Tag: bulkeley

1915 c. Morgan Bulkeley
by Weston Ulbrich

Morgan G. Bulkeley, First President of the National League

The National League, originally formed in 1876, played a crucial role in establishing professional baseball, and serving as its first president was Morgan G. Bulkeley of Hartford, Connecticut.

1911 Morgan G. Bulkeley
Morgan G. Bulkeley, 1911.

Born in East Haddam, Connecticut, on December 3, 1837, Morgan Gardner Bulkeley was the son of Lydia Smith Morgan and Eliphalet Adams Bulkeley, co-founder of Aetna Insurance. At the outbreak of the Civil War, a 24 year old Morgan Bulkeley enlisted in the New York National Guard. He later joined the Union Army as a private, serving under General George B. McClellan amid the 1862 Peninsula Campaign, a failed attempt to capture Richmond, Virginia. Despite the mission’s outcome, Bulkeley remained in service for the rest of the Civil War before returning to business, finance, insurance, politics and sports.

1865 c. Morgan G. Bulkeley 1
Morgan G. Bulkeley, 1865.

In 1874, Bulkeley was persuaded by a baseball magnate, Benjamin Douglas Jr., to contribute as an investor of the Hartford Base Ball Association. Also known as the Hartford Dark Blues, the club entered into the National Association backed by $5,000 in capital. The following year Bulkeley was elected President of the Hartford Dark Blues. The team included player-manager Bob “Death to Flying Things” Ferguson and the supposed inventor of the curveball, Candy Cummings. When the National League replaced the National Association in 1876, Hartford joined as a charter member.

1875 Hartford Dark Blues United States Hotel
The Hartford Dark Blues and Morgan G. Bulkeley (standing second from left), 1875.
1875 Hartford Base Ball Association Score Card
Hartford Dark Blues score card, 1875.
1877 Desk Set Presented Morgan Bulkeley William Hulbert
Desk set given to National League President Morgan Bulkeley by William Hulbert, 1877.

To determine the first president of the National League, a lottery was held, and Bulkeley’s name emerged. Baseball’s top brass, William Hulbert and Albert Spalding of Chicago, welcomed Bulkeley. They deemed him as a leader with enough gravitas to legitimize the new league. Hulbert had to convince Bulkeley to take the position, arguing that the first president should come from the northeast, where baseball drew its origins. However, the National League was not Bulkeley’s primary focus, and he served only one season before Hulbert succeeded him.

1884 Crowd in Front of State House Hartford Morgan G. Bulkeley
Morgan G. Bulkeley, Mayor of Hartford, speaks to a crowd outside the Old State House, 1884.

Bulkeley went on to lead Aetna Insurance and pursue a political career. As a member of the Republican Party, he served four terms as Mayor of Hartford and in 1888, he was elected Governor of Connecticut. After a controversial gubernatorial election in 1890, lacking a clear winner, Bulkeley declared that he would remain in office. However, Democratic Comptroller Nicholas Staub padlocked the door to Governor Bulkeley’s office at the State Capitol. Undeterred, Bulkeley ordered the lock to be forcibly removed with a crowbar, earning him the nickname, “Crowbar Governor.”

1895 Morgan Bulkeley Residence 100 Washington Stret Hartford edited
Bulkeley Residence, Washington Street, Hartford, CT, 1895.
1904 Morgan G. Bulkeley Commander Department of Connecticut Pin edited
Morgan G. Bulkeley political pin for United States Senate, 1904.

In 1904, Bulkeley won a seat in the United States Senate. He served one term in Congress before returning to Aetna Insurance, where he remained until his death on November 6, 1922. To recognize his baseball contributions, Hartford’s Bulkeley Stadium was named in his honor in 1928. Bulkeley was posthumously inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame by the 1937 Veterans Committee.

1905 Morgan G. Bulkeley Joel L. English and F. A. Heart at Aetna Life Outing Fenwick Hall Old Saybrook
Joel L. English, Morgan G. Bulkeley and F. A. Heart at Aetna outing, Fenwick Hall, Old Saybrook, CT, 1905.
1908 Oct Morgan G. Bulkeley at Hartford Bridge Dedication 1 scaled
Morgan G. Bulkeley and his son Houghton at Hartford Bridge dedication, 1908.
1928 Bulkeley Stadium Hartford Connecticut
Bulkeley Stadium christened, Hartford, CT, 1928.
1936 Hartford Baseball Bulkeley Stadium Savitt Gems vs. St. Louis Cardinals
Bulkeley Stadium, Hartford, CT, 1936.
2022 Morgan Bulkeley Hall of Fame Plaque
Bulkeley’s National Baseball Hall of Fame plaque, Cooperstown, New York, 2022.

Sources:

1. “Morgan Bulkeley.” Baseball Hall of Fame, National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, https://baseballhall.org/hall-of-famers/bulkeley-morgan. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025

2. “Morgan Gardner Bulkeley.” National Governors Association, https://www.nga.org/governor/morgan-gardner-bulkeley/. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

3. “Morgan Gardner Bulkeley.” Museum of Connecticut History, August 2015, https://museumofcthistory.org/2015/08/morgan-gardner-bulkeley/. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

4. “December 26: Connecticut’s Crowbar Governor.” Today in Connecticut History, 26 Dec. 2019, https://todayincthistory.com/2019/12/26/december-26-connecticuts-crowbar-governor-2/. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

5. “Morgan Bulkeley.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morgan_Bulkeley#CITEREFFleitz. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

Screen Shot 2021 04 14 at 11.26.56 AM
by Weston Ulbrich

Hartford’s Minor League Club – Part IV: The Bees (1938-1945)

Minor League

  • Eastern League (1938-1945)

Championship Season

  • 1944

Major League Affiliations

Hartford Bees in the National Baseball Hall of Fame

Notable Hartford Bees

From 1934 to 1937, minor league baseball in Hartford was put on hold. The Great Depression era had left the city without a farm club and the semi-professional Savitt Gems took over at Bulkeley Stadium. Though in February of 1938, the Boston Bees of the National League moved their Class-A affiliate from Scranton, Pennsylvania, to Hartford. Bees owner Bob Quinn leased Bulkeley Stadium, bringing Eastern League baseball back to the city.

Hartford officials present the Boston Bees with an official pledge of support, 1938
Hartford officials present the Boston Bees with an official pledge of support, 1938.
1938 Bulkeley Stadium Business Manager Blossfield
Hartford Bees Business Manager Charlie Blossfield prepares Bulkeley Stadium for the season, 1938.

Bob Quinn appointed his son, John Quinn, President of the newly minted Hartford Bees. Day-to-day operations were entrusted to Charles Blossfield, whose dedication and charisma as General Manager made him a cherished figure in the community. Blossfield oversaw every detail, from assembling a capable staff and preparing the stadium to recruiting players. The first Hartford Bees roster was selected at Spring Training in Evansville, Indiana. At the time, Class-A baseball represented the final proving ground before the Major Leagues, and the Eastern League was a premier stage for future stars—a legacy that endures to this day.

1938 Mar 25 First Contingent of Hartford Senators Bees Enroute to Evansville 2
Hartford Bees en route to Evansville, Indiana, for Spring Training, 1938.
1938 Eddie Onslow Signs Manager Hartford Eastern League scaled
Eddie Onlsow (center), signs on as Hartford’s manager, 1938.

As the final stop before reaching the big leagues, Hartford’s new team became a source of excitement and anticipation. The club garnered multiple endearing nicknames. While some fans clung to the familiar Senators mascot, the Hartford Courant alternated between calling them the Senators, Bees, or Baby Bees. Meanwhile, the Hartford Times dubbed them the Laurels. Despite conflicting mascots, thousands of fans flocked to Bulkeley Stadium, united by baseball’s return.

Hartford Bees at Bulkeley Stadium, 1938.
Hartford Bees at Bulkeley Stadium, 1938.

The 1938 Hartford Bees were managed by Eddie Onslow, a 45 year old major league veteran. He directed a youthful crew of power hitters, including Ralph McLeod, Stan Andrews and Lee Heller. A two-way player named Art Doll paced the team in batting average (.366) as well as innings pitched (244). The Bees finished their first season with an even record at 67 wins and 67 losses. 

Eddie Onslow, Manager, Hartford Bees, 1938.
Eddie Onslow, Manager, Hartford Bees, 1938.
Art Doll, Pitcher, Hartford Bees, 1938.
Art Doll, Pitcher, Hartford Bees, 1938.
Sebby Sisti, Infielder, Hartford Bees, 1938.
Sebby Sisti, Infielder, Hartford Bees, 1938.
Dan Curtis, Outfielder, Hartford Bees, 1938.
Dan Curtis, Outfielder, Hartford Bees, 1938.
Ed Black, Pitcher (left) and Manager Eddie Onslow, Hartford Bees, 1938.
Ed Black, Pitcher (left) and Manager Eddie Onslow, Hartford Bees, 1938.
George Barnicle, Pitcher, Hartford Bees, 1938.
George Barnicle, Pitcher, Hartford Bees, 1938.

Hartford then acquired the services of Fresco Thompson to be player-manager the following season. Thompson, 37, had been an elite hitter for the Philadelphia Phillies. He was also a former teammate and friend of Lou Gehrig at Columbia University, who had previously played minor league ball in Hartford. Expectations for a quality team at Bulkeley Stadium grew with Thompson’s connections and recruiting ability.

Governor Baldwin warming up his arm at the Connecticut State Capitol Building, 1939.
Governor Baldwin warming up his arm at the Connecticut State Capitol Building, 1939.
Fresco Thompson, Manager, Hartford Bees, 1939.
Fresco Thompson, Manager, Hartford Bees, 1939.
Hartford Bees Opening Day, 1939.
Hartford Bees Opening Day, 1939.
Hartford Bees at the Garfield Inn, Hartford, Connecticut, 1939.
Hartford Bees at the Garfield Inn, Hartford, Connecticut, 1939.

The Bees added outfield prospects in Ralph Hodgin and Bama Rowell. Sebby Sisti returned for a second season. In 199 at bats, Sisti had a .312 batting average before being called up to Boston. Despite a promising roster, fan expectations were dashed. The 1939 club had a miserable second half of the season, and Hartford sunk to the bottom of the Eastern League.

Players for the Hartford Bees at Bulkeley Stadium, 1939.
Players for the Hartford Bees at Bulkeley Stadium, 1939.
Hartford vs. Binghamton, June 7, 1939.
Hartford vs. Binghamton, June 7, 1939.
Batters for the Hartford Senators (Bees), 1939.
Batters for the Hartford Senators (Bees), 1939.
Hartford Bees at Bulkeley Stadium, 1939.
Hartford Bees at Bulkeley Stadium, 1939.
Lee Heller, First Baseman, Hartford Bees, 1939.
Lee Heller, First Baseman, Hartford Bees, 1939.
Gene Handley, Third Baseman, Hartford Bees, 1939.
Gene Handley, Third Baseman, Hartford Bees, 1939.
Manuel Onis, Catcher, Hartford Bees, 1939.
Manuel Onis, Catcher, Hartford Bees, 1939.
1939 Hartford Senators (Bees)
1939 Hartford Senators (Bees)

Hartford finally reached their potential in 1940. The turnaround came when the organization hired Jack Onslow as manager. He was a catcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates, a radio broadcaster and the younger brother of former Hartford manager, Eddie Onslow. The new Onslow was credited for his handling of his pitching staff. Starters Art Johnson, Hank LaManna, George Diehl and Joseph Rucidlo each earned double-digit-win seasons, and they were among league leaders in earned run average.

Jack Onslow, Manager, Hartford Bees, 1940.
Jack Onslow, Manager, Hartford Bees, 1940.
Hartford Senators (Bees) at Springfield on Opening Day, 1940.
Hartford Senators (Bees) at Springfield on Opening Day, 1940.
Frankie LaManna (left) and Art Johnson, Pitchers, Hartford Bees, 1940.
Frankie LaManna (left) and Art Johnson, Pitchers, Hartford Bees, 1940.
Bill Jackson, Catcher, Hartford Bees, 1940.
Bill Jackson, Catcher, Hartford Bees, 1940.
Jack Onslow, Manager, Hartford Bees, 1940.
Jack Onslow, Manager, Hartford Bees, 1940.
Johnny Dudra, Third Baseman, Hartford Bees, 1940.
Johnny Dudra, Third Baseman, Hartford Bees, 1940.
George Diehl, Pitcher, Hartford Bees, 1940.
George Diehl, Pitcher, Hartford Bees, 1940.

The best all-around 1940 performance came from Ralph Hodgin, whose 160 hits marked second-most in the Eastern League. Second baseman, Tommy Neill, knocked a team-high .326 batting average. A 19-year old reliever named Jim Hickey began his four-year stint with the team. Mike Sandlock, a local from Greenwich, Connecticut, served as backup catcher. Hartford placed third to qualify for the postseason. They contended in a four-team playoff dubbed the Governor’s Cup but lost to Binghamton in the finals.

Paul Rampey, Infielder, Hartford Bees, 1940.
Paul Rampey, Infielder, Hartford Bees, 1940.
Hartford Lady Fans proposes a new organization to support Hartford, 1940.
Hartford Lady Fans proposes a new organization to support Hartford, 1940.
Joe Rucidio, Pitcher, Hartford Bees, injures knee at Bulkeley Stadium, 1940.
Joe Rucidio, Pitcher, Hartford Bees, injures knee at Bulkeley Stadium, 1940.
Hartford Bees at Bulkeley Stadium, 1940.
Hartford Bees at Bulkeley Stadium, 1940.
Ralph Hodgin, Outfielder, Hartford Bees, 1940.
Ralph Hodgin, Outfielder, Hartford Bees, 1940.
Irv Bartling, Shortstop, Hartford Bees, 1940.
Irv Bartling, Shortstop, Hartford Bees, 1940.
Irv Bartling, Shortstop, Hartford Bees, 1940.
Irv Bartling, Shortstop, Hartford Bees, 1940.
Jim Hickey, Pitcher, Hartford Bees, 1940.
Jim Hickey, Pitcher, Hartford Bees, 1940.

In 1941, as the Boston Bees reverted to their previous name, the Boston Braves, business manager Charlie Blossfield wanted change in Hartford. He convinced franchise owners Bob Quinn and John Quinn to upgrade Bulkeley Stadium. Blossfield predicted that stadium lights would boost ticket sales if night games were played on a regular basis. Fans could go home after work and attend evening games on weekdays. The Bees’ first home game under the lights took place on June 16, 1941; Hartford lost 5-3 to Scranton.

Governor Robert A. Hurley throws out the ceremonial first pitch on Opening Day of the Hartford Bees at Bulkeley Stadium, 1941.
Governor Hurley throws out ceremonial first pitch on Opening Day of the Hartford Bees at Bulkeley Stadium, 1941.
Players at Hartford Bees training camp, 1941.
Players at Hartford Bees training camp, 1941.
First game under the lights at Bulkeley Stadium, June 16, 1941.
First game under the lights at Bulkeley Stadium, June 16, 1941.

Three weeks later on July 8, over 5,500 fans marveled at an exhibition game between the Hartford Bess and their parent club, the Boston Braves. The widely adored Casey Stengel was Boston’s manager at the time. Stengel’s Braves fielded several former Baby Bees; Sebby Sisti at third base and lead-off hitter and Bama Rowell at second base, hitting fifth. Boston squeezed by Hartford 8-7, escaping the embarrassment of losing to their minor league affiliate.

Casey Stengel, Manager, Boston Braves, 1941.
Casey Stengel, Manager, Boston Braves, 1941.
Former Hartford players on the road with the Boston Bees 1941.
Former Hartford players on the road with the Boston Bees 1941.

As the regular season commenced, Hartford scuffled and Jack Onslow was dismissed. Their 26-year-old first baseman Don Manno assumed the role of player-manager. The Bees were destined for a seventh place finish, yet, for major league-owned franchises like Hartford, winning minor league pennants was no longer a priority. The Bees were run as a farm system that fed top players to Boston. George Barnicle, Al “Skippy” Roberge and William “Whitey” Wietelmann were among personnel who split time between Hartford and Boston as call-ups.

1941 Hartford Bees
1941 Hartford Bees
Don Manno, Player-Manager, Hartford Bees, 1941.
Don Manno, Player-Manager, Hartford Bees, 1941.

Meanwhile, Ralph Hodgin continued his torrid pace for the 1941 Bees with 150 base hits. Hodgin’s dependable bat made him one of the most popular hitters to ever wear a Hartford uniform. Leo Eastham also contributed with 107 hits and nearly flawless defense at first base. Charles George, Robert “Ace” Williams and John Dagenhard led the club in innings pitched. Serviceable catchers John Stats and Red Steiner shared time behind home plate.

Ralph Hodgin, Outfielder, Hartford Bees, 1941.
Ralph Hodgin, Outfielder, Hartford Bees, 1941.
George Barnicle, Pitcher, Hartford Bees, 1941.
George Barnicle, Pitcher, Hartford Bees, 1941.
Ralph Younker, Third Baseman, Hartford Bees, 1941.
Ralph Younker, Third Baseman, Hartford Bees, 1941.
Leo Eastham, First Baseman, Hartford Bees, 1941.
Leo Eastham, First Baseman, Hartford Bees, 1941.
Tommy Neil, Outfielder, Hartford Bees, 1941.
Tommy Neil, Outfielder, Hartford Bees, 1941.
Otto Huber, Second Baseman, Hartford Bees, 1941.
Otto Huber, Second Baseman, Hartford Bees, 1941.
Otto Huber, Second Baseman, Hartford Bees, 1941.
Tony DeMaio, Bat Boy, Hartford Bees, 1941.

In Hartford and throughout the nation, the attack at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, changed everything. American troop enlistment during World War II upended the careers of countless minor leaguers – though not all of them. The 1942 Hartford Bees regrouped under a new manager named Del Bissonette. By developing the next generation of stars, he became one of Hartford’s most memorable field generals.

Hartford Bees leave for Spring Training, 1942.
Hartford Bees leave for Spring Training, 1942.
Johnny Dudra, Second Baseman, Hartford Bees, 1942.
Johnny Dudra, Second Baseman, Hartford Bees, 1942.
Former Hartford Bees at Boston Braves Spring Training, 1942.
Former Hartford Bees at Boston Braves Spring Training, 1942.
Sebby Sisti, Norine Barone SIsti and Art Johnson, 1942.
Sebby Sisti, Norine Barone SIsti and Art Johnson, 1942.
Ralph Younker and Alvin Montgomery car accident, 1942.
Ralph Younker and Alvin Montgomery car accident, 1942.
Art Funk, Third Baseman, Hartford Bees, 1942.
Art Funk, Third Baseman, Hartford Bees, 1942.
Al Schacht visits Hartford, 1942.
Al Schacht visits Hartford, 1942.

In his first season, Manager Bissonette welcomed a budding superstar to Hartford – a 21 year old Warren Spahn. The southpaw arrived following a stellar performance in the Illinois-Indiana-Iowa League In one of Hartford’s greatest single seasons by a pitcher, Spahn had a 17-12 record for with a 1.96 earned run average before being called up to Boston. He was the only Bees player named to the 1942 Eastern League All-Star team. Spahn later enlisted in the United States Army and was awarded a Purple Heart in combat.

1942 Warren Spahn Hartford Bees
Warren Spahn, Pitcher, Hartford Bees, 1942.

With a few exceptions, the 1943 Hartford Bees were made up of Boston’s newest signings. The new roster came together at Spring Training where the Bees faced J.O. Christian’s team at the University of Connecticut. The day game at Storrs was well documented in the Hartford Courant. The Bees defeated the Huskies 8-1. Vivid photographs captured the action:

1943 Hartford Bees at University of Connecticut, 1943.
1943 Hartford Bees at University of Connecticut, 1943.
UConn vs. Hartford Bees, 1943.
UConn vs. Hartford Bees, 1943.
Ben Cardoni, Pitcher, Hartford Bees, 1943.
Ben Cardoni, Pitcher, Hartford Bees, 1943.
Del Bissonette, Manager, Hartford Bees (left) and J.O. Christian, Head Coach, UConn, 1943.
Del Bissonette, Manager, Hartford Bees (left) and J.O. Christian, Head Coach, UConn, 1943.
UConn vs. Hartford Bees, 1943.
UConn vs. Hartford Bees, 1943.

Bissonette’s Baby Bees had reliable starters in John Dagenhard and Carl Lindquist. Stan Wetzel, Tommy Neill and Don Manno were the team’s top batsmen. Because of the ongoing war, local talent found opportunities with the Bees. Homegrown players and alumni of the Hartford Twilight League, pitchers Peter Naktenis and Sam Hyman, and infielder Jimmy Francoline of East Windsor, each joined the Bees for their first of consecutive three seasons.

Bob Quinn (left), President, Boston Braves and Charley Aickley, Shortstop, Hartford Bees, 1943.
Bob Quinn (left), President, Boston Braves and Charley Aickley, Shortstop, Hartford Bees, 1943.
Stan Wentzel, Outfielder, Hartford Bees, 1943.
Stan Wentzel, Outfielder, Hartford Bees, 1943.
Hartford Bees advertisement, 1943.
Hartford Bees advertisement, 1943.
Pete Naktenis, Pitcher, Hartford Bees, 1943.
Pete Naktenis, Pitcher, Hartford Bees, 1943.
Sam Hyman, Pitcher, Hartford Senators, 1943.
Sam Hyman, Pitcher, Hartford Senators, 1943.

The success and popularity of the Bees culminated amid their 1944 pennant run. Opposing pitchers were no match for Hartford’s hitters, as Vince Shupe, Bob Brady, Roland Gladu and Stan Wetzel, all batted over .300. Peter Naktenis led the staff in strikeouts with 139, though he only threw home games due to his engineering job at Colt’s Manufacturing. Two relatively unknown starting pitchers, William Marshall and Warren Mueller both had remarkable seasons. The Bees outclassed the Eastern League to snatch the regular season title, finishing eight wins ahead of Albany.

1944 Hartford Bees with Charlie Blossfield (standing, middle).
1944 Hartford Bees with Charlie Blossfield (standing, middle).
Mayor Mortensen throws out ball of Opening Day, 1944.
Mayor Mortensen throws out ball of Opening Day, 1944.
Hartford vs. Williamsport, 1944.
Hartford vs. Williamsport, 1944.
Del Bissonette, Manager, Hartford Senators, 1944.
Del Bissonette, Manager, Hartford Senators, 1944.
Al "Skippy" Roberge, Infielder, Hartford Senators, 1944.
Al “Skippy” Roberge, Infielder, Hartford Senators, 1944.
Vince Shupe, First Baseman, Hartford, Senators, 1944.
Vince Shupe, First Baseman, Hartford, Senators, 1944.
Bob Brady, Catcher, Hartford Senators, 1944.
Bob Brady, Catcher, Hartford Senators, 1944.
Charlie Aickley, Shortstop and Steve Shemo, Second Baseman of the Hartford Bees at Bulkeley Stadium 1944.
Charlie Aickley, Shortstop and Steve Shemo, Second Baseman, Hartford Bees, Bulkeley Stadium, 1944.
Bob Brady, Catcher, Hartford Senators, 1944.
Bob Brady, Catcher, Hartford Senators, 1944.
Pete Naktenis crosses home plate, 1944.
Peter Naktenis crosses home plate, 1944.
Pete Naktenis, Pitcher, Hartford Senators, 1944.
Peter Naktenis, Pitcher, Hartford Senators, 1944.
Roland Gladu, Third Baseman, Hartford Senators, 1944.
Roland Gladu, Third Baseman, Hartford Senators, 1944.
Bob Brady, Catcher, Hartford Senators, 1944.
Bob Brady, Catcher, Hartford Senators, 1944.
Stan Wentzel, Outfielder, Hartford Senators, 1944.
Stan Wentzel, Outfielder, Hartford Senators, 1944.

In 1945, Del Bissonette was promoted to the Boston Braves as third base coach, and eventually manager. In place of him, Hartford employed Merle Settlemire, a retiring pitcher from their pennant winning team. Peter Naktenis performed admirably again in his final year as a professional. Mickey Katkaveck of Manchester, Connecticut, and a member of the Savitt Gems, played thirty games as a backup catcher. Hartford’s fourth place finish went down in history as an obscurity, and the Bees era came to an end the following year, when they were rebranded the Hartford Chiefs.

Fred “Dutch” Dorman (left), Manager and Charlie Blossfield, Business Manager of the Bees, 1945.
Fred “Dutch” Dorman (left), Manager and Charlie Blossfield, Business Manager of the Bees, 1945.
Sam Sporn and Moe Sporn, Hartford Bees, 1945
Sam Sporn and Moe Sporn, Hartford Bees, 1945
Hartford Senators raise '44 Eastern League Pennant, 1945.
Hartford Senators raise ’44 Eastern League Pennant, 1945.
Bob Quinn, Boston Braves and Governor Raymond E. Baldwin of Connecticut sign balls for a clothing drive contest while Charlie Blossfield, Business Manager, Hartford Bees looks on, 1945.
Bob Quinn, Boston Braves and Governor Raymond E. Baldwin of Connecticut sign balls for a clothing drive contest while Charlie Blossfield, Business Manager, Hartford Bees looks on, 1945.
Billy "Whitey" Wietelmann, Infielder, Hartford Senators, 1945
Billy “Whitey” Wietelmann, Infielder, Hartford Senators, 1945
L to R: Del Bissonette joins Boston Braves management, John Quinn, General Manager and Bob Coleman, Manager, 1945.
L to R: Del Bissonette joins Boston Braves management, John Quinn, General Manager and Bob Coleman, Manager, 1945.
Harvey Roop, Hartford Bees, 1945.
Harvey Roop, Hartford Bees, 1945.
Merle Settlemire, Manager, Hartford Senators, 1945.
Merle Settlemire, Manager, Hartford Senators, 1945.
Charlie Aickley, Shortstop, Hartford Senators, 1945.
Charlie Aickley, Shortstop, Hartford Senators, 1945.
Young Italians boy wearing Hartford baseball uniforms, 1947.
Young Italians boy wearing Hartford Bees uniforms, 1947.
Del BIssonette, former Hartford Bees Manager, 1948.
Del BIssonette, former Hartford Bees Manager, 1948.
1990 Basilio Ortize Eastern Connecticut State University Baseball 1
by Weston Ulbrich

Hartford All-Timer, Basilio Ortiz, ECSU Warrior Turned Professional

Basilio “Bo” Ortiz was a sensational outfielder with power, speed, arm strength and defensive ability. Ortiz grew up on Charter Oak Terrace in Hartford, Connecticut, and attended Bulkeley High School. In his junior year, he led the Maroons in batting (.467), RBI (17), home runs (3) and stolen bases (8). He had similar numbers in his senior year as captain of the team and became the first Bulkeley player to achieve All-State honors. By the end high school, his coach, Pete Kokinis called him, “One of the best to ever wear a Bulkeley baseball uniform.”

1988 Basilio Ortiz Bulkeley High School Hartford Connecticut scaled
Basilio Oritz, Bulkeley High School, 1988.
1988 Basilio Ortiz Bulkeley High School Baseball Stealing Second Base
Ortiz steals second, 1988.
1988 All Conference Team Class LL Connecticut Basilio Ortiz
Class LL All-State Team, 1988.

Ortiz was drafted out of high school by the San Francisco Giants in the 40th round of the 1988 MLB June Amateur Draft. Instead of signing, he accepted a scholarship to Eastern Connecticut State University. After his freshman year at ECSU, Ortiz made waves in the Greater Hartford Twilight Baseball League for the Newington Capitols. Ortiz batted .333 during the 1998 twilight league season and earned the Rookie of the Year award.

1990 Mar 28 Ex Bulkeley Star Hopes to Play in the Majors Basilio Ortiz GHTBL scaled
Hartford Courant features Ortiz, March 28, 1990.

As a sophomore leadoff hitter in 1990, Ortiz batted a team-high .370 in postseason play. He helped the Warriors win seven straight tournament games for the 1990 NCAA Division-III national title. That year, he batted .434 with 76 hits, 68 runs, 11 home runs, 41 RBI and 134 total bases en route to 1st team Division-III All-America laurels. In the summer, Ortiz suited up for the Orleans Cardinals of the Cape Cod Baseball League.

1991 Basilio Ortiz Baseball Swing ECSU
Basilio Ortiz, Eastern Connecticut State University, 1991.
1991 Basilio Ortiz Eastern Connecticut State University Baseball
Basilio Ortiz, Eastern Connecticut State University, 1991.

Then, as a junior at ECSU, the 5’11”, 170-pound Ortiz batted .448 with 78 hits, 12 home runs, 62 RBI, 62 runs and 138 total bases. Again he was awarded the NCAA Division-III National Player of the Year. Ortiz was also recognized as one of five New England Division-III Athletes of the Year. At the conclusion of his college career, head coach Bill Holowaty praised Ortiz as, “the best player we’ve ever had.”

1991 Sep 17 Basilio Ortiz New England College Athletic Conference Awards
Basilio Ortiz accepts New England College Athletic Conference award, 1991.

Ortiz was selected in the 30th round of the 1991 MLB June Amateur Draft by the Baltimore Orioles. In the summer of 1991, Ortiz had a successful start in the pros. In 56 plate appearances, he hit .307 in rookie ball for the Bluefield Orioles in the Appalachian League. He was quickly promoted to Single-A with the Kane County Cougars in the Midwest League. Ortiz spent the next two years between Single-A on the Frederick Keys and Double-A on Bowie Baysox.

1991 Basilio Ortiz Bluefield Orioles
Basilio Ortiz, Bluefield Orioles, 1991.
1992 Basilio Ortiz Frederick Keys Baseball Card
Basilio Ortiz, Frederick Keys, 1992.
1993 Basilio Ortize Frederick Keys Baseball
Basilio Ortiz, Frederick Keys, 1993.

The best season of “Bo” Ortiz’s professional career came in 1994 for Bowie Baysox of the Eastern League. He compiled a career high .309 batting average with 10 home runs, 56 RBI and an .860 OPS. Towards the end of the season, Ortiz was traded to the California Angels organization and reported to central Texas, to play for the Midland Angels. In 1996, he was named to the Texas League All-Star team. After an injury-riddled season in 1997 with the Harrisburg Senators of the Montreal Expos organization, Ortiz played his last 60 games as a professional.

1995 Basilio Ortiz Hartford Twilight League
Basilio Ortiz, Midland Angels, 1995.
1996 Basilio Ortiz Midland Angels
Basilio Ortiz, Midland Angels, 1996.

In 2007, Basilio Ortiz was inducted into the Eastern Connecticut State University Athletics Hall of Fame. Ortiz is regarded as the best outfielder, and among the best position players in program history. Ortiz ranks thirteenth all-time at ECSU with 204 career hits in three years, second all-time in career batting average (.415), first in slugging percentage (.729), fifth in home runs (29) and runs (180), sixth in doubles (43), tied for sixth in stolen bases (63), and seventh in total bases (358).


Sources
1. Hartford Courant database on Newspapers.com
2. Baseball-Reference.com

1923 Hartford Senators Lou Gehrig Clarkin Field 1
by Weston Ulbrich

Hartford’s Minor League Club, Part III: The Senators (1916-1934)

Minor Leagues

  • Eastern League (1916-1932)
  • Northeastern League (1934)

Championship Seasons

  • 1923 & 1931

Hartford Senators in the National Baseball Hall of Fame

The Hartford Senators remain Connecticut’s most enduring sports franchise of all-time. For more than three decades (1902-1934) the Senators were Hartford’s headliner club. The minor league team became an elite training ground for the Major Leagues. Baseball legends like Lou Gehrig, Jim Thorpe, Leo Durocher and Hank Greenberg honed their skills in Hartford. The following chronology recounts the Senators franchise during their later years (1916-1934).

1916 Hartford Senators Wethersfield Avenue Grounds
Hartford holds a practice at Wethersfield Avenue Grounds, 1916.

By the 1916 season James H. Clarkin had owned the Hartford Senators for more than a decade. That year, Clarkin’s club became a member of the Eastern League, a new Class-B circuit. Former Boston Red Sox champion and 15-year veteran, Heine Wagner signed as Hartford’s nascent player-manager. The Senators recruited Paddy O’Connor, a catcher with big league experience. George Brickley, a Trinity College alumnus and head coach at Hartford Public High School, patrolled the outfield.

1916 Heine Wagner Hartford Senators Manager
Heine Wagner, Manager, Hartford Senators, 1916.
1916 Heine Wagner Hartford Senators Eastern League
Heine Wagner, Manager, Hartford Senators, 1916.
1916 Apr 30 Quartet of Hartford Senators
Members of the Hartford Senators, 1916.

A dismal first half of the 1916 season led to the release of Heine Wagner and a veteran gaffer, Jesse Burkett was appointed player-manager in his place. One day at Wethersfield Avenue Grounds, the Hartford club was visited by soon-to-be Commissioner of Baseball, Judge Kenesaw Landis, famous for settling a lawsuit between the outlaw Federal League and Major League Baseball. Also on hand for the occasion was former Hartford manager Dan O’Neil, who had been appointed President of the Eastern League. The Senators finished the season in last place with a 38-79 record.

1916 Hartford Senators Judge Landis Wethersfield Avenue Grounds
Hartford Senators & Judge Kenesaw Landis (standing, center), Wethersfield Avenue Grounds, Hartford, 1916.
1916 Jesse Burkett Hartford Senators
Jesse Burkett, Hartford Senators, 1916.
Lefty Goldberg, Pitcher, Hartford Senators, 1916.
Lefty Goldberg, Pitcher, Hartford Senators, 1916.

In 1917, the Senators were managed by Boston native Louis Pieper who oversaw one of Hartford’s worst seasons. His pitching staff included Dave Keefe, a journeyman later picked by Connie Mack’s Philadelphia Athletics, as well as workhorses Ralph Head and Fred Trautman. Their catcher, Bill Skaff appeared in his second season in Hartford. The team’s top hitters were shortstop, Roy Grimes and an Amherst College graduate named Eddie Goodridge from Bristol, Connecticut. Despite strong fan support, the club suffered a .359 winning percentage.

1917 Fred Trautman Hartford Senators
Fred Trautman, Pitcher, Hartford Senators, 1917.
1917 Hartford Senators Stuffy Carroll and Roy Grimes
“Stuffy” Carroll, Catcher & Roy Grimes, Shortstop, Hartford Senators, 1917.
1917 Hartford Senators Tencate and Liston
Emil Liston & Tencate, Hartford Senators, 1917.

The following year, another forgettable Eastern League season awaited Hartford. Owner Clarkin’s squad was headed by captain and player-manager, Gus Gardella. The club relied on pitchers Orlie Weaver, Andy Meyerjack and Glenn Cook. Their catcher Joe Briger hit .308 on the year. However, the 1917 season was cut short when the United States entered World War I. Every man in the nation was ordered to work or fight and as a result, the Eastern League disbanded in mid-July of 1918.

1918 May 20 Two Big Cogs in Senators Inner Works
Infielders of the Hartford Senators, 1918.
image
Andy Meyerjack, Pitcher, Hartford Senators, 1918.

The Eastern League returned in 1919. The circuit was upgraded to Class-A status, a step below the Major Leagues. Two-time World Series champion, Danny Murphy became Hartford’s manager. However, a month into the season, James Clarkin abruptly fired Murphy and appointed shortstop Roy Grimes as player-manager. Frank Brazill, a corner infielder led batters with a .360 average in 225 at bats. Local star Eddie Goodridge returned to man first base after serving in the military. Though, the Senators struggled to keep opponents off the base paths, and the club landed in last place.

1919 Men who Will Direct Hartfords Efforts in the Eastern League
Management of the Hartford Senators, 1919.
1919 Hartford Senators Battery George Casazza and Mickey Flaherty
George Casazza, Pitcher and Mickey Flaherty, Catcher, Hartford Senators, 1919.
1919 Hartford Senators Team Photo
1919 Hartford Senators
1919 May Richard J. Kinsella First Pitch
Mayor Richard J. Kinsella tosses first pitch, 1919.
1919 Danny Murphy Hartford Senators Manager
Danny Murphy, Manager, Hartford Senators, 1919.
1919 Jun 8 Joe Baker Hartford Senators
Joe Baker, Pitcher, Hartford Senators, 1919.
1919 Hartford Senators
L to R: Warren Adams, Roy Grimes, Frank Brazill (kneeling), Eddie Goodridge and Urban S. Williams of the Hartford Senators, 1919.

Reacting to another bungled season, James Clarkin turned the club upside down. With the exception of Ralph Head and Willie Adams, the entire 1920 Senators roster consisted of new players. Dan Howley was hired as manager and emergency catcher. Fred Bailey, a 24 year old outfielder and former Boston Braves prospect hit .303. George “Kewpie” Pennington had a 2.54 earned run average and won 16 of Hartford’s 70 wins. The club rose to fourth place, finishing only eight games behind first place New Haven.

1920 James H. Clarkin Hartford Senators
James H. Clarkin, Owner, Hartford Senators, 1920.
1920 Rex Cox Hartford Senators
Rex Cox, Pitcher, Hartford Senators, 1920.
1920 Hartford Senators Clarence Pickup and Ralph Head
Clarence Pickup, Outfielder and Ralph Head, Pitcher, Hartford Senators, 1920.
1920 George Pennington Hartford Senators
George “Kewpie” Pennington, Pitcher, Hartford Senators, 1920.

In 1921, owner Clarkin replaced the Wethersfield Avenue Grounds with a new venue. It was an elite venue of the minor leagues; with a grandstand made of steel and concrete, clubhouses and modern amenities. After fifteen years as owner, Clarkin doubled-down on his investment, even though winning was in short supply. The new facility became known as Clarkin Stadium (or Clarkin Field). Along with Providence, Hartford was the most coveted franchise in the Eastern League because of its central location and passionate fanbase. However, the stadium would not be ready for Opening Day and the Senators played their first two weeks on the road.

1921 Clarkin Field Hartford Baseball scaled
Clarkin Stadium, 1921.

Clarkin Stadium produced a higher level of baseball in Hartford. Legendary old-timer and 1884 World Series winner, Arthur Irwin accepted managerial duties and changed the franchise forever. Irwin scouted a 17 year old first baseman from Columbia University named Lou Gehrig. As a rookie phenom, Gehrig played a dozen games for the Senators in 1921. He assumed two different names, “Lefty Gehrig” and “Lou Lewis” presumably in an attempt to retain amateur status on his return to college. Gehrig would return Hartford but unfortunately the man who lured him to Connecticut would meet an untimely demise.

1921 Apr 7 Hartford Senators Snapped at Hackensack Camp
Players of the Hartford Senators, 1921.
1922 Lou Gehrig Columbia Baseball
Lou Gehrig, Hartford Senators, 1921.

On July 16, 1921, Hartford’s ailing manager, Arthur Irwin, jumped from the steamship Calvin Austin on a voyage from New York to Boston and perished. Former Hartford manager Thomas Dowd of the near-championship 1908 club was Irwin’s replacement. Dowd’s recurring role only lasted a month, and the team’s veteran catcher and 3-time World Series champion, Chester “Pinch” Thomas was appointed player-manager by August. One of the top performing Senators of 1921 was outfielder Hinkey Haines, who played a minor role on the New York Yankees during their 1923 World Series championship run.

1908 Thomas Dowd Hartford Senators Manager
Thomas J. Dowd, Manager, Hartford Senators, 1921.
1913 Arthur Irwin and Frank Chance
Arthur Irwin (left) photographed in 1913.
1921 Clarkin Field James Crowley Albert House Umpire James Clarkin Samuel Doty
L to R: James Crowley, Albert House, James Clarkin and Samuel Doty at Clarkin Stadium, 1921.

Connie Mack came to Hartford on a scouting trip near the end of the 1921 season and purchased Heinie Scheer. Mack and the Philadelphia Athletics offered Clarkin $5,000 for Scheer, a sure-handed, fleet of foot infielder. Scheer refused to go to Philadelphia unless Clarkin gave him a percentage of his transfer fee. Following a fifth place finish, owner Clarkin spoke to reporters and declared his frustration with major league clubs who poached his players.

1921 Fred Bailey and Phil Neher Hartford Senators
Fred Bailey, Outfielder and Phil Neher, Shortstop, Hartford Senators, 1921.
1921 Apr 18 Hinkey Haines Hartford Senators
Hinkey Haines, Outfielder, Hartford Senators, 1921.

In 1922, owner Clarkin signed world-famous Native American olympian, Jim Thorpe. In his brief time with the Senators, Thorpe crushed Eastern League pitching. His stint in Hartford would only last about six weeks. Upon being traded to Worcester, Thorpe criticized Clarkin’s methods, saying that he was pressured by Clarkin to more hit home runs. A few days after being traded, Thorpe led Worcester to two wins in a doubleheader over Hartford.

1922 Clarkin Field Hartford Senators
Hartford Courant pictorial of the Hartford Senators, 1922.
1922 Jul 1 Jim Thorpe Signed by Hartford Chicago Eagle scaled
Jim Thorpe, Outfielder, Hartford Senators, 1922.

At the helm of the Senators during the Thorpe fiasco was a 35 year old player-manager, Jack Coffey. The club’s left fielder was Leo “Brick” Kane who achieved a third consecutive Eastern League season with 100 hits. Hartford had a rookie right fielder, Sy Rosenthal, who went on to play for 13 years in organized baseball. At third base was Ted Hauk, a fixture in Hartford’s lineup. The Senators of 1922 failed more often than they succeeded (73-76) and sunk to sixth in the standings.

1922 Jun 12 Leo 22Brick22 Kane Hartford Senators
Leo “Brick” Kane, Outfielder, Hartford Senators, 1922.
1922 Hartford Senators
1922 Hartford Senators
1921 Jack Coffey Hartford Senators Baseball Manager scaled
Jack Coffey, Player-Manager, Hartford Senators, 1922.

Hartford’s lone constant, their owner James Clarkin hired a new manager in 1923. Paddy O’Connor, a former Senators catcher and a trusted baseball mind was paid a salary exceeding all other Eastern League managers. The club also welcomed back Lou Gehrig from Columbia University for 59 games. The budding star was 19 years old when he swatted a league record 24 home runs. Gehrig was a one man wrecking crew who led Hartford to the 1923 pennant. The Senators copped their first Eastern League title with a .640 winning percentage.

1923 Hartford Senators Lou Gehrig Clarkin Field
1923 Harford Senators – Owner James Clarkin (standing, center) and Lou Gehrig (seated, center).
1923 Sep 30 Hartford Senators Eastern League Pennant
Hartford Senators, Eastern League Champions, 1923.
1923 Paddy OConnor Hartford Senators
Paddy O’Connor, Manager, Hartford Senators, 1923.

As champions, the Senators entered the 1924 season teeming with confidence. Lou Gehrig’s game continued to mature as he tore up the Eastern League with 37 homers in 504 at bats and a .369 batting average. Gehrig’s prolific days in Hartford ended when the New York Yankees called him up and went 6 for 12 in 10 games. Another standout Senator was second baseman Henry “Smudge” Demoe who smacked 184 hits, fifth most in 1924. Hartford ended the season in third place, just four games back from the pennant winners, the Waterbury Brasscos.

1923 Ted Hauk Hartford Senators
Ted Hauk, Third Baseman, Hartford Senators, 1924.
1924 Nov 14 Carl Schmehl Hartford Senators
Carl Schmehl, Utility, Hartford Senators, 1924.
1923 Lou Gehrig Hartford Senators Clarkin Field
Lou Gehrig, First Baseman, Hartford Senators, 1924.
1924 Hartford Senators Booster Club
Senators Booster Club Membership Card signed by Lou Gehrig, 1924.
1924 Hartford Senators Ticket Stub
Ticket stubs from Hartford Senators game, 1924.
1924 Frank 22Smudge22 Demoe Hartford Senators
Henry “Smudge” Demoe, Second Baseman, Hartford Senators, 1924.

The next season brought another star player to Hartford. Leo Durocher attended his first tryout with the Senators in April of 1925. Manager Paddy O’Connor was impressed with Durocher’s defensive talent and quickness at shortstop. As a rookie, Durocher batted only .220, but he compiled a .933 fielding percentage. On August 16, 1925, “Leo the Lip” was purchased by the New York Yankees for $12,000. Durocher had played 151 games in Hartford before reporting to the Yankees.

1925 Apr 8 Hartford Senators Leo Durocher 1 scaled
Leo Durocher (center), Infielder, Hartford Senators, 1925.

Meanwhile, Hartford’s Tom Comiskey and Harry Hesse finished among Eastern League leaders in hits. Lem Owen and Earl Johnson were reliable starting arms for the Senators. The heart and soul of the team was their catcher, Eddie Kenna who played 144 games. Marty Shay was their second baseman and leadoff man. Henri Rondeau, a journeyman outfielder born in Danielson, Connecticut, batted .306. Hartford nearly captured the 1925 title, though the Waterbury Brasscos outperformed them by a game and a half.

1925 Paddy OConnor Hartford Senators
Paddy O’Connor, Manager, Hartford Senators, 1925.
1925 Manager Paddy OConnor Hartford Senators and Bob Emmerich Albany Lawmakers
Paddy O’Connor shakes hands with Bill McCorry, Manager, Albany, 1925.
1925 Eddie Kenna Hartford Senators
Eddie Kenna

In 1926, Clarkin hired former Hartford catcher Si McDonald to direct the club. Their relationship turned sour quickly and McDonald was fired in late May. Second baseman Gene Sheriden was appointed manager. The Senators finished towards the bottom of the standings but had bright spots on the season. Adolph Schinkle, a pitcher converted into an outfielder, led the Eastern League in doubles and slapped 195 hits. George Brown and John Miller were the club’s top pitchers who ranked among league leaders in earned run average.

1926 Bob Mitchell Hartford Senators
Bob Mitchell Hartford Senators, 1926.
1926 George Krahe Hartford Senators
George Krahe, Shortstop, Hartford Senators, 1926.
1926 Tom Comiskey Hartford Senators
Tom Comiskey, Hartford Senators, 1926.
1925 Adolph Schinkle Hartford Senators 1
Adolph Schinkle, Outfielder, Hartford Senators, 1926.
1926 Aug 4 Hartford Senators 22Cowboy22 Ken Jones
“Cowboy” Ken Jones, Outfielder, Hartford Senators, 1926.
1926 Hartford Senators George Kane 1
George Kane, Infielder, Hartford Senators, 1926.
1926 Gene Sheriden Player Manager Hartford Senators
Gene Sheridan, Manager, Hartford Senators, 1926.
1926 Clifford Knox Hartford Senators
Clifford Knox, Catcher, Hartford Senators, 1926.

An accidental fire torched the Clarkin Stadium grandstand in the off-season of 1927, so the Senators played home games at Trinity College and in Manchester while repairs were made. When the new grandstand was constructed, President of the Eastern League, Herman Weisman rewarded James Clarkin, for his diligent efforts, with a gold stickpin and cufflinks encrusted with diamonds. Looking on was Hartford’s new manager, a longtime big leaguer, Kitty Bransfield. First baseman Jim Keesey proved to be a prospect, pacing the Eastern League with 204 hits on the season, while Adolph Schinkle had 203 hits.

1927 Jul 16 James H. Clarkin Stadium Hartford Senators Mayor Norman Stevens edited
James H. Clarkin (left) listens to President Herman Weisman (center) of the Eastern League and Mayor Norman Stevens throws ceremonial first pitch at Clarkin Stadium, 1927.
1927 Hartford Senators Clarkin Field Opening Day scaled
Opening Day at Clarkin Stadium, Hartford, 1927.
1927 Manager Kitty Bransfield Hartford Senators
Kitty Bransfield, Manager, Hartford Senators, 1927.

During the 1927 season, Kiddo Davis was stationed in Hartford’s outfield. He batted .349 and went on to become a World Series champion in 1933 with the New York Giants. Jo-Jo Morrissey was also a cog in the outfield, playing his second season with the Senators. An infielder from Cuba named Eusebio González played 25 games and was Hartford’s first player of color since Jim Thorpe. Clarence “Lefty” Thomas was the club’s top performing pitcher, but the rest of the pitching staff struggled mightily, and the Senators ended up in sixth place.

1927 Joe Morrissey Hartford Senators
Jo-Jo Morrissey, Infielder, Hartford Senators, 1927.
1927 Art Butler Hartford Senators
Art Butler, Infielder, Hartford Senators, 1927.

In the winter of 1928, James Clarkin decided to retire from baseball. During his 25 years as proprietor, he led Hartford to three pennants. Clarkin was a stern, no-nonsense businessman who had drawn the ire of some players and fans. However, according to his former manager, Jack Coffey, he had “many endearing qualities hidden from those who did not know him intimately.” When new ownership took over, Clarkin Stadium was renamed Bulkeley Stadium in honor of Morgan G. Bulkeley, a prominent Hartford figure, the first President of the National League, and a former U.S. Senator and Governor of Connecticut, who had passed away in 1922.

1928 James H. Clarkin Hartford Senators
James H. Clarkin retires, 1928.
1928 Bulkeley Stadium Seating
Bulkeley Stadium, Hartford, 1928.
1928 Bulkeley Stadium Hartford Connecticut
Bulkeley Stadium, Hartford, Connecticut, 1928.

Hartford’s new ownership was spearheaded by Robert J. Farrell, a real estate developer. The purchase price for the franchise and the stadium property was reported to be $200,000. Farrell created a private stock company made up of investors and they expanded the grandstand at Bulkeley Stadium. John A. Danaher was hired to be the club’s secretary to handle administrative duties. The buyout reinforced the common opinion of the day – that Hartford was a celebrated baseball city. In preparation for the 1928 season, the Hartford Senators reintroduced the fan favorite, Paddy O’Connor as manager.

1928 Robert J. Farrell Hartford Senators
Robert J. Farrell, President, Hartford Senators, 1928
1928 Seeking to Put Hartford on the Baseball Map Robert Farrell James Dillon Senators
Board of Directors, Hartford Baseball Club, 1928.
1928 Apr 18 Hartford Senators Shep Cannon Bill Eisemann
Opening Day batter for the Hartford Senators, 1928.
1928 Mayor Norman Stevens Hartford Bulkeley Stadium
Mayor Norman Stevens throws first pitch, 1928.
1928 Bulkeley Stadium Mayor Norman Stevens and Bob Farrell
Mayor Norman Stevens (left) and Bob Farrell, Owner, Hartford Senators, 1928.
1923 Paddy OConnor Hartford Senators
Paddy O’Connor, Manager, Hartford Senators, 1928.

During the 1928 campaign, John “Bunny” Roser was Hartford’s newest and most valuable slugger. He earned the league home run title with 27 round-trippers. At second base, Scott Slayback demonstrated a capable bat with 10 homers. A southpaw pitcher named Russ Van Atta threw for a marvelous 2.49 earned run average before being called up by the New York Yankees. Carl Schmehl and Tom Comiskey played their final seasons in Hartford, and the club placed third in the 1928 Eastern League.

1928 Bulkeley Stadium Hartford Senators Catcher William Eisemann
William Eisemann, Catcher, Hartford Senators, 1928.
1928 Apr 19 One Flash of Action in Bulkeley Stadium Hartford Senators
Skee Watson, Outfielder, Hartford Senators, 1928.
1928 Dominique Paiement Hartford Senators
Dominique Paiement, Infielder, Hartford Senators, 1928.
1928 Pete Stack Hartford Senators
Pete Stack, Catcher, Hartford Senators, 1928.
1928 Heine Scheer Hartford Senators
Heine Scheer, Infielder, Hartford Senators, 1928.
1928 Jack Levy Hartford Senators
Jack Levy, Pitcher, Hartford Senators, 1928.
1928 John Styborkski Hartford Senators
John Styborski, Pitcher Hartford Senators, 1928.

Going into the 1929 season, the Senators made a splash in the press when they signed a 2-time World Series champion, Heinie Groh as player-manager. The club then resigned their former second baseman of 1921, Heinie Scheer. Corner outfielder John Roser hit another 25 home runs while his counterpart Bill Hohman mashed 24 long balls. Utility man Skee Watson had a brilliant year at the plate, hitting for a .324 average in 593 at bats. Mike Martineck batted .337 and replaced Groh as player-manager in late August.

1929 Heine Groh and Robert J. Farrell Hartford Senatorsjpg
Heinie Groh and Robert J. Farrell, Hartford Senators, 1929.

The Senators would struggle to pitch effectively throughout the year. Their best hurler was 5’8″ Dan Woodman who threw 236 innings with a 3.74 earned run average and a 13-14 win-loss record. Local amateur pitchers, Sam Hyman and Johnny Michaels received professional contracts, making several key appearances on the mound. Their starting catcher, Joe Smith had a solid defensive and offensive season. However, adequate individual performances did not translate into a successful 1929 campaign, and Hartford ended the year in last place.

1929 Apr 11 Hartford Senators Players
Players of the Hartford Senators, 1929.
1929 Hartford Senators
Infielders of the Hartford Senators, 1929.
1929 Johnny Roser Hartford Senators
Johnny Roser, Outfielder, Hartford Senators, 1929.
1929 Gary Fortune Pitcher Hartford Senators
Gary Fortune, Pitcher, Hartford Senators, 1929.
1929 Walter Brown Hartford Senators
Walter Brown, Pitcher, Hartford Senators, 1929.
1929 Sam Hyman Hartford Senators
Sam Hyman, Pitcher, Hartford Senators, 1929.
1929 Hiene Groh Hartford Senators
Heinie Groh, Third Baseman, Hartford Senators, 1929.
1929 Joe Smith Hartford Senators
Joe Smith, Catcher, Hartford Senators, 1929.
1929 Shep Cannon Hartford Senators
Shep Cannon, Pitcher, Hartford Senators, 1929.

On May 23, 1930, fans witnessed an exhibition between the Senators and Connie Mack’s Philadelphia Athletics at Bulkeley Stadium. Because of an illness Mack was not present, but Commissioner Landis attended as a guest of Mayor Walter Batterson. That same season, rookie first baseman and future Hall of Fame inductee Hank Greenberg played 17 games for the Senators. Baseball was a welcome spectacle during tough economic times of the Great Depression, though Hartford’s season would be cut short. The club folded on June 30, 1930, due to financial insolvency. New Haven, Pittsfield and Providence also halted operations, reducing the Eastern League to four clubs.

1930 Hartford Senators with Judge Kenesaw Landis Bulkeley Stadium
The Hartford Senators with Mayor Batterson and Judge Kenesaw Mountain Landis, 1930.
1930 Judge Kennesaw Landis and Mayor Batterson
Judge Kenesaw Landis and Mayor Walter Batterson, 1930.
1930 Ori Corella Hartford Senators
Oriental Corella, Second Baseman, Hartford Senators, 1930.
1930 Bernie Hewitt Bill Cooper Hartford Senators
Bernie Hewitt, First Baseman and Bill Cooper, Pitcher, Hartford Senators, 1930.
1930 Hank Greenberg Hartford Senators
Hank Greenberg, First Baseman, Hartford Senators, 1930.
1930 Tom Mullen Hartford Senators
Tom Mullen, First Baseman, Hartford Senators, 1930.
1930 Feb 2 Roland J. Utley Hartford Senators Treasurer
Raymond J. Utley, Treasurer, Hartford Senators, 1930.
1930 Joe Malay Hartford Senators
Joe Malay, First Baseman, Hartford Senators, 1930.
1930 King Bader Hartford Senators
King Bader, Pitcher, Hartford Senators, 1930.
1930 Skee Watson Hartford Senators
Skee Watson, Outfielder, Hartford Senators, 1930.
1930 Hartford Main Street Looking South
A view south down Main Street in Hartford, Connecticut, 1930
1930 Apr 17 Bill Hohman Hartford Senators
Bill Hohman, Outfielder, Hartford Senators, 1930.

By spring of 1931, the Eastern League returned with eight clubs, including Hartford with new ownership. Bob Farrell sold the Senators to the Brooklyn Dodgers organization. Dodgers business manager, Dave Driscoll became president of the Hartford affiliate from his office in Brooklyn. Driscoll sent Earl Mann to run operations as business manager of the Senators. 27 year old Charles Moore was chosen as manager and backup catcher. Paul Richards was the starting catcher, team leader in home runs and later became a known as a genius inventor (patented the “Iron Mike” pitching machine). Hartford’s best overall hitter was Red Howell, who finished fourth in the league in batting average.

1931 Hartford Senators Management
Management of the Hartford Senators, 1931.
1931 Feb 28 Future Hartford Senators Maybe Van Mungo 1
Future Players of the Hartford Senators, 1931.
1931 Infielders of the Hartford Senators
Infielders of the Hartford Senators, 1931.
1931 Earl Mattingly Hartford Senators
Earl Mattingly, Pitcher, Hartford Senators, 1931.
1931 Norman Sitts Hartford Senators
Norman Sitts, First Baseman, Hartford Senators, 1931.
1932 Red Howell Hartford Senators Eastern League
Red Howell, Outfielder, Hartford Senators, 1931.
1931 Hartford Senators Albert W. Keane scaled
Hartford Courant report by Albert W. Keane, 1931.
1931 Max Rosenfeld Hartford Senators
Max Rosenfeld, Infielder, Hartford Senators, 1931.
1931 Bobby Reis Hartford Senators
Bobby Reis, Pitcher, Hartford Senators, 1931.
1931 Camp Courant Hartford Senators
Hartford Senators visit Camp Courant, 1931.

Hartford dominated the Eastern League in 1931, winning 97 of 137 games. They captured the pennant on the backs of superior pitching and eleven players who had big league experience. The Senators received seven Eastern League All-Star selections: Bob Parham, Bobby Reis, Paul Richards, Van Mungo, Earl Mattingly Jr. and Phil Gallivan. Most distinguished among them was Van Mungo who later earned five National League All-Star selections. Johnny Mann and Al Cohen were also major contributors to the team’s championship run. The 1931 Hartford Senators are recognized as one of the 100 greatest minor league teams of all time.

1931 Hartford Senators
1931 Hartford Senators
1931 Paul Richards Hartford Senators
Paul Richards, Catcher, Hartford Senators, 1931.
1931 Bob Parnham Hartford Senators
Bob Parham, First Baseman, Hartford Senators, 1931.
1931 Alta Cohen Hartford Senators
Al Cohen, Outfielder, Hartford Senators, 1931.
1931 Hartford Senators Team Photo
1931 Hartford Senators

Hartford’s 1932 season began with an unfurling of the Eastern League pennant at Bulkeley Stadium. Business manager Earl Mann did the honors and posed for the cameras. Charles Moore was rehired as field manager, yet when the Dodgers requested that he coach their Jersey City affiliate, Moore obliged. The Senators named shortstop Bill Marlotte player-manager even though first baseman and captain Norman Sitts was presumed to take the role. Before the managerial move, the Senators were four games back from first place. After Moore left, Hartford sank to the bottom of the standings.

1931 Harford Senators Eastern League Champions
Earl Mann, Business Manager, Hartford Senators unfurls the pennant on Opening Day, 1932.
1932 Charley Moore Hartford Senators
Charley Moore, Manager, Hartford Senators, 1932.

Notable Hartford Senators of 1932 include: Red Howell who batted .349, Bruce Caldwell, a Yale University graduate, Jim Henry, a rookie pitcher and Byron Topol, a little-known third baseman. Veteran players Johnny Mann, Eddie Kenna and Pinky Pittenger played their last seasons in Hartford. Yet waning interest and continued economic woes hampered ticket revenues. Club owners met in New York City and voted to fold the league. On July 18, 1932, the Hartford Courant reported the demise of the Eastern League due to poor attendance.

1932 Bill Marlotte Hartford Senators Eastern League
Bill Marlotte
1932 Al Kimbrel Hartford Senators Eastern League
Al Kimbrel, Catcher, Hartford Senators, 1932.
1932 Mar 30 Roy Humphries Hartford Senators
Roy Humphries, Outfielder, Hartford Senators, 1932.
1932 Phil Gallivan Hartford Senators
Phil Gallivan, Pitcher, Hartford Senators, 1932.
1932 Apr 4 Dave Cochlin Hartford Senators
Dave Cochlin, Catcher, Hartford Senators, 1932.
1932 Johnny Mann Hartford Senators Eastern League
Johnny Mann, Utility, Hartford Senators, 1932.
1932 Jim Henry Hartford Senators
Jim Henry, Pitcher, Hartford Senators, 1932.
1932 Eddie Kunsberg Hartford Senators
Eddie Kunsberg, Pitcher/First Baseman, Hartford Senators 1932.
1932 Bulkeley Stadium Allentown vs Hartford Senators scaled
Allentown vs. Hartford Senators at Bulkeley Stadium, 1932.

There would be no minor league baseball in Hartford during the year of 1933. Instead, a local jeweler named Bill Savitt rented Bulkeley Stadium and staged his semi-professional Savitt Gems against professional and independent clubs. Not until 1934 did the Senators restart operations in the newly formed Northeastern League. Johnny Roser settled in again as the club’s power-hitter. A 38 year old first baseman named Snake Henry had a brilliant year at the plate. Hartford had talent, but they lacked consistency. Three different managers attempted to steer the team, who finished in fourth place.

1934 May 17 Mayor Beach First Pitch Northeastern League Hartford Senators
Mayor Beach tosses the first pitch at Opening Day, Hartford, 1934.
1934 Lee Kulas Hartford Senators
Lee Kulas, Infielder, Hartford Senators, 1934.
1934 Fred Henry Hartford Senators
Fred Henry, Player-Manager, Hartford Senators, 1934.
1934 Johnny Roser Hartford Senators
Johnny Roser, Outfielder, Hartford Senators, 1934.
1934 Emil Planeta Hartford Senators
Emil Planeta, Pitcher, Hartford Senators, 1934.
1934 Pepper Rea Hartford Senators
Pepper Rea, Third Baseman, Hartford Senators, 1934.
1934 Jim Clark Hartford Senators
Jim Clark, Pitcher, Hartford Senators, 1934.
1934 Bob Walsh Hartford Senators
Bob Walsh, Pitcher, Hartford Senators, 1934.
1934 Jan 24 Dr. Edward Baker Hartford Senators
Dr. Edward Baker, Shortstop, Hartford Senators, 1934.

Sources

  1. Hartford Courant database on Newspapers.com
  2. SABR Bio Project – Danny Murphy
  3. SABR Bio Project – Lou Gehrig
  4. Statscrew.com
Johnny Taylor Field Opening Day Hartford Colt Park Bulkeley High School Baseball
by Weston Ulbrich

Johnny Taylor Field Opens at Colt Park

A Colt Park field now holds the name of Hartford baseball legend Johnny “Schoolboy” Taylor, the first Black professional athlete to come out of the city.

The Greater Hartford Twilight Baseball League, Hartford Public Schools and members of the community gathered to honor Taylor’s legacy and dedicate the newly renovated Field #9 to him before its inaugural game — Bulkeley High School against Rocky Hill. A fitting first match, since Taylor started his baseball career as a senior at Bulkeley.

“The icing in on the cake will be for Hartford youth to embrace the American game of baseball and move Johnny ‘Schoolboy’ Taylor’s legacy far into the future,” said Lynne Taylor-Grande, Johnny’s daughter.

Wes Ulbrich of the Greater Hartford Twilight Baseball League (left) and Lynne Taylor-Grande, the daughter of Johnny Taylor, hug at home base Field #9 at Colt Field was dedicated and renamed for Johnny Taylor.
Wes Ulbrich of the Greater Hartford Twilight Baseball League (left) and Lynne Taylor-Grande, the daughter of Johnny Taylor, hug at home base Field #9 at Colt Field was dedicated and renamed for Johnny Taylor. (Mark Mirko/Mark Mirko)

“This is absolutely like being in Walt Disney World.”

Lynette Taylor-Grand, Johnny Taylor’s Daughter
Wearing a COVID-19 mask and a Johnny "Schoolboy" Taylor ceremonial jersey that all members of his team wore, Gilberto Carrion of the Bulkeley/Hartford Public High School baseball team, looks out over Taylor Field before the dedication ceremonies Wednesday afternoon.
Wearing a COVID-19 mask and a Johnny “Schoolboy” Taylor ceremonial jersey that all members of his team wore, Gilberto Carrion of the Bulkeley/Hartford Public High School baseball team, looks out over Taylor Field before the dedication ceremonies Wednesday afternoon. (Mark Mirko/Mark Mirko)

The high school baseball teams shared the excitement, as they returned to the field after a pandemic, wearing ceremonial jerseys with Taylor’s picture on them.

“Enjoy the moment. Make Johnny proud,” said Alex Mercado, Hartford head coach. “Focus on the moment.”

Robert Grande, the grandson of Johnny Taylor, throws out the ceremonial first pitch at Colt Park's Field #9 after it was dedicated and renamed for Johnny Taylor.
Robert Grande, the grandson of Johnny Taylor, throws out the ceremonial first pitch at Colt Park’s Field #9 after it was dedicated and renamed for Johnny Taylor. (Mark Mirko/Mark Mirko)

Negro Leagues star Johnny ‘Schoolboy’ Taylor may be Hartford’s greatest baseball player; with enough signatures, a city ballfield may be named for him »

Despite the racial discrimination that kept him out of the major leagues, Taylor made a name for himself with his high leg kick and legendary fastball. He is widely considered one of the greatest baseball players to come out of Connecticut.

Hartford's Johnny 'Schoolboy' Taylor circa 1936 when he played for the New York Cubans.
Hartford’s Johnny ‘Schoolboy’ Taylor circa 1936 when he played for the New York Cubans. (Handout)

Taylor played for the Negro League from 1935 to 1945. He pitched eight career no-hitters and was a standout player in leagues in New York, Cuba and Mexico. Though he retired from the game before Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in 1947, it was players like Taylor who left the United States to play in other countries that helped pressure Major League Baseball and the American League to integrate.

Taylor couldn’t stay away for long. He returned two years after his retirement to become the first Black athlete to sign with the Hartford Chiefs of the Eastern League for his final season in 1949, keeping the nickname he earned in Cuba — “El Rey de Hartford” (or the King of Hartford).

Johnny 'Schoolboy' Taylor, left, in a Hartford Chiefs uniform, and Satchel Paige, right, circa 1950.
Johnny ‘Schoolboy’ Taylor, left, in a Hartford Chiefs uniform, and Satchel Paige, right, circa 1950. (Photo courtesy of Estelle Taylor)

“He’s probably the most worthy figure in Hartford’s baseball history,” GHTBL secretary Weston Ulbrich told the Courant when he started the effort to name the field after Taylor in 2019.

Johnny Taylor was born in Hartford in 1916 and raised in the South End, where he played pickup games at Colt Park as a kid. He ran track at Bulkeley High School before joining the baseball team his senior year. More on the life and legacy of Johnny “Schoolboy” Taylor »

Beyond baseball, he worked at Pratt & Whitney and in construction with his father. Taylor helped build Hartford Hospital. His wife Estelle, who was the first Black nurse at New Britain General Hospital, later became one of the first Black nurses at Hartford Hospital, too.

Johnny enjoyed taking his four children to the Hartford Public Library Campfield Avenue branch to exchange books. Estelle loved bringing the kids shopping at local department stores and to the Wadsworth Atheneum.

In 1982, Taylor was inducted into the Twilight League Hall of Fame. He died in 1987 at the age of 71. Taylor was posthumously inducted into the Bulkeley High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2015.

This article was written by Sabrina Herrera who can be reached at sherrera@courant.com. Sabrina is a visual journalist. She joined the Hartford Courant in 2018, after working as a video editor in broadcast news at NBC Connecticut. She studied journalism and French language at UConn. She grew up in Greenwich and now calls the Hartford area home. Sabrina is passionate about the arts, education, language, and people.

img 0805
by Weston Ulbrich

Ribbon Cutting at Johnny Taylor Field

In Hartford’s newly refurbished Colt Park, the Bulkeley High School Varsity baseball team will take on New Britain High School at Johnny Taylor Field, 3:45 PM on Wednesday, April 28, 2021. The matchup will mark the inaugural game at the field. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place 30 minutes before the first pitch.

The schedule of events will be:
3:15 – Welcome
3:25 – City Councilman John Gale
3:35 – Superintendent of Schools/Diane Callis Bulkeley High School Athletic Director
3:45 – Cut the ribbon – scoreboard revealed
3:50 – Lynette Taylor Grande, Bobby Grande & Taylor family
4:00 – Let the game begin!

RSVP to the event of Facebook. Click here.

In attendance will be members of the Taylor family who still reside in the Greater Hartford area. Local officials, park advocates and members of the press are also expected.

Complete with real grass, a well-manicured Igor of, custom scoreboard, bullpens and dugouts, Johnny Taylor Field is a major improvement for baseball at Colt Park. For more than three decades, the enclosed “Field #9” was in disrepair and unplayable more often than not.

The field is named after Johnny Taylor, perhaps Hartford’s greatest pitcher of all-time. In the 1930’s, Taylor was a graduate of Bulkeley High School and a local star in the Hartford Twilight League. The New York Yankees scouted Taylor, but due to racial discrimination they declined to sign him.

Taylor went on to play for the New York Cubans of the Negro National League. In the 1937 all-star game at the Polo Grounds, Taylor pitched a no-hitter to defeat baseball great, Satchel Paige.

After a long career in various professional leagues, Taylor returned to Hartford. He was signed to pitch by the Hartford Chiefs of the Eastern League, the Boston Braves minor league affiliate.

Taylor was Hartford’s first professional black athlete. His legacy of perseverance and athletic dominance still resonates today. Taylor’s story now has a permanent place in Colt Park and in Connecticut’s capital city.

The Greater Hartford Twilight Baseball League is pleased to have led the effort to commemorate Johnny Taylor. The league partnered with the Friends of Colt Park (now Colt Park Foundation) and local activists to collect signatures to petition for the renaming. The initiative gained full support from the City Council and Mayor Luke Bronin.

The renovation project at Johnny Taylor Field was finished earlier this year. Hartford schools, American Legion and twilight league clubs intend to use the diamond this summer. Two GHTBL teams, Hartford Colts and People’s United Bank, expect to schedule several home dates at Colt Park.

The return to Colt Park is significant for the GHTBL because our summer league was established on the premises in 1929. For about 40 years, the park and its many diamonds served the Greater Hartford area as a veritable baseball playground for youth and adults. During the 1950’s and 1960’s Dillon Stadium, on the easternmost parcel of Colt Park was used for baseball games by various leagues including the twilight league.

As the league returns to Colt Park, we pledge to be good stewards and donors of the park. In 2020, GHTBL raised $2,000 for Johnny Taylor Field in charity games held up the road at Dunkin’ Donuts Park. The donation will be used to improve and maintain the diamond.

1897 Hartford Base Ball Club
by Weston Ulbrich

Hartford’s Minor League Club, Part I: The Hartfords (1878-1901)

Hartford in Minor Leagues:

  • International League (1878)
  • Connecticut State League (1884-1885)
  • Southern New England League (1885)
  • Eastern League (1886-1887)
  • Atlantic Association (1889-1890)
  • Connecticut State League (1891, 1895)
  • Atlantic League (1896-1898)
  • Eastern League (1899-1901)

Notable Players:

Hartford, Connecticut, has been represented by 71 affiliated and unaffiliated minor league baseball clubs. The franchise began when the Hartford Dark Blues of the National League moved to Brooklyn in 1877, leaving the city without a professional team. During an era when teams traveled by train or steamboat, Hartford was an ideal location for organized baseball.

Ben Douglas Jr., a prime mover in forming the Dark Blues, raised $4,000 from shareholders to create Hartford’s first minor league team in 1878. Initially Douglas located the club in Providence, Rhode Island. Then he shifted operations to New Haven but ultimately selected Hartford as the team’s official home.

1877 Hartford Base Ball Grounds Club Colt Park Baseball
Hartford Base Ball Grounds, 1877.

The Hartford Courant referred to the club as The Hartfords. Home games were held at the Base Ball Grounds on Wyllys Avenue. The club joined the International Association after being denied entry into the National League due to the city’s small population (then about 40,000). Though major League caliber players appeared for Hartford in 1878, such as Candy Cummings, Everett Mills, Jack Lynch and Joe Battin, the team was a short-lived entity. The Hartfords were expelled from the league in mid-July after refusing to pay a mandatory guarantee to Buffalo.

1875 Everett Mills Hartford Dark Blues
Everett Mills, First Baseman, Hartford, 1878.
1874 Joe Battin Philadelphia Athletics
Joe Battin, Third Baseman, Hartford, 1878.
Jack Lynch, Pitcher, Hartford, 1878.
Jack Lynch, Pitcher, Hartford, 1878.
1872 Candy Cummings Baseball
Candy Cummings, Pitcher, Hartford, 1878.

Hartford’s first foray into minor league baseball ended on an embarrassing note. Consequently, the city was without a professional franchise for the next five years. Finally in February of 1884, a joint stock corporation called Hartford Base Ball Park Association founded a new team as part of the Connecticut State League. The Hartfords of 1884 played at a new park on Ward Street. Baseball enthusiast and cigar magnate, Charles A. Soby was team manager as well as President of the Connecticut State League. He directed affairs from the Hartford Base Ball Headquarters on Main Street, a leftover base of operations from the days of the Hartford Dark Blues.

1901 Charles Soby Hartford Base Ball Association
Charles Soby, Manager, Hartford, 1884.
1876 Hartford Base Ball Headquarters
Hartford Base Ball Headquarters, 258 Main Street, Hartford, Connecticut, 1884.

In 1885, the Hartfords competed in the Southern New England League of which Soby was again appointed President. Former Dark Blues outfielder, Jack Remsen took over as player-manager. Before becoming a Hall of Fame manager Connie Mack was Hartford’s wiry catcher at 22 years of age. Backup catcher, Tony Murphy was one of the first players to wear a chest protector. Henry Gruber, from Hamden, Connecticut, and Frank Gilmore from Webster, Massachusetts, did most of the pitching. Hartford natives Bill Tobin and Jack Farrell rounded out an underachieving roster who fell short of a championship title.

1900 c. John A. Farrell Hartford Jack
Jack Farrell, Second Baseman, Hartford, 1885.
1887 Henry Gruber Detroit Wolverines
Henry Gruber, Pitcher, Hartford, 1885.
1876 Jack Remsen Hartford Base Ball Club 1
Jack Remsen, Player-Manager, Hartford, 1885.
1886 Connie Mack Hartford
Connie Mack, Catcher, Hartford, 1885.

The Hartford Base Ball Club of 1886 contended in the first iteration of the Eastern League. They ended up trading Connie Mack midseason to the Washington Nationals. Another Hall of Fame inductee, Hugh Duffy, spent his first professional year in Hartford. After an lackluster season, a new joint stock company assumed ownership of the team. Among investors of the Hartford Amusement Association were the Mayor of Hartford, Morgan G. Bulkeley and author, Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain). The association hired Charles E. Daniels, a professional umpire from Colchester, Connecticut, as manager for the following season.

Investors Bulkeley and Twain backed base ball in Hartford, 1887.
Investors like Bulkeley and Twain back the Hartford club, 1887.

Under Charlie Daniels the 1887 Hartfords fielded their best lineup yet. Steve Brady, former captain of the New York Metropolitans and hometown hero of Hartford, batted .350. Ed Beecher led the league in doubles and Henry Gruber was one of the league’s top aces. “General” James Stafford began his career with Hartford that year. At season’s end, they placed third. The Eastern League disbanded and Hartford was forced to forgo organized play throughout the year of 1888.

1917 Steve Brady Baseball Hartford
Steve Brady, First Baseman, Hartford, 1887.
1894 James 22General22 Stafford New York Giants
General Stafford, Second Baseman, Hartford, 1887.
1903 Ed Beecher Hartford Officials Baseball Team
Ed Beecher, Outfielder, Hartford, 1887.

The Hartfords re-appeared on the minor league scene in 1889 as part of the Atlantic Association. A local man and first time player-manager, John M. Henry recruited Phenomenal Smith and Joe Gerhardt to join up. However the team finished in third place behind Worcester and Newark. After failing to retain top tier players in 1890, they sunk to last place. Third baseman Ezra Sutton and catcher George Stallings were the team’s lone bright spots. A game of particular note came on July 23, 1890, when Hartford’s first game illuminated by “electric light” occured at Ward Street Grounds.

1888 John 22Phenomenal22 Smith Philadelphia Athletics
Phenomenal Smith, Pitcher, Hartford, 1889.
1887 Joe Gerhardt New York Giants
Joe Gerhardt, Second Baseman, Hartford, 1889.
1914 George Stallings Boston Braves
George Stallings, Catcher, Hartford, 1890.
1890 Jul 22 Baltimore vs. Hartford Base Ball by Electric Light
Baltimore vs. Hartford, 1890.

After another mediocre season in the 1891 Connecticut State League, the Hartfords lost favor with fans and investors. The club disbanded and the Panic of 1893 prolonged their absence. Eventually, a new team surfaced in the summer of 1894. John M. Henry, Charlie Daniels, Steve Brady and his brother Jackson Brady formed the Hartford Elks. They were a semi-professional outfit backed by the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (Lodge #19). Though they featured minor league players, the club operated independently from the Connecticut State League.

John M. Henry, Player-Manager, Hartford, 1894.
John M. Henry, Player-Manager, Hartford, 1894.

In 1895, Hartford reentered the Connecticut State League and operated under the auspices of the Hartford Base Ball and Amusement Association. John M. Henry returned as player-manager one last time. Ed Beecher, an outfielder from Guilford, Connecticut, suited up for his fourth and final season. Both men later became police officers for the City of Hartford. Another local man, John Gunshanan was one of the club’s best hitters. Future major leaguers Jack Cronin and Bill Gannon had brief stints with the Hartfords of 1895. Despite big league prospects, a pennant continued to elude the city.

1913 John Gunshanan Hartford
John Gunshanan, Outfielder, Hartford, 1895.
1902 Jack Cronin New York Giants
Jack Cronin, Pitcher, Hartford, 1895.

The Hartfords came close to an Atlantic League championship in its inaugural season. In 1896, former Hartford player, Billy Barnie, purchased the club with a group of investors. He served as Hartford’s manager and garnered enough support to build a new ballpark on the west side of Wethersfield Avenue (later becoming Clarkin Stadium and then Bulkeley Stadium). Also nicknamed the Hartford Bluebirds, the club was captained by Bob Pettit, a utility man from Williamstown, Massachusetts. Everyday players like John Thornton and Reddy Mack lifted Hartford atop the standings and in a tight race with Newark.

1887 Joe 22Reddy22 Mack Louisville
Reddy Mack, Second Baseman, Hartford, 1896.
1896 Hartford Ball Park Wethersfield Avenue
Hartford Ball Park Ad, 1896.

When Newark finished in first, Hartford protested the decision. Manager Barnie argued that Newark’s record was unfairly inflated due to a dozen extra games played. Newark also used a suspended pitcher named Joseph Frye who had left Hartford midway through the season. As a result, the second place Hartfords challenged Newark to a 7-game series dubbed the Soby Cup sponsored by Charles Soby. Newark declined the invitation though third place Paterson accepted and Paterson won the Soby Cup. By November of 1896, the matter was put to rest by Sam Crane, President of the Atlantic League who declared Newark as champions.

1896 Soby Cup Hartford
The Soby Cup, 1896.
1896 Sep 26 Base Ball Soby Cup Series
Soby Cup Series, 1896.
1920 Charles Soby Hartford
Charles Soby of Hartford
1911 Sam Crane Baseball Journalist
Sam Crane, Atlantic League President, 1896.

When the club returned to the Atlantic League in 1897, Billy Barnie had left to manage the Brooklyn Bridegrooms. Brooklyn’s most well known batsman, Thomas “Oyster” Burns became player-manager. Tom Vickery, Cy Bowen and Hank Gastright were moundsmen for Hartford. Veteran big leaguers Lefty Marr and Paul Radford manned center field and shortstop. They won 78 games but finished third place yet again. On the final day of the season, the players presented a commemorative diamond ring to their beloved manager, Oyster Burns.

1897 Hartford Base Ball Club
The Hartfords of 1897.
1896 Cy Bowen New York Giants
Cy Bowen, Pitcher, Hartford, 1897.
1889 Thomas 22Oyster22 Burns Brooklyn Bridegrooms
Oyster Burns, Outfielder, Hartford, 1897.

In 1898 executives of the Hartford baseball club hired veteran major leaguer Bill Traffley as manager, but Traffley was unpopular with players. He was accused of pocketing gate receipts and he relinquished his role halfway through the season to their catcher, Mike Roach. The Hartfords adopted a cooperative system to evenly disperse gate earnings among players. Therefore the team became known as the Hartford Cooperatives. Arlie Latham, an 1886 World Series champion and baseball’s first showman comedian, guarded third base for the Cooperatives – who descended to sixth place in the Atlantic League.

1898 To Buy Hartford Club Barnie
Hartford Courant excerpt, 1898.
1909 Arlie Latham New York Giants
Arlie Latham, Third Baseman, Hartford, 1898.
1887 Bill Traffley Des Moines
Bill Traffley, Manager, Hartford, 1898.

Towards the end of the 1898 season Billy Barnie purchased ownership of the Hartfords once more. Even though Barnie was manager of the Springfields at the time, Hartford fans were delighted to have him back. Barnie’s Hartfords enrolled in the Eastern League of 1899. He signed several players from the Brooklyn Bridegrooms, including William Shindle who led the team in hitting. Tuck Turner was their star right fielder. For a 24-game stretch, the lineup featured Louis Sockalexis, the first Native American to play professionally. The club compiled 50 wins and 56 losses, finishing seventh place in the Eastern League.

1899 Biff Sheehan Hartford Baseball
Biff Sheehan, Outfielder, Hartford, 1899.
1889 Louis Sockalexis Hartford Baseball Club
Louis Sockalexis, Outfielder, Hartford, 1899.
1895 Billy Shindle Baseball
William Shindle, Player-Manager, Hartford, 1899.

At the turn of the century, Charles Soby reprised his role as Hartford’s preeminent baseball magnate. On May 21, 1900, Soby led a group of 44 shareholders who raised $3,250 to establish the Hartford Baseball Corporation. The club partnered with New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad Company to create special rates and train schedules on game days. The team secured two pitchers destined for stardom, “Wild” Bill Donovan and George Hemming. Tragically, Manager Billy Barnie died of pneumonia on July 15, 1900. He was revered in Hartford as baseball’s most tenured manager and as catcher for Hartford in 1874 and 1878.

1900 Billy Barnie Hartford Manager
Billy Barnie, Manager, Hartford, 1900.
1895 c. Billy Barnie
Billy Barnie, Manager, Hartford, 1900.
1900 Hartford Base Ball Club Donovan and Shindle scaled
Hartford Baseball Club, 1900.
1894 George Hemming New York Giants
George Hemming, Pitcher, Hartford, 1900.
1908 Wild Bill Donovan Detroit Tigers
“Wild” Bill Donovan, Pitcher, Hartford, 1900.

In place of Barnie, William Shindle assumed managerial duties for the remainder of the 1900 season. The team’s performance was respectable. “Wild” Bill Donovan achieved league highs in wins and strikeouts. Though it would not be enough for a pennant, and the Hartfords settled for third place in the Eastern League. The next season Shindle stayed on as manager. Most of the 1901 club was made up of players on the last leg of their careers. George Shoch, a veteran pitcher ended his 20-year career with Hartford. The club fell to sixth out of eight teams in the final standings.

1901 Sep 6 Baseball Hartford vs. Brockton Wethersfield Avenue Grounds
Hartford vs. Brockton, 1901.
1890 George Shoch Milwaukee Baseball
George Shoch, Pitcher, Hartford, 1901.

After more than 20 years in the minors without a championship, Hartford’s proud baseball community refused to be discouraged. A minor league team would represent Hartford off and on for the next 5 decades. On August 17, 1925, Hartford players of yore were celebrated at Bulkeley Stadium. Connie Mack, Frank Gilmore, John M. Henry and Ed Beecher attended an exhibition game between Mack’s Philadelphia Athletics and a Hartford All-Star team featuring local pitching ace, Lem Owen. In a ceremony before the game, Gilmore gifted Mack a new set of golf clubs and the Hartfords of old received their last ovation from a crowd of 6,000 fans.

1925 Aug 17 Connie Mack Frank Gilmore Ed Beecher John Henry Wethersfield Avenue Grounds Philadelphia Athletics vs. Greater Hartford All Stars
Connie Mack, Frank Gilmore, John M. Henry and Ed Beecher at Wethersfield Avenue Grounds, Hartford, August 17, 1925.

Sources

  1. Hartford Courant database on Newspapers.com
  2. StatsCrew.com

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1940 Bulkeley Stadium Hartford Connecticut
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.”

1908 Hartford Base Ball Grounds
Wethersfield Avenue Grounds, Hartford, CT, 1908.
1912 New Grandstand at Wethersfiled Avenue Grounds Hartford Baseball Park
Wethersfield Avenue Grounds, Hartford, CT, 1912.

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

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

External Links

1940 Bob Repass Columbus Red Birds
by Weston Ulbrich

Baseball Bloodlines: The Repass Brothers

One of the most influential families in Hartford’s storied baseball history went by the name of Repass. A trio of brothers: Charlie, Spike and Jack Repass significantly impacted the local baseball scene. Raised in the South End of Hartford by Lena and Charles Repass Sr. each Repass brother graduated from Bulkeley High School and starred on the Maroons baseball team. In the summer months, the Repass brothers competed in the Hartford Twilight League.

Charles “Charlie” Repass Jr. (1914 – 1933) was the eldest and the tallest of the Repass brothers. As a right-handed pitcher and outfielder, Charlie had the best throwing arm in his family. During the summers of his teenage years, he played for the Hartford Cardinals, an American Legion team. In 1931, Charlie pitched and occupied the outfield for the Home Circle nine of the Hartford Twilight League. That year, he led Home Circle to a second place finish for the league title in a final match up at Bulkeley Stadium. Sadly, a few weeks later, Charlie Repass was hospitalized with a form of cancer and passed away on December 12, 1933.

1932 Home Circle Hartford Twilight League scaled
Home Circle baseball club of the Hartford Twilight League, 1930.
Charlie Repass Bulkeley High School
Charlie Repass, Bulkeley High School, Hartford, Connecticut, 1929.
1933 Dec 14 Charles L. Repass Jr
Charlie Repass, 1933.

Bob “Spike” Repass (1917 – 2006) was three years younger than his brother Charlie, and became one of the best middle infielders to ever hail from Hartford. Bob graduated from Bulkeley High School in 1935 where he was a standout second basemen and three-sport star athlete. He then played for the Tuckel Rhymers team in the Hartford Twilight League during the summer. As a top local prospect, he signed to play for the St. Louis Cardinals organization in 1937.

1939 Bob Repass St. Louis Cardinals Hartford Twilight Baseball
Bob Repass, St. Louis Cardinals, 1939.

Bob Repass was called up to the Major Leagues for 3 appearances with the Cardinals in 1939. He later guarded second base, third base and shortstop for 81 games as a member of the 1942 Washington Senators. Like many of his counterparts, Repass was drafted into military service during World War II as part of the U.S. Army in Europe. He returned to professional baseball in 1946 when he re-signed with the Baltimore Orioles of the International League and mashed 19 home runs on the season.

1940 Bob Repass Infielder Columbus Red Birds
Bob Repass, Columbus Red Birds, 1940.
1940 Bob Repass Columbus Red Birds
Bob Repass, Columbus Red Birds, 1940.
Hartford Courant excerpt, 1941.
Hartford Courant excerpt, 1941.
1942 Bob Repass Baltimore Orioles AA
Bob Repass, Baltimore Orioles, 1942.
Bob Repass, Washington Senators, 1942.
Bob Repass, Washington Senators, 1942.
Bob Repass, Washington Senators, 1942.
Bob Repass, Washington Senators, 1942.
Bob Repass, Baltimore Orioles, 1943.
Bob Repass, Baltimore Orioles, 1943.

Towards the end of his career, Bob played 43 games for the 1947 Hartford Chiefs. He retired from professional baseball following another season with the Baltimore Orioles in 1949. Thereafter, he made appearances for the Hartford Indians, a semi-professional squad who took on Negro League and professional opponents at Bulkeley Stadium. In the latter half of his life, Bob Repass made his home in Wethersfield, Connecticut. He was known as a humble friend and a patriotic American.

1961 Johnny Taylor Spike Repass Jimmy Francoline Hartford Twilight League
Bob Repass at a dinner fundraiser, 1961.

In 1963, he became the resident golf professional at Edgewood Golf Club (now TPC River Highlands) in Cromwell, Connecticut. Bob Repass played his last ballgame in 1968, appearing in a GHTBL Old Timer’s game. For many years, he worked as a steamfitter with the Plumbers and Pipe Fitters Local 777. Bob “Spike” Repass lived a long life, was married to his wife, Genevieve, for 64 years and died at 89 years old on January 17, 2006.

GHTBL Old Timers’ Game, 1968.
GHTBL Old Timers’ Game, 1968.
1974 Bob Repass Hartford Twilight Baseball 1
Bob “Spike” Repass (center), 1974.
1975 Sep 28 Bob 22Spike22 Repass
Hartford Courant excerpt, 1975.
1999 Bob Repass
Bob Repass, 1999.

John “Jack” Repass (1924 – 2001) was the youngest brother of the Repass family who helped sustain amateur baseball in the Greater Hartford area. His baseball legacy began with a successful athletic career at Bulkeley High School. Jack was a speedy infielder and solid contact hitter. In the summer of 1946, he joined the Hartford Twilight League as member of the St. Cyril’s baseball club.

1947 St. Cyrils Hartford Twilight scaled
1947 St. Cyril’s

He then played shortstop for the Shamrock A.C. team in 1949. That same year, he organized and managed the Paragon Indians who won the Courant-Junior Chamber of Commerce League, later named the Jaycee-Courant Amateur Baseball League. Jack entered the Paragon Indians into the East Hartford Twilight League the following year; his first season as a player-manager.

Jack Repass stepped away from baseball in 1951 to serve in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. When he came home two years later, Jack organized another team in the Hartford Twilight League as player-manager of a team sponsored by Yellow Cab. He enrolled at Hillyer College and helped form a baseball team at the school before its 1958 merger into the University of Hartford.

1955 Hartford Twilight League Jack Repass Walter Russell
Hartford Twilight League awards banquet, 1955.

During University of Hartford’s inaugural season, Jack, a 34-year-old junior, batted for a .463 average and led the NCAA College Division in stolen bases. In addition to his baseball talents, Jack was a skilled writer, researcher, pianist, and singer. His skills propelled him to earn a living at the Manchester Herald as a reporter. He later went on to revolutionize the Sports Information Director position at the University of Hartford for over 14 years.

1958 Jack Repass University of Hartford
Jack Repass (right), University of Hartford, 1958.
1959 Apr 07 Jack Repass Baseball 1
Hartford Courant excerpt, 1959.

As his playing days came to close, Jack Repass became the statistician and Secretary of the Hartford Twilight League. In 1979, he created a 32-page booklet documenting the history of the league and commemorated its 50th anniversary. The following year, Jack founded the Greater Hartford Twilight Baseball League Hall of Fame. The organization gave local players, managers, umpires, sponsors, and sportswriters recognition for their contributions to the league.

1968 Jack Repass and Art McGinley Hartford Twilight
Jack Repass and Art McGinley, 1968.

In 1991, he was named to the University of Hartford Alumni Athletics Hall of Fame and the Connecticut Sports Writers’ Alliance presented Repass with its Good Sport Award; given to top volunteers in support of community sports. Jack, a long-time resident of East Hartford, Connecticut, passed away on November 10, 2001, at 77 years of age. A debt of gratitude is owed to Jack Repass and the entire Repass family for their remarkable contributions to the game of baseball in Greater Hartford.

1971 Jack Repass Hartford Twilight League
Jack Repass, 1971.
1971 Jack Repass University of Hartford
Hartford Courant excerpt, 1971.
1972 Jack Repass Honory Alumni Athletes
University of Hartford honors Jack Repass (2nd from left), 1972.
1979 Hartford Twilight League Baseball Program by Jack Repass 1
Greater Hartford Twilight Baseball League 50th Anniversary booklet, 1979.
1987 Jun 21 Jack Repass President Twilight Leauge Hall of Fame 1
Hartford Courant excerpt, 1989.
1991 Jack Repass Hartford Twilight Baseball
Jack Repass, 1991.
2001 Nov 13 Twilight League Wont Forget Repass
Hartford Courant excerpt, 2001.
1955 Don Newcombe Dodgers
by Weston Ulbrich

Newcombe Pitched in Hartford Before the Bigs

Born: June 14, 1926
Died: February 19, 2019

At 18 years old, right-handed pitcher, Don Newcombe traveled to Hartford, Connecticut, with his Negro National League club, the Newark Eagles. The Savitt Gems, Hartford’s semi-professional team awaited the Eagles at Bulkeley Stadium where on the night of July 20, 1944, Newcombe showcased his strong throwing arm. The Gems were held to 3 runs on 7 hits by Newcombe who earned a 6 to 3 victory.

1944 Don Newcombe Newark Eagles
Don Newcombe, Newark Eagles, 1944.
1944 Savitt Gems vs. Newark Eagles
Newark Eagles vs. Savitt Gems, 1944.

In 1946, Don Newcombe became one of the first African-Americans to break the color barrier when he signed with Branch Rickey and the Brooklyn Dodgers organization. Newcombe spent 2 seasons in Nashua, New Hampshire, as part of the New England League and then another season with the Montreal Royals of the International League. He was promoted to the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1949 and spent his first Major League season on a team that included Jackie Robinson, Pee Wee Reese, Duke Snider, Roy Campanella, Gil Hodges and Ralph Branca. Newcombe earned the Rookie of the Year award after a stellar 1949 season on the mound.

1949 Don Newcombe Brooklyn Dodgers 1
Don Newcombe, Brooklyn Dodgers, 1949.

In 1952 and 1953, Newcombe served his nation in the United States Army during the Korean War and missed two seasons while in his prime. However, Newcombe returned and went on to win a World Series with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1955. He then won the Most Valuable Player and the Cy Young awards in 1956 after a spectacular 27-win season. Over a professional career that spanned 18 years, Newcombe was named to 4 National League All-Star teams, he won 149 pitching decisions and he hit 15 major league home runs.

1959DonNewcombeCincinattiReds
Don Newcombe, Cincinnati Reds, 1959.

In June of 1958, Newcombe was traded by the Los Angeles Dodgers (shortly after the move from Brooklyn) to the Cincinnati Redlegs. After a stint with the Cleveland Indians, he finished his playing career as a member of the 1962 Chunichi Dragons in the Japan Central League. As the only player to have won the Rookie of the Year, MVP and Cy Young awards in his career, Newcombe will be remembered as one of baseball’s best pitchers who helped break racial barrier. Don Newcombe died at 92 years of age.

1961DonNewcombeCincinattiReds
Don Newcombe, Pitcher, Cincinnati Reds, 1961.\


Watch the clip below to learn more about the Newark Eagles:

Don Newcombe began his career with the Newark Eagles.
Bill Savitt King of Diamonds Babe Ruth
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 Savitt Inc. Bulkeley Stadium Hartford
Bulkeley Stadium scorecard, 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.

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

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

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.

Walter Hapgood
Walter Hapgood, Business Manager, Savitt Gems, 1933.
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.

1933 Jimmy Foxx at Bulkeley Stadium
Jimmie Foxx, Philadelphia Athletics, 1933.

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

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 Aug 25 Bulkeley Stadium Pirates
Savitt Gems vs. Pittsburgh Pirates, 1933.
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.
1934 Johnny Taylor Savitt Gems
Johnny Taylor, Pitcher, Savitt Gems, 1933.

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

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.
Outfielders of the Savitt Gems, 1936.
Outfielders of the 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.
1936 Savitt Gems at Bulkeley Stadium.
1936 Savitt Gems at Bulkeley Stadium.

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 Dizzy Dean Bill Savitt Bulkeley Stadium
Savitt and players of the St. Louis Cardinals, 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 Cleveland Indians vs Savitt Gems Bulkeley Stadium
Savitt Gems vs. 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 Bulkeley Stadium Hartford Connecticut
Bulkeley Stadium, Hartford, 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 Sep 28 Ted Williams
Savitt Gems vs. New Britain Cremos, 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 Savitt Gems
Bill Savitt and Babe Ruth, 1945.
1945 Babe Ruth Jigger Farrell Gems
James “Jigger” Farrell and Babe Ruth, 1945.
1945 Babe Ruth At Bulkeley Stadium
Babe Ruth at batting practice, 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.

1942 Sep 29 Ted Williams
by Weston Ulbrich

Ted Williams Hits Game-Winning Homer in Hartford

On September 29, 1942, just one day after closing out the regular season with a win over the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox superstar Ted Williams made his way to Hartford, Connecticut. “The Kid” was set to headline a special appearance with Bill Savitt’s semi-pro squad, the Savitt Gems. That day, the Gems squared off against the New Britain Cremos, who had star power of their own—Brooklyn Dodgers battery mates Hugh Casey on the mound and Mickey Owen behind the plate.

1942 Sep 28 Ted Williams
Doubleheader featuring Ted Williams at Bulkeley Stadium, 1942.

Williams put on a brilliant display during batting practice for a crowd of about 2,500 people at Bulkeley Stadium. The game would prove to be a pitchers duel. Hartford native Monk Dubiel and Hugh Casey kept the bats at bay for 5 scoreless innings. The Gems scraped in a run in the 6th inning. In the bottom of the 7th inning, Williams stepped up and cracked a dramatic home run over the centerfield wall off of Casey and the Gems won, 2-1 over the Cremos.

1942 Sep 28 Ted Williams Plays for Gems 1
Hartford Courant excerpt, September 28, 1942.

When he appeared for the Gems, Ted Williams was 23 years old and in his prime. He was coming off an amazing 1941 season with a .406 batting average. In 1942, he led the majors in home runs, RBI and batting average – earning his first Triple Crown. While visiting Hartford, Williams revealed publicly that he planned to enlist in World War II as Navy flying cadet. He served heroically and would be recalled into the Korean War in 1952 and 1953. 

1975 Ted Williams BIll Savitt Hartford History
Ted Williams visits Hartford, 1942.
1942 Sep 29 Ted Williams Savitt Gems
Hartford Courant excerpt, September 29, 1942.

Known to many as “The Greatest Hitter Who Ever Lived” Williams manned left field for the Boston Red Sox for 19 years, becoming an All-Star in every season. By the end of his career, he was a 2-time recipient of the American League Most Valuable Player Award, a 6-time AL batting champion, and a 2-time Triple Crown winner. He retired with a .344 batting average, 521 home runs, and a .482 on-base percentage, the highest of all time. The Kid’s career average is the highest of any MLB player in the live-ball era.

1991 Ted Williams Tips Cap 1
Ted Williams tips his cap at Fenway Park, 1991.

Ted Williams, the Kid himself, leader of both leagues in batting, home runs, and runs batted in, is coming to Hartford September 28th to play center field for the Savitt Gems in a game with a Connecticut semi-pro team to be named. The Red Sox slugger was a little backward about coming at first. Bill Savitt offered him $500 to appear, but Ted declined. Next day, Savitt offered him $750 but got no answer to his wire. Well, Bill told me about it. I suggested offering Williams a $1,000 war bond, same outlay to Bill, $750, but who could refuse a $1,000 bond? Bill wired the offer; Williams wired acceptance within one hour. Till next time, this is Bob Steele in Hartford, saying so long, men.“

Bob Steele, Radio Announcer, September 24, 1942

Sources
1. Hartford Courant database on Newspapers.com
2. CTExplored.org

1938 Pete Naktenis Hartford Baseball
by Weston Ulbrich

Pete Naktenis, Hartford’s Major League Southpaw

Peter “Lefty” Naktenis was the first Hartford Twilight League player to advance to Major League Baseball. Naktenis was born in Aberdeen, Washington, in 1914. Soon after his birth, the Naktenis family moved to Manchester, Connecticut. He grew up to be a talented pitcher at Hartford Public High School, and set the state record for strikeouts in a season. As a young pitching phenom, he dominated the Hartford Twilight League during the summer months. At 18 years old, Naktenis pitched well for the Frederick Raff team in the summer of 1932.

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

The following summer he hurled for the Mayflower Sales team, who became champions of Hartford Twilight League. Naktenis pitched a no-hitter in the 1933 championship series against Charlie Repass of the Home Circle team, winning 4 to 0. In his second game of the day, Naktenis took the mound again and beat crosstown rival, Johnny “Schoolboy” Taylor, a hard-throwing right hander from Bulkeley High School. Taylor, who later became a Negro League star and Naktenis would become two of Hartford’s greatest pitchers.

1933 Sep 4 Naktenis No Hitter
Pete Naktenis toss no-hitter in Hartford Twilight League, September 3, 1933.

The 6’1” Pete Naktenis was highly sought after by professional teams, but he would take the advice of a Philadelphia Athletics scout and attend college instead. After graduating from Duke University in 1936, he signed his first professional contract to pitch for Connie Mack and the Philadelphia Athletics. Naktenis made his major league debut for the Athletics that same year at age 22. He played in seven games and compiled an 0-1 record, allowing 24 hits and 26 runs with 18 strikeouts.

1936 Jun 13 Pete Naktenis Joins Athletics
Philadelphia Athletics sign Pete Naktenis, June 13, 1936.

However, Naktenis ended up spending most of his time in the minor leagues. In 1937, he competed in the New York-Pennsylvania League, pitching for the Binghamton Triplets of the New York Yankees organization. The following year he was signed by the Cincinnati Reds and pitched well for their minor league team, the Albany Senators of the Eastern League . Naktenis didn’t compile eye-popping numbers, but he many memories.

I remember one time in 1936 when I was with the A’s, I had my hair parted by a line shot off the bat of Joe Vosmik of the (Cleveland) Indians. The drive hit the button of my cap and the centerfielder picked up the ball on one short hop. A little lower and it would have parted me in half. That was what you would call a narrow escape.”

Pete Naktenis
1936 Pete Naktenis Hartford Twilight Baseball 1 rotated
Pete Naktenis, Pitcher, Philadelphia Athletics, 1936.

When his professional seasons were complete, Naktenis often returned to Hartford during the off-season and signed with the Savitt Gems. The Gems were a semi-pro team led by their owner, Bill Savitt and player-Manager, Jigger Farrell. Throughout the 1930’s and 1940’s Naktenis drew great crowds to Bulkeley Stadium for the Gems. “Lefty” made his first appearance for the Gems in Hartford on September 25, 1938. He delivered a complete game performance versus the Philadelphia Colored Giants, allowing just 3 hits and one unearned and leading the Savitt Gems to victory.

1935 Aug 20 Savitt Throws a Natural Naktenis
Naktenis pitches for the Savitt Gems, 1935.

In 1939, the southpaw from Connecticut logged three games in the big leagues with the Cincinnati Reds. While property of the Reds, Naktenis found more competitive opportunities with the Savitt Gems. On September 24, 1939, he took the mound for the Gems against the Scranton Red Sox (previously known as the Scranton Miners) of the Eastern League. He out-pitched Mickey Harris and the Gems trounced Scranton by a score of 11 to 3.

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

In 1940 and 1941, Naktenis was a starter in the Reds organization with the Birmingham Barons of the Southern Association. His next minor league stop was with the 1942 Milwaukee Brewers led by Bill Veeck and Charlie Grimm, former big leaguers turned owners. During World War II, Naktenis returned home and gained employment at Colt Manufacturing to support the Am erican war effort. He continued to pitch on a part-time basis for the Hartford Senators, choosing to throw solely in home games. In 1944, he led Hartford to an Eastern League pennant title.

1943 Pete Naktenis Hartford Senators scaled
Pete Naktenis, Pitcher, Hartford Senators, 1943.
1944 Pete Naktenis Hartford Senators
Naktenis scores for Hartford, 1944.
1944 Pete Naktenis Hartford Senators Baseball
Pete Naktenis, Pitcher, Hartford Senators, 1944.

Naktenis retired after the 1945 season. He and his wife Kathleen became residents of Newington, Connecticut, where they raised three daughters. He continued to work in manufacturing and became president of Dean Machine Products in Manchester, Connecticut. Later in his life, Naktenis was inducted into the Greater Hartford Twilight Baseball League Hall of Fame and the Hartford Public High School Hall of Fame. He eventually moved south to Singer Island, Florida, in the 1980s. Peter “Lefty” Naktenis went to rest in eternal peace on August 1, 2007.

1958 Johnny Taylor Walter Elliot and Pete Naktenis
L to R: Johnny Taylor, Walter Elliot and Pete Naktenis, 1958.
1976 Aug 22 Naktenis Lost His Cap On Vosmiks Line Drive
Hartford Courant features Naktenis, August 22, 1976.

Sources:

1. Hartford Courant
2. Reading Times