pirates, 1933.

1933 Jimmy Foxx at Bulkeley Stadium — Jimmy Foxx at Bulkeley Stadium, 1933.

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

1935 Exciting Action at Bulkeley Stadium Hartford Racing — Motorcycle racing at Bulkeley Stadium, 1935.

1936 Hartford Baseball Bulkeley Stadium Savitt Gems vs. St. Louis Cardinals 1 — Bulkeley Stadium, 1936.

1936 Savitt Gems Bulkeley Stadium Hartford Connecticut — 1936 Savitt Gems at Bulkeley Stadium.

1936 Dizzy Dean Bill Savitt Bulkeley Stadium — Bill Savitt & Dizzy Dean at Bulkeley Stadium, 1936.

1937 Cleveland Indians vs Savitt Gems Bulkeley Stadium — Savitt Gems vs. Cleveland Indians, 1937.

In 1938, the Boston Bees of the National League brought minor league ball back to Hartford. They purchased the Senators, leased Bulkeley Stadium and appointed General Manager Charles Blossfield to oversee. The team was referred to as the Hartford Senators, 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. Then, due to brilliant pitching by Hal Schacker and Pete Naktenis, a former Savitt Gems ace, Hartford raised the 1944 Eastern League pennant at Bulkeley Stadium.

1938 Bulkeley Stadium Business Manager Blossfield — Charlie Blossifield & the Hartford Senators (also called Hartford Bees) move into Bulkeley Stadium, 1938.

1938 Hartford Senators Bees vs. Trenton Caps Bulkeley Stadium — Hartford vs. Trenton, Bulkeley Stadium, 1938.

1938 Al Schacht Bulkeley Stadium — Al Schacht at Bulkeley Stadium, 1938.

1939 Gene Handley Hartford Senators Bees Bulkeley Stadium — Gene Handley, Hartford Senators, 1939.

1939 Hartford Bees Team Photo — 1939 Hartford Senators, Bulkeley Stadium.

1940 Bulkeley Stadium Bleachers — Bulkeley Stadium, 1940.

1940 Bulkeley Stadium Hartford Twilight — Bulkeley Stadium, 1940.

1940 Bill Jackson Hartford Bees Bulkeley Stadium — Hartford vs. Springfield at Bulkeley Stadium, 1940.

1941 Governor Robert A. Hurley Hartford Senators Opening Day Bulkeley Stadium — Governor Hurley on Opening Day, Bulkeley Stadium, 1941.

1942 Hartford Senators Bees Spring Training Morgan G. Bulkeley Stadium — Hartford Senators, Bulkeley Stadium, 1942.

On September 29, 1942, a day after finishing the season with a win over the Yankees, Ted Williams traveled to Hartford to play for the Savitt Gems at Bulkeley Stadium. The Gems faced the New Britain Cremos, featuring Brooklyn Dodgers pitcher Hugh Casey and catcher Mickey Owen. Williams wowed a crowd of 2,500 during batting practice. The game was a pitchers’ duel, with Hartford native Monk Dubiel and Casey holding both teams scoreless through five innings. The Gems broke through with a run in the sixth, but the real fireworks came in the seventh when Williams launched a towering home run off Casey, sealing a 2-1 victory for the Gems.

1942 Sep 28 Ted Williams — Ted Williams at Bulkeley Stadium, 1942.

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

1944 Hartford Senators Bulkeley Stadium — Hartford vs. Williamsport, Bulkeley Stadium, 1944.

1944 Hartford Senators Savitt Jewelers Bulkeley — Hartford Baseball Club, Eastern League Champions, Bulkeley Stadium, 1944.

On September 30, 1945, Babe Ruth came to Hartford to play in a charity game at Bulkeley Stadium as a member of the Savitt Gems. At 50 years old, Ruth took batting practice before the game and clouted a home run over the right field fence. He coached first base during the exhibtion and later entered as a pinch-hitter, grounding out to the pitcher. It was Ruth’s final appearance in a game, and he passed away less than three years later.

1945 Savitt Gems Babe Ruth 1 — Babe Ruth plays for Savitt Gems, Bulkeley Stadium, 1945.

1945 Babe Ruth Savitt Gems — Bill Savitt & Babe Ruth at Bulkeley Stadium, 1945.

1945 Babe Ruth At Bulkeley Stadium — Ruth hits home run in batting practice, Bulkeley Stadium, 1945.

In 1946, Hartford’s minor league team changed its name to the Chiefs after their major league affiliate reverted to the Boston Braves. Standout players for the Chiefs at Bulkeley Stadium included Gene Conley, George Crowe, Frank Torre, and Wethersfield native Bob Repass. The team competed in the Eastern League and remained a Braves affiliate for several years. After the Boston Braves moved to Milwaukee following the 1952 season, the Hartford Chiefs also relocated, marking the end professional baseball in city until the Hartford Yard Goats arrived in 2016.

1946 Hartford Chiefs Bulkeley Stadium Official Program — Hartford Chiefs program, 1946.

1947 Former Hartford Chiefs Players with Warren Spahn — Warren Spahn (center, left), Bulkeley Stadium, 1947.

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

1947 Dutch Paules Hartford Chiefs Bulkeley Stadium — Hartford Chiefs vs. Trinity College, Bulkeley Stadium, 1947.

1948 Hartford Firemen Who Face New Yorkers — Hartford Fire Department, Bulkeley Stadium, 1948.

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

1949 Bulkeley Stadium Hartford Courant All Stars — Hartford Courant All-Stars at Bulkeley Stadium, 1949.

1949 Bulkeley Stadium Boston Braves vs. Boston Red Sox — Boston Braves vs. Boston Braves at Bulkeley Stadium, 1949.

1949 Johnny Taylor Hartford Chiefs — Johnny Taylor, Hartford Chiefs at Bulkeley Stadium, 1949.

1950 George Stirnweiss and Johnny Pesky Bulkeley Stadium — Major League All-Stars vs. Hartford Indians, 1950.

1950 New York Yankees vs. Hartford Indians Bulkeley Stadium 1 — Johnny Mize and Gene Woodling, New York Yankees at Bulkeley Stadium, 1950.

1951 Hugh Casey Brooklyn Dodgers Hartford Indians Bulkeley Stadium 2 — Hugh Casey, Brooklyn Dodgers at Bulkeley Stadium, 1950.

1950 Hartford Chiefs George Crowe Bulkeley Stadium — Hartford Chiefs at Bulkeley Stadium, 1950

1951 Anguish at Bulkeley Stadium Gene Conley — Fans agonize over Gene Conley Bulkeley Stadium, 1951.

1951 Len Pearson Hartford Chiefs Bulkeley Stadium — Len Pearson, Hartford Chiefs, 1951.

1951 Gene Conley Hartford Chiefs Pitcher — Gene Conley, Hartford Chiefs, Bulkeley Stadium, 1951.

1951 Bulkeley Stadium Bob Quinn Ed Walsh Connie Mack — Connie Mack at Bulkeley Stadium, 1951.

1951 Bulkeley Stadium Tommy Holmes Hartford Chiefs 1 — Senators Manager Tommy Holmes teaches clinic, Bulkeley Stadium, 1951.

1951 Blossfield Hartford Chiefs Bulkeley Stadium — Business Manager Charles Blossfield, 1951.

1951 Bulkeley Stadium Hartford Laurelettes — 1951 Hartford Laurelettes

1952 Hartford Chiefs Program Bulkeley Stadium — Hartford Chiefs Program, 1952.

1952 Boston Braves Eddie Matthews Bulkeley Stadium — Eddie Matthews at Bulkeley Stadium, 1952.

1952 Trinity College Bulkeley Stadium — Trinity College Baseball, Bulkeley Stadium, 1952.

1953 Marty Marion Vic Wertz St. Louis Browns Bulkeley Stadium 1 — St. Louis Browns, Bulkeley Stadium, 1953.

1953 Jim Piersall and Joey Jay Bulkeley Stadium — Jim Piersall & Joey Jay, at Bulkeley Stadium 1953.

1953 Boxing George Dunn vs. Baby Face Jones Bulkeley Stadium — Boxing 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 ended up being demolished. A shopping center was planned for the site but it never materialized. Instead, a nursing home called Ellis Manor was built on the premises.

1998 Bulkeley Stadium Monument Dedicated Hartford — Bulkeley Stadium monument dedication, 1998.

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

1998 Bulkeley Stadium Commemoration — Bulkeley Commemoration Ceremony, 2013.

“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.

2014 Bulkeley Stadium Ellis Manor — 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.

1958 Bill Savitt Gems — Bill Savitt, 1958.

Bill Savitt Outside Jewelry Store Hartford — 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.

1923 Savitt Jewelers Hartford — Savitt Jewelers, 1923.

1925 Bill Savitt Trophy — Bill Savitt, 1925.

1923 Mar 2 Savitt Inc — Savitt grand opening advertisement, 1925.

1928 Savitt Jewelers Opens — Savitt Jewelers, 1928.

1929 Bill Savitt Presents Watch to Bat Battalino scaled — 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.

1935 Dec 8 Bill Savitt Jewelers — Bill Savitt, 1935.

1935 Bill Savitt Jewelers — Bill Savitt, 1935.

1932 Savitt Jewelers Advertisement Savitt Gems — Savitt Jewelers advertisement, 1932.

1936 Savitt Jewelers Hartford — Savitt Jewelers exterior, 1936.

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.

1936 Hartford Baseball Bulkeley Stadium Savitt Gems vs. St. Louis Cardinals — Bulkeley Stadium, Hartford, Connecticut, 1936.

Savitt Gems Hartford Baseball Legendary Stars — 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.

1930 Savitt Trophy — The Savitt Trophy, 1930.

1934 Camp Courant Bill Savitt Hartford — Bill Savitt awards Camp Courant All-Stars, 1934.

1935 Bill Savitt Camp Courant All Stars Baseball — 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.

1929 City Independent Twilight League — Twilight League standings, 1929.

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.

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

1929 Raymond Kelly Adams Hartford Twilight Baseball — Ray Kelly, Savitt Gems, 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 scaled — 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.

1924 Jigger Farrell Battey Hartford Twilight League — James “Jigger” Farrell, Holy Name, 1930.

Lefty Buckland Hartford Twilight League — 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.

1931 Savitt Gems League Champions — Hartford Courant excerpt, 1931.

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.

1931 Harford Senators Eastern League Champions 1 — 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.

1932 Hartford Senators Savitt Gems 1 — Hartford Courant excerpt, 1932.

1932 Official Twilight League Baseball — Savitt Gems vs. West Hartford, 1932.

1932 Oct 9 Savitt Gems Thanks — Hartford Courant excerpt, 1932.

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.

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.

1932 Pete Naktenis To Face Gems — Pete “Lefty” Naktenis, 1932.

1932 Savitt Gems Hartford Bulkeley Stadium — 1932 Savitt Gems at Bulkeley Stadium

1932 Harry Deegan Savitt Gems — Harry Deegan, Savitt Gems, 1932.

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.

1924 Lou Gehrig Hartford Senators — Lou Gehrig, First Baseman, Hartford Senators, 1924.

1932 Savitt Stunned By Salary Demand of Lou Gehrig — Hartford Courant excerpt, 1932.

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.

1932 Oct 7 Gehrig Wont Play With Gems Sunday — Hartford Courant excerpt, 1932.

1932LouGehrigYankees — 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.

1933 Savitt Gems Team Photo — 1933 Savitt Gems.

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.

1933 Johnny Miller Savitt Gems — Johnny Miller, Pitcher, Savitt Gems, 1932.

1933 Boston Braves Rabbit Maranville — Rabbit Maranville, Second Baseman, Savitt Gems, 1932.

1932 Don Curry Savitt Gems — 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.

1933 Bill and Max Savitt at Eastern League Meeting — 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.

1933 Apr Bill Savitt Will Operate Semi Pro Club in Hartford — Hartford Courant excerpt, 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.

1933BillGleasonSavittGems — Bill Gleason, Second Baseman, Savitt Gems, 1933.

1933 Moose Swaney House of David — Moose Swaney, House of David, 1933.

1933 Aug 23 Savitt Gems vs Red Caps — Savitt Gems vs. Pennsylvania Red Caps, 1933.

1933 Under the Lights House of David vs. Savitt Gems — Savitt Gems vs. House of David, 1933.

1933 Bruce Caldwell Savitt Gems — Bruce Caldwell, Outfielder, Savitt Gems, 1933.

1933 Georgia Chain Gang Savitt Gems Bulkeley Stadium — 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.

1933 Connie Mack Philadelphia Athletics Hartford Savitt Gems — Hartford Courant excerpt, May 25, 1933.

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.

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.

1933 Jul 31 Savitt Gems vs. Red — Savitt Gems vs. Red Sox, 1933.

1931 Bill Morrell New York Giants — Bill Morrell, Pitcher, Savitt Gems, 1933.

1933 Jul 30 Boston Red Sox Savitt Gems — Boston Red Sox vs. Savitt Gems, 1933.

1933 Marty McManus Boston Red — 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.

1933 Honus Wagner Pittsburgh Pirates — Honus Wagner, Manager, Pittsburgh Pirates, 1933.

1934 Pat Loftus Hartford Springfield — Pat Loftus, Pitcher, Savitt Gems, 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.

1935 Sep 1 Black Yankees vs Savitt Gems — 1935 New York Black Yankees.

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.

1933 Philadelphia Giants vs. Savitt Gems Bulkeley Stadium — Philadelphia Colored Giants vs. Savitt Gems, 1933.

1937 Jackie Mitchell Face Savitt Gems — Jackie Mitchell, Pitcher, 1933.

1935 Brooklyn Royal Giants vs. Savitt Gems Bulkeley Stadium — Savitt Gems vs. Brooklyn Royal Giants, 1935.

1936 Al Nalua Hawaiian Pitcher — Al Nalua, Pitcher, Hawaiian All-Stars, 1935.

1937 Luis Longoria Faces Savitt Gems — 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 Jim Thorpe Harjos Indians Oklahoma scaled — 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.

1958 Mar 28 Boggy Muldoon — John “Boggy” Muldoon, Umpire, 1933.

1933 Savitt Gems Johnny Roser Pat Loftus — Johnny Roser, First Baseman, Savitt Gems, 1933.

1933 Jim Thorpe Harjos Indians — Jim Thorpe, Harjo’s Oklahoma Indians, 1933.

1933 Aug 20 Jim Thorpe Here Today — Hartford Courant excerpt, 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.

1933 Savitt Gems vs. Mayflower Sales — Savitt Gems vs. Mayflower Sales,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.

1933 Oct 21 Savitt Gems vs New Britain Falcons — Savitt Gems vs. New Britain Falcons, 1933.

1935 Johnny Taylor New York Cubans Hartford Twilight League — 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.

1934 Sep 5 Jigger Farrell to Lead Savitt Gems — Jigger Farrell appointed player-manager of the Savitt Gems, 1934.

1936 Jigger Farrell Savitt Gems — 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.

1935 Johnny Taylor and Savitt Gems Business Manager Bernie Ellovich 1 scaled — Johnny Taylor, Pitcher, Savitt Gems, 1935.

1935 Sep 12 Savitt Gems vs New York Cubans Johnny Taylor — Hartford Courant excerpt, 1935.

1935 Savitt Gems Sam Hyman Johnny Roser Bulkeley Stadium — 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.

1935 Jimmy Foxx Bulkeley Stadium Hartford — Jimmie Foxx, First Baseman, Philadelphia Athletics, 1935.

John Michaels Hartford Twilight Baseball edited — John Michaels, Pitcher, Savitt Gems, 1935.

1935 Wally Dunham Savitt Gems — Walter Dunham, Catcher, Savitt Gems, 1935.

1935 Jackie Cronin Savitt Gems scaled — 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.

1936 Bill Savitt Leases Bulkeley Stadium Again — Hartford Courant excerpt, 1936.

1936 Jake Banks Savitt Gems — Jake Banks, Catcher, Savitt Gems, 1936.

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.

1936 Jackie Kelly Savitt Gems Bulkeley Stadium scaled — 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.

1932 Dizzy Dean St. Louis Cardinals — Dizzy Dean, Pitcher, St. Louis Cardinals, 1936.

1936 St. Louis Cardinals vs. Savitt Gems Leo Durocher Pepper Martin — St. Louis Cardinals visit Hartford, 1936.

1936 Jul 29 Cardinals Trounce Savitt Gems — 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.

1936 Bill Savitt Presents Watch to Dizzy Dean and Bob Steele Looks On scaled — Savitt gifts Dizzy Dean a watch, 1936.

1936 Savitt Gems Outfielders — Infielders of the Savitt Gems, 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.

1935 Sep 10 Martin Dihigo Player Manager — Martin Dihigo, Player-Manager, New York Cubans, 1936.

1937 Johnny Taylor Savitt Gems Hartford Connecticut — Johnny Taylor, Savitt Gems, 1937.

1937 Savitt Gems Hartford Baseball scaled — 1937 Savitt Gems.

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.

1937 Bob Feller Cleveland Indians vs Savitt Gems — Bob Feller, Pitcher, Cleveland Indians, 1937.

1937 Aug 3 Bob Feller Cleveland Indians Savitt Gems scaled — Hartford Courant, 1937.

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

1937 Aug 2 Hank Karlon Savitt Gems — Hank Karlon, Catcher, Savitt Gems, 1937.

1937 Johnny Campion Savit Gems 1 — 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.

1938 Sep 25 Savitt Gems vs. Philadelphia Colored Giants — Savitt Gems vs. Philadelphia Colored Giants, 1938.

1936 Pete Naktenis Philadelphia Athletics — Pete “Lefty” Naktenis, Savitt Gems, 1938

1939 Pete Naktenis Hartford Twilight — Pete Naktenis, Cincinnati Reds, 1939.

1939 Sep 25 Sandlotter Beat Scranton Savitt Gems 1 — Reading Times, 1939.

1942 c. Savitt Gems vs. New York Black Yankees Banner — New York Black Yankees vs. Savitt Gems, 1939.

1930 Savitt Gems Uniform — Savitt Gems baseball uniform, 1940.

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.

1940 Jun 28 Savitt Benefit Game Meeting — Hartford Courant excerpt, 1940.

1940 Bill Savitt Hartford Billboard — Bill Savitt, King of Diamonds, 1940.

1940 Jun 29 Jim Hickey Hartford Bees — Jim Hickey, Hartford Senators, 1940

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.

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

1940 Johnny Roser Savitt Gems — John “Bunny” Roser, Savitt Gems, 1940.

1940 Gus Gardella Savitt Gems — Gus Gardella, Savitt Gems, 1940.

1940 Ed Walsh Savitt Gems — Ed Walsh, Savitt Gems, 1940.

1940 Senators Bees Defeat Gems — Hartford Courant excerpt, 1940.

1941 Savitt Gems Hank Karlon 1 — Hank Karlon, Savitt Gems, 1941.

1941 Savitt Gems vs. Detroit Clowns — Savitt Gems vs. Detroit Clowns, 1941.

1941 Savitt Gems Baseball Team — 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.

1942 Sep 29 Ted Williams — Bill and Max Savitt welcome Ted Williams to Hartford, 1942.

1942 Hugh Casey Mickey Owen Bulkeley Stadium — Brooklyn stars face the Gems, 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.

1939 Bob Repass St. Louis Cardinals Hartford Twilight Baseball — Bob “Spike” Repass, Infielder, Savitt Gems, 1942.

1943 Aug 1 Savitt Gems Infield — Pete Kapura and Bob Hungerford, Savitt Gems, 1943.

1942 Hank Karlon Savitt Gems — Hank Karlon, Catcher, Savitt Gems, 1942.

1943 Joseph Tripp Hartford Twilight — 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.

1950 Leroy 22Satchel22 Paige Philadelphia Colored Stars vs. Hartford Indians scaled — Satchel Paige, Pitcher, Kansas City Monarchs, 1943.

1943 Oct 2 Savitt Gems Baseball — Hartford Courant excerpt, 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.

1943 Babe Young Coast Guard vs. Savitt Gems — Babe Young, Outfielder, New York Giants, 1943.

1943 Jun 26 Savitt Gems vs Coast Gaurd — Savitt Gems vs. U.S. Coast Guard, 1943.

1943 Oct 3 Gems Battery — Bob Brady and George Woodend, Savitt Gems, 1943.

1944 Savitt Gems Mickey Katkaveck Hartford Twilight Baseball — 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.

1945 Josh Gibson Homestead Grays — Josh Gibson, Catcher, Homestead Grays, 1945.

1942 Sep 11 Savitt Gems Josh Gibson — Hartford Courant excerpt, 1945.

1944 Sammy Bankhead Homestead Grays vs Savitt Gems — Savitt Gems vs. 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.

1945 Jigger Farrell Savitt Gems — Jigger Farrell, Savitt Gems, 1945.

1945 New York Yankees vs Savitt Gems — Savitt Gems vs. New York Yankees, 1945.

1945 Bud Metheny New York Yankees — Bud Metheny, New York Yankees, 1945.

1945 Monk Dubiel Savitt Gems — Monk Dubiel, Savitt Gems, 1945.

1945 New York Yankees vs. Savitt Gems Bulkeley Stadium Program — New York Yankees vs. Savitt Gems, 1945.

1945 New York Yankees vs. Savitt Gems Bulkeley Stadium Program 3 scaled — New York Yankees vs. Savitt Gems, 1945.

1945 New York Yankees vs. Savitt Gems Bulkeley Stadium Program 2 — New York Yankees vs. Savitt Gems, 1945.

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.

1945 Savitt Gems and Babe Ruth — The Savitt Gems and Babe Ruth, 1945.

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.

1945 Babe Ruth Jigger Farrell Gems — James “Jigger” Farrell and Babe Ruth, 1945.

1945 Babe Ruth Hartford Twilight — 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.

1945 Savitt Gems Ad Jonkers Diamond — Savitt Jewelers, Jonkers Diamond ad, 1945.

1949 Bill Savitt and Frank Sinatra Hartford — WCCC Hartford, Savitt with Sinatra, 1949.

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

1949 Aug 10 Bill Savitt Camp Courant — Bill Savitt donating to Camp Courant, 1949.

1949 Bill Savitt Camp Courant Champions edited — 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.

1950 Jun 11 Savitt Jewelers 35 Asylum Street — Savitt Jewelers ad, Hartford Courant, 1950.

1949 Bill Savitt King of Diamonds — Bill Savitt, 1950.

1968 GHTBL Old Timers Game — 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

1950 Dec 26 Jigger Farrell Signs Again Savitt Gems — Hartford Courant excerpt, 1950.

1974 Savitt Gems Turn Back the Clock — 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.

1940 Bill Savitt and Bob Steele — Bill Savitt and Bob Steele, 1940.

1944 Bob Steele Letter to Bill Savitt Jewelers Ad — Savitt Jewelers advertisement featuring Bob Steele, Hartford Courant, 1944.

1955 Bob Steele and Bill Savitt — Bob Steele and Bill Savitt, 1955.

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

1970 Jan 10 Bill Savitt Football Steelers — 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.

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

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

1951 Nov 22 Savitt Jewelers Ad — Hartford Courant excerpt, 1951.

1951 BIll Savitt Promter Award Hotel Bond 1 — Bill Savitt accepts marketing award, 1951.

1975 Oct 26 BIll Savitt Hartford History — Bill Savitt, 1952.

1953 Nov 26 Savitt Jewelers Ad — Hartford Courant excerpt, 1953.

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.

1954 Oct 22 Bill Savitt Little League Dinner — Savitt’s honor Little League champions, 1953.

1953 Savitt Hosts Little League Awards Dinner — 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.

1955 Savitt Sponsors Show For Youngsters at Bushnell Camp Courant — Savitt sponsors show for Camp Courant at the Bushnell, 1955.

1958 Max Savitt Gems 1 — Max Savitt, 1958.

1959 Savitt Is Open Monday scaled — Bill Savitt, Savitt Jewelers, 1959.

1959 Bill Savitt Camp Courant — Bill Savitt at Camp Courant, 1959.

1960 Savitt Story scaled — Savitt Jewelers ad, Hartford Courant, 1960.

1960 Savitt Jewelers POMG Storefront — Savitt Jewelers ad, Hartford Courant, 1960.

1960 Bill Savitt with Employees — Savitt and employees at Savitt Jewelers, 1960.

1960 Bill Savitt Ad scaled — Savitt Jewelers ad, Hartford Courant, 1960.

1960 Savitt Jewelers Benrus — Savitt Jewelers ad, Hartford Courant, 1960.

1960 Bill Savitt with Employees 2 — Savitt with employees at at Savitt Jewelers, 1960.

1960BillSavittHelpedMenThroughFloodDisaster — Hartford Courant excerpt, 1960.

1960 Savitt Jewelers — The Savitt Jewelers showroom, 1960.

1960 Savitt Jewelers Ad — Savitt Jewelers advertisement, 1960.

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

1964 Bill Savitt Hartford Courant — Hartford Courant excerpt, 1964.

1965 Savitt POMG Hartford CT — 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).

1965 Bill Savitt Jewelers — Savitt Jewelers, 1965.

1965 Apr 15 Savitt Trophy Room — Bill Savitt, Savitt Jewelers, 1965.

1971 Bill Savitt P.O.M.G. — Connecticut Small Businessman of the Year Award, 1971.

1972 Savitt Jewelers Storefront — Savitt Jewelers, Hartford, 1971.

1973 Bill Savitt Hartford Connecticut Honored by Masons edited — Savitt honored by Masons, Hartford, 1973.

1974 Savitt Jewelers Ad — Back of Savitt Jewelers, 1974.

1976 Bill Savitt Advertisement — Savitt thanks his loyal customers, 1976.

1976 Bob Steele and Bill Savitt — Bob Steele and Bill Savitt, 1976.

1977 Oct 12 Bill Savitt World Series scaled — Savitt Jewelers advertisement, 1977.

1983 May 1 GHTBL Hall of Fame Induction Program — 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

1986 BIll Savitt in Office Hartford — Bill Savitt in the office at Savitt Jewelers, 1986.

1991 Ted Williams Tips Cap — 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.

1995 Bill Savitt Cartoon — Hartford Courant excerpt, 1995.

2020 Savitt Gems Ring from 1930 Hartford City Championship scaled — 1930 Savitt Gems Hartford Champions ring (photo taken in 2019).

1979 Savitt Attitude Coin — A commemorative Savitt coin, 2018.

1936 Savitt Discount Coin Heads — 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. 11/06/18Tue. 02/24/26 by Weston Ulbrich

When Babe Ruth Barnstormed Greater Hartford

A young George Herman “Babe” Ruth visited the Connecticut Greater Hartford regions on multiple occasions. Like many big leaguers of his day, Ruth barnstormed the nation to earn additional pay. When he came to the Constitution State in the fall of 1918, Ruth was a 23 year old starting pitcher for the Boston Red Sox.

Ruth had won more games than any left-handed pitcher in the previous four seasons. He compiled a 2.28 earned run average and a .650 winning percentage during that stretch. His phenomenal achievements and large physical traits gave him instant appeal.

1918 Babe Ruth Red Sox Pitching — Ruth warming up, 1918 World Series.

Ruth’s first appearance in Connecticut came after the 1918 World Series, wherein the Boston 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, who tried to recruit both teams to play an exhibition game in Hartford benefiting American soldiers of World War I. When his offer was declined, Clarkin landed Babe Ruth instead.

1918 Babe Ruth Boston Red Sox World Series scaled — Ruth and Boston Red Sox win 1918 World Series.

When Hartford’s rabid 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. He played first base for the semi-pro New Haven Colonials. Ruth slugged a home run in a 5-1 loss against the Cuban Stars made up of players from the Negro Leagues.

1918 Sep 15 Babe Ruth Arrives For Todays Game 2 — Hartford Courant, September, 15, 1918.

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 following day Ruth joined the Poli’s on the Hartford’s top-notch diamond at Wethersfield Avenue Grounds. They 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. Then he threw a complete game shutout, allowed four hits and led the Poli’s to a 1-0 victory.

Ruth beat his Red Sox teammate, Dutch Leonard, who guest starred on the mound for the Fisk Red Tops. Another Red Sox counterpart, 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.

1918 Babe Ruth World Series Red — Babe Ruth, Boston Red Sox, 1918.

A week later, Ruth appeared 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. He was the starting pitcher and hit third in the lineup. Even though Ruth threw a quality start, he was outdueled by his Red Sox teammate and Pratt & Whitney guest star, “Bullet” Joe Bush, who won the pitcher’s affair 1-0.

1918 Babe Ruth and Joe Bush Boston Red — 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 and Fort Slocum put down the Poli’s 4-1. Ruth played first base, hit a single and scored Hartford’s lone run. A crowd of about 3,000 people were in attendance for this rare occasion; the only doubleheader featuring Babe Ruth in Hartford.

1916 Ray Fisher New York Yankees 1 — Ray Fisher, New York Yankees, 1916.

The Babe came back in autumn of the following year. This time he brought most the Boston Red Sox 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 Boston 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.

1919 Babe Ruth and Eddie Goodridge of New Departure — 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.

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

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

Hooper was on first base when Ruth connected with a pitch thrown by New Departure’s Freddie Rieger, a star pitcher for the Pittsfield team in the Eastern League. His homer sailed over the right field fence before 5,000 adulated onlookers. The Red Sox won 6-2 over New Departure and the game was remembered as Connecticut’s most thrilling sporting event of the year.

1919 New Departure Baseball Club 1 — New Departure Baseball Club, 1919.

Babe Ruth 1st Muzzy Field Home Run — Babe Ruth marker at Muzzy Field, 2014.

While the rest of the Red Sox went home, Ruth manned first base for 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. A crowd of more than 6,000 witnessed the Poli’s shutout the Pioneers 3-0,

1919 Sep 30 Babe Ruth Poli Field East Hartford Connecticut 1 — 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.

1920 Jan 6 22Babe22 Ruth Purchased By Yankees — Hartford Courant, January 6, 1920.

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.

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).

Ruth retired in 1935 after leading the New York Yankees to their first four World Series wins. Ten years later, he took the final at bat of his career for the Savitt Gems at Hartford’s Bulkeley Stadium in an exhibition game.

1945 Savitt Gems Babe Ruth — Babe Ruth on the Savitt Gems, Hartford, Connecticut, 1945.