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Tag: clarkin

Thu. 05/13/21Sun. 12/15/24 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

Jesse Burkett, Player-manager (1916)
Lou Gehrig, First Baseman (1921, 1923-1924)
Leo Durocher, Shortstop (1925)
Hank Greenberg, First Baseman (1930)

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).

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.

Heine Wagner, Manager, 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.

Hartford Senators & Judge Kenesaw Landis (standing, center), Wethersfield Avenue Grounds, Hartford, 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.

Fred Trautman, Pitcher, Hartford Senators, 1917.

“Stuffy” Carroll, Catcher & Roy Grimes, Shortstop, Hartford Senators, 1917.

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.

Infielders of the Hartford Senators, 1918.

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.

Management of the Hartford Senators, 1919.

George Casazza, Pitcher and Mickey Flaherty, Catcher, Hartford Senators, 1919.

Mayor Richard J. Kinsella tosses first pitch, 1919.

Danny Murphy, Manager, Hartford Senators, 1919.

Joe Baker, Pitcher, Hartford Senators, 1919.

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.

James H. Clarkin, Owner, Hartford Senators, 1920.

Rex Cox, Pitcher, Hartford Senators, 1920.

Clarence Pickup, Outfielder and Ralph Head, Pitcher, Hartford Senators, 1920.

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.

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.

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.

Thomas J. Dowd, Manager, Hartford Senators, 1921.

Arthur Irwin (left) photographed in 1913.

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.

Fred Bailey, Outfielder and Phil Neher, Shortstop, Hartford Senators, 1921.

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.

Hartford Courant pictorial of the Hartford Senators, 1922.

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.

Leo “Brick” Kane, Outfielder, Hartford Senators, 1922.

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 Harford Senators – Owner James Clarkin (standing, center) and Lou Gehrig (seated, center).

Hartford Senators, Eastern League Champions, 1923.

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.

Ted Hauk, Third Baseman, Hartford Senators, 1924.

Carl Schmehl, Utility, Hartford Senators, 1924.

Lou Gehrig, First Baseman, Hartford Senators, 1924.

Senators Booster Club Membership Card signed by Lou Gehrig, 1924.

Ticket stubs from Hartford Senators game, 1924.

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.

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.

Paddy O’Connor, Manager, Hartford Senators, 1925.

Paddy O’Connor shakes hands with Bill McCorry, Manager, Albany, 1925.

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.

George Krahe, Shortstop, Hartford Senators, 1926.

Adolph Schinkle, Outfielder, Hartford Senators, 1926.

“Cowboy” Ken Jones, Outfielder, Hartford Senators, 1926.

George Kane, Infielder, Hartford Senators, 1926.

Gene Sheridan, Manager, Hartford Senators, 1926.

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.

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.

Opening Day at Clarkin Stadium, Hartford, 1927.

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.

Jo-Jo Morrissey, Infielder, Hartford Senators, 1927.

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.

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.

Robert J. Farrell, President, Hartford Senators, 1928

Board of Directors, Hartford Baseball Club, 1928.

Opening Day batter for the Hartford Senators, 1928.

Mayor Norman Stevens throws first pitch, 1928.

Mayor Norman Stevens (left) and Bob Farrell, Owner, Hartford Senators, 1928.

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.

William Eisemann, Catcher, Hartford Senators, 1928.

Skee Watson, Outfielder, Hartford Senators, 1928.

Dominique Paiement, Infielder, Hartford Senators, 1928.

Pete Stack, Catcher, Hartford Senators, 1928.

Heine Scheer, Infielder, Hartford Senators, 1928.

Jack Levy, Pitcher, Hartford Senators, 1928.

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.

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.

Infielders of the Hartford Senators, 1929.

Johnny Roser, Outfielder, Hartford Senators, 1929.

Gary Fortune, Pitcher, Hartford Senators, 1929.

Walter Brown, Pitcher, Hartford Senators, 1929.

Sam Hyman, Pitcher, Hartford Senators, 1929.

Heinie Groh, Third Baseman, Hartford Senators, 1929.

Joe Smith, Catcher, Hartford Senators, 1929.

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.

The Hartford Senators with Mayor Batterson and Judge Kenesaw Mountain Landis, 1930.

Judge Kenesaw Landis and Mayor Walter Batterson, 1930.

Oriental Corella, Second Baseman, Hartford Senators, 1930.

Bernie Hewitt, First Baseman and Bill Cooper, Pitcher, Hartford Senators, 1930.

Hank Greenberg, First Baseman, Hartford Senators, 1930.

Tom Mullen, First Baseman, Hartford Senators, 1930.

Raymond J. Utley, Treasurer, Hartford Senators, 1930.

Joe Malay, First Baseman, Hartford Senators, 1930.

King Bader, Pitcher, Hartford Senators, 1930.

Skee Watson, Outfielder, Hartford Senators, 1930.

A view south down Main Street in Hartford, Connecticut, 1930

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.

Management of the Hartford Senators, 1931.

Future Players of the Hartford Senators, 1931.

Infielders of the Hartford Senators, 1931.

Earl Mattingly, Pitcher, Hartford Senators, 1931.

Norman Sitts, First Baseman, Hartford Senators, 1931.

Red Howell, Outfielder, Hartford Senators, 1931.

Hartford Courant report by Albert W. Keane, 1931.

Max Rosenfeld, Infielder, Hartford Senators, 1931.

Bobby Reis, Pitcher, Hartford Senators, 1931.

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.

Paul Richards, Catcher, Hartford Senators, 1931.

Bob Parham, First Baseman, Hartford Senators, 1931.

Al Cohen, Outfielder, Hartford Senators, 1931.

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.

Earl Mann, Business Manager, Hartford Senators unfurls the pennant on Opening Day, 1932.

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.

Al Kimbrel, Catcher, Hartford Senators, 1932.

Roy Humphries, Outfielder, Hartford Senators, 1932.

Phil Gallivan, Pitcher, Hartford Senators, 1932.

Dave Cochlin, Catcher, Hartford Senators, 1932.

Johnny Mann, Utility, Hartford Senators, 1932.

Jim Henry, Pitcher, Hartford Senators, 1932.

Eddie Kunsberg, Pitcher/First Baseman, Hartford Senators 1932.

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.

Mayor Beach tosses the first pitch at Opening Day, Hartford, 1934.

Lee Kulas, Infielder, Hartford Senators, 1934.

Fred Henry, Player-Manager, Hartford Senators, 1934.

Johnny Roser, Outfielder, Hartford Senators, 1934.

Emil Planeta, Pitcher, Hartford Senators, 1934.

Pepper Rea, Third Baseman, Hartford Senators, 1934.

Jim Clark, Pitcher, Hartford Senators, 1934.

Bob Walsh, Pitcher, Hartford Senators, 1934.

Dr. Edward Baker, Shortstop, Hartford Senators, 1934.

Sources

Hartford Courant database on Newspapers.com
SABR Bio Project – Danny Murphy
SABR Bio Project – Lou Gehrig
Statscrew.com

Thu. 04/08/21Wed. 04/03/24 by Administrator

Lou Gehrig Used Fake Name as a Rookie on the Hartford Senators

This article was written by Norton Chellgren and published in the 1975 Baseball Research Journal

On April 5, 1921, the Hartford Senators of the Eastern League in their first exhibition game of the season beat Columbia University 4-3. The big story was a Columbia player, Lefty Gehrig, who hit Hartford pitcher Alton Durgin for two long home runs in his only two trips to the plate. A. B. McGinley of the Hartford Times described the second home run like this: “When he came up again in the 3rd inning, Durgin the lofty Maine boy who was pitching for Hartford was all set for revenge. He got a strike on Gehrig but the next one he threw Gehrig leaned on and it went sailing out of the enclosure past a big sundial and almost into the School of Mines. It was a mighty clout and worthy of Babe Ruth’s best handiwork.”

Lou Gehrig, First Baseman, Columbia University, 1922.

The young player greatly impressed Hartford Manager, Arthur Irwin, a former major league player and manager. The two home runs would have cleared the center field fence at Clarkin Stadium, Hartford’s home park, and Irwin saw a promising future for the young baseball player. The big first baseman, it was later reported, had promised Irwin that he would play under him if he decided to enter professional baseball.

Clarkin Stadium, Hartford, Connecticut, 1921.

Several big league teams had been trying to sign him but all indications were he would stay at Columbia University. Subsequently, on June 2, announcement was made by Manager Irwin in the local newspapers that the hard hitting semi-pro from Brooklyn, Lefty Gehrig, had been signed to play first base for the Senators. It was assumed by some that he had decided to quit school.

Arthur Irwin, Manager, Hartford Senators, 1921.

The next day the newspapers were apparently requested or advised not to call further attention to the Columbia athlete’s real name and from that day on they referred only to that young player from New York, “Lewis” or “Lou Lewis.” On June 3 (1921) the Hartford Senators beat the Pittsfield Hillies 2-1. Lou Lewis played the full game at first base. In his O. B. debut, he was 0 for 3 with one sacrifice hit against Pittsfield hurler Al Pierotti, who later went up to the Braves.

Lou Gehrig batting for Columbia University, 1921.

After that initial game the Hartford Courant wrote “Lou Lewis, Arthur Irwin’s latest discovery was planted on the initial sack. The youngster who is only 18 years old (actually he was still 17) appeared to be a bit nervous. After he gets used to surroundings he may develop. They seldom fail to make the grade with Irwin teaching the ways of baseball.”

Lewis’ first hit and first run scored came in his second game as Hartford beat the Waterbury Brasscos 5-3 at Hartford before 5,000 fans on June 4. In the second inning the youthful first sacker hit the first ball pitched by Fred Rawley to right field for three bases. He scored shortly after when the next batter Phil Neher singled to center. On the following day, June 5, Lewis went two for five as Hartford beat Albany 10-2 at Albany; the first baseman was beginning to impress and was being touted as a “Babe Ruth.”

Lou Gehrig, Punter, Columbia University, 1922.

Hartford beat Pittsfield 10-6 on June 8, and the Times wrote: “Lewis caught hold of a fast one in the third inning and sent it against the “B” in the Buick sign on the right field fence for a double. Lewis probably won’t get a Buick for his clout but he may get a ride in one before the season runs its course.” Lou went two for five that day. One of the times he made an out he slammed a terrific drive that traveled at the proverbial mile-a-minute clip into right fielder Bill McCorry’s gloved hand. It was described as the hardest hit of the game.

Hartford Courant excerpt, September 26, 1922.

While Lewis at the young age of 17 was demonstrating his ability to knock the cover off the ball there were some indications that he lacked experience. On June 10 the Senators were trailing the Bridgeport “Brown Derbies” in the last of the ninth when with one out Heinie Scheer singled. Lewis then hit one to the box carrying a lot of smoke and it bounded off pitcher Ed Lepard’s glove for a single. Lewis a moment later was trapped off first by catcher Joe Smith on a pitchout. The rally was effectively stopped and the game was lost by Hartford, 4 to 2.

The Times wrote on June 11, “Lewis the youngster just breaking into organized ball with the local club is doing as well as one can expect and his present work gives fans here hopes that he will add to the Hartford hitting average which at present is the weakest link in the pennant-winning chain. The young first sacker is a slugger.” Lefty Lewis unexplainedly did not play in the Bridgeport game on June 13 but the next day against the Springfield Ponies he hit the second triple of his early professional experience.

Lou Gehrig “Lewis” plays his last game of 1921.

In his last Eastern League game that year, on June 15, 1921, against Springfield, he showed his power even though his only hit was an infield one. In the first inning he crashed one against third baseman Jack Flynn’s shins and the ball caromed off with such force that it bounced across the diamond and the runner on third base, Harry Hesse, scored without any trouble.

No game was played on June 16 and at that point the young first baseman’s name, without explanation, ceased to appear in the Hartford papers for the remainder of the season. During his stay Hartford, winning 8 games and losing 5, had climbed into first place with a 28-17 record. Before the season was to end the Hartford Senators would drop to fifth place and its Manager, Art Irwin who had been successful in luring the young first baseman into professional baseball, if only for a short 12 games, would meet an untimely death. On July 16, 1921, he fell or jumped from the steamer Calvin Austin during a voyage from New York to Boston.

Even with a mediocre batting average of .261, Lewis had given Hartford fans an indication of things to come. The name “Lou Lewis” would not again appear in a Hartford or other professional baseball game box score! “Lou,” however, would return to the Eastern League in 1923 (as of August 2) and hit home runs at a pace which still has not been surpassed in the Eastern League, 24 home runs in only 59 games.

What the Hartford newspapers did not report was that Columbia athletic officials had learned that Gehrig was playing pro ball under an assumed name. After being advised of the possible implications of playing for money, an unhappy Lou Gehrig returned promptly to New York City. As a result of this escapade Lou had to wait an extra year, until the fall of 1922, before he could participate in Columbia inter-collegiate sports. The experience might have hurt the New York Giants as well because had it never taken place, who knows, McGraw might have been able to sign up Lou Gehrig in 1923 instead.

Lou Gehrig and Mayor Norman Stevens of Hartford, 1924.

Source: Chellgren, Norton. “The Short Career of Lou Lewis.” Society for American Baseball Research, 1975 Baseball Research Journal, 1975, sabr.org/journal/article/the-short-career-of-lou-lewis.

Wed. 03/31/21Tue. 07/13/21 by Weston Ulbrich

Leo Durocher Got His Start in Hartford

Leo Ernest Durocher was born in 1905 in West Springfield, Massachusetts, as the youngest of four sons. His parents with French Canadian parents were George and Clarinda (Provost) Durocher and often spoke French at home. George Durocher worked on the railroad, for the Boston & Albany Railroad. At 5-feet-10, he grew to be the tallest of his brothers. His French-Canadian parents. Durocher dropped out of Springfield Technical High School after being suspended and never went back. Instead, he became a prominent semi-professional athlete and several employers competed to have him play for their company teams.

According to baseball historian Paul Dickson, Durocher was convinced to try for a professional club, the Hartford Senators:

“There’s a guy named David Redd, who’s a black man, who pushes and pushes and pushes Durocher to go try out for the Hartford team, which in those days was a semi-Yankee farm club,” Dickson says. “And Durocher does. Tries, fails once.”
Paul Dickson – WBUR, Robinson And Durocher’s Complicated — And Changing — Relationship

Having failed, Durocher was again encouraged to try out for the 1925 season again by his friend, David Redd. This time, he made the team and batted for an average of .220 in 536 at bats that season. As an infielder for Hartford, Durocher learned and grew his game under Manager Paddy O’Connor, a baseball lifer and former catcher of the 1909 World Series winning Pittsburgh Pirates. Durocher showed promise in Hartford under the lights at Clarkin Stadium and was called up to the New York Yankees lineup for 2 game appearances.

Leo Durocher is sold to the Yankees, 1925.

It would take two seasons in the Yankees farm system – Atlanta, Georgia and St. Paul, Minnesota – before his permanent call-up to the big leagues in 1928. He won his first World Series that same year as a teammate of Babe Ruth and another Hartford Senators alumnus, Lou Gehrig. Durocher would become known as one of baseball’s fiercest players and would achieve team and individual success.

As a captain of the St. Louis Cardinals “Gashouse Gang” in 1934, Durocher started shortstop and won another World Series. He also collected three National League All-Star game appearances. After the 1938 season with the Cardinals, Durocher became the Dodgers’ player-manager. In 1939, Durocher was named player-manager for the Dodgers and quickly became known for his dirt-kicking tirades against umpires. He also clashed with Brooklyn’s front office and claimed that he was fired and rehired by general manager Larry McPhail dozens of times.

In 24 years as a skipper for the Brooklyn Dodgers, New York Giants, Chicago Cubs and Houston Astros, Durocher won 2,009 games, three pennants and a World Series. However, Durocher also became famous for his arguments with umpires, executives and players earned him a reputation as “The Lip.” His nickname was thought to have stemmed from his relationship with another diminutive Hall of Famer: Rabbit Maranville. While not an imposing hitter, Durocher’s scrappy play and maximum effort led Babe Ruth to call him “The All-American out.”

Leo Durocher, Manager, Brooklyn Dodgers, 1941.

Despite his antics, there was no doubt about Durocher’s record. In 1941, Durocher led the Dodgers, who were affectionately named “the Bums” by their own fans, to the franchise’s first pennant in 21 years.

“As long as I’ve got a chance to beat you, I’m going to take it.”
Leo Durocher, 1941.

In 1947, Commissioner Happy Chandler suspended Durocher for a year due to his “accumulation of unpleasant incidents” which included his accused association with gamblers. Led by Jackie Robinson, who Durocher staunchly supported when he broke the color barrier, the Dodgers captured the ’47 National League pennant.

In 1948, Durocher shocked the baseball world when he became manager of the Dodgers’ crosstown rival New York Giants – who he had famously referred to when he remarked that “nice guys finish last.” It was at the Polo Grounds where Durocher found his greatest success. In 1951, his Giants capped off an incredible 13½ game comeback on the Dodgers with Bobby Thomson’s famous “Shot Heard ’Round the World” homer to win the pennant. Three years later, Durocher and the Giants swept the heavily favored Cleveland Indians in the 1954 World Series.

Durocher with his wife, Laraine, Day, 1950.

Durocher left New York after the 1955 season and became a color commentator for NBC’s baseball broadcasts. He returned to the manager’s office with the Cubs in 1966 and served his final nine seasons in Chicago and Houston. Durocher retired in 1973 as the fifth-winningest manager in history, and second only to Hall of Famer John McGraw in the National League.

Casey Stengel, Manager, New York Yankees and Leo Durocher, Manager, New York Giants, 1951 World Series.

Upon his retirement, he ranked fifth all-time among managers with 2,009 career victories, second only to John McGraw in National League history. In 1965, Durocher co-authored an autobiography entitled, Nice Guys Finish Last. He lived a long life but passed away on October 7, 1991. Leo Durocher was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1994.

Sources

WBUR, Robinson And Durocher’s Complicated — And Changing — Relationship.
Hartford Courant Database, Newspapers.com.
Baseball-Reference.com, Baseball-Reference.com.
Durocher, Leo, Baseball Hall of Fame, Baseballhall.org/Hall-of-Famers/Durocher-Leo.

Fri. 12/04/20Sun. 06/26/22 by Weston Ulbrich

Hartford’s Minor League Club Part II: The Senators (1902-1915)

The Hartford Senators remain Connecticut’s most enduring baseball 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 players on their way to the Major Leagues. Legends like Lou Gehrig, Jim Thorpe, Leo Durocher and Hank Greenberg honed their skills in Hartford. The following chronology recounts the Senators during their early years (1902-1915) when minor league championships were a significant source of local pride. Since entering the minors in 1878, the City of Hartford had been deprived of a pennant, but the Senators would change that fact.

Minor Leagues

Championship Seasons

1909
1913
1915

Notable Hartford Senators of the early years

Ira Thomas, Catcher (1902-1903)
Bill Foxen, Pitcher (1904-1905)
Jack Lelivelt, First Baseman (1907)
Ray Fisher, Pitcher (1908-1909)
Hugh High, Outfielder (1911-1912)
Benny Kauff, Outfielder (1913)
Jim Delahanty, Player-manager (1915)

Charles A. Soby, Owner, Hartford Senators, 1902.

In 1902, Hartford joined the Connecticut League. The club was headed by Charles A. Soby and headquartered at Soby’s cigar store at 867 Main Street. Home games were held at Wethersfield Avenue Grounds, also called Hartford Baseball Park. The team was nicknamed “Senators” most likely by sports editors at the Hartford Times newspaper. Two-time World Series champion catcher of the Philadelphia Phillies, Ira Thomas played his rookie season for the Senators. Frank Reisling was Hartford’s player-manager and guided them to a fourth place finish. Reisling later sued the club over unpaid wages after being fired for recruiting players to a team in Toledo, Ohio.

Ira Thomas, Catcher, Hartford Senators, 1902.

Doc Reisling, Manager, Hartford Senators, 1902.

In 1903, the Hartford franchise was purchased by magnates William J. Tracy of Bristol and Thomas Reilly of Meriden. The Senators rejoined the Connecticut League and Reilly acted as manager. The team consisted of a fresh roster, except for Ira Thomas who returned as catcher. New signees included Walter Ahearn of New Haven, Bill Luby of Meriden and Billy Derwin of Waterbury. The infield featured Larry Battam at third base and captain Bert Daly at second base. Hartford struggled during their rebuild and ended up last in the league.

Thomas Reilly, Manager, Hartford Senators, 1903.

Walter Ahearn, Catcher, Hartford Senators, 1903.

Dr. Bert Daly, Second Baseman, Hartford Senators, 1903.

Bill Luby, First Baseman, Hartford Senators, 1903.

Before the 1904 season, Thomas Reilly was elected Mayor of Meriden. Then he sold his shares in the Hartford club to William J. Tracy. As sole owner of the Senators (and later President of the Connecticut League), Tracy appointed his friend and Bristol-based barber John E. Kennedy as manager. The only man to reappear from the previous season was second baseman Bert Daly. New players like Bill Foxen, Bill Karns and Tom Bannon entered the fold. The Senators had a losing record (53-61), and Hartford’s decades-long championship drought continued.

William Tracy, Owner, Hartford Senators, 1904.

Thomas O’Hare, Outfielder, Hartford Senators, 1904.

John E. Kennedy, Manager, Hartford Senators, 1904.

In September of 1904, Hartford was introduced to James H. Clarkin, proprietor of the Senators for the next 24 years. When Tracy decided to sell the club, Clarkin and Daly became owners. Clarkin leased Wethersfield Avenue Grounds for the next six years for $600 per year. Hartford fans took special trolleys to the well-kept Wethersfield Avenue Grounds. Starring for the club were pitching prospect, Pete Wilson of Springfield, Massachusetts, and shortstop Harry Noyes of New Haven. In Clarkin’s first season as owner, the Senators of 1905 had a winning record (58-55).

Hartford trolley assigned for ball games, 1905.

James Clarkin, Owner, Hartford Senators, 1905.

Peter Wilson, Pitcher, Hartford Senators, 1905.

Harry Noyes, Shortstop, Hartford Senators, 1905.

Neal Doherty, Pitcher, Hartford Senators, 1905.

Frank Doran, Catcher, Hartford Senators, 1905.

After the 1905 season, Clarkin sold his top pitcher William Foxen to Providence for $250. The sale of Foxen was the first of many transacted by Clarkin, who acquired a reputation for selling players. In 1906, Bert Daly served as player-manager until midway through the season, when he left to practice medicine in his hometown in Bayonne, New Jersey. Clarkin became sole owner of the Senators and Harry Noyes was named player-manager. Hartford signed Herman Bronkie of Manchester, Connecticut, a rookie third baseman who later signed with the Cleveland Naps.

New players on the Hartford Senators, 1906.

Bert Daly, Player-Manager, Hartford, 1906.

Despite another lackluster season, Hartford retained its core in 1907. Harry Noyes held onto his player-manager role and Pete Wilson returned as pitching ace. Career minor leaguers Charlie Fallon, Ed Justice and Billy Luyster came back to the Senators. Newcomers included first baseman Jack Rothfuss and outfielder Izzy Hoffman. Owner Clarkin recruited a Dutch immigrant and an all-time minor leaguer, Jack Lelivelt on a tip from Philadelphia manager Connie Mack. That year, Clarkin offered the Senators a $100 bonus for a five game win streak. While popular with players, the bonus scheme failed and Hartford finished fifth in the Connecticut League.

Billy Luyster, Pitcher, Hartford Senators, 1907.

Jack Lelivelt, Outfielder, Hartford Senators, 1907.

Izzy Hoffman, Outfielder, Hartford Senators, 1907.

Proprietor Clarkin sought to retool Hartford by hiring veteran leadership for 1908. During the offseason, Thomas Dowd, a big league journeyman and assumed managerial duties and all baseball operations. Dowd lured players such as Ray Fisher, a pitching phenom, Hank Schumann, a reliable strike-thrower and Bob Connery, a muscle-bound first baseman. There was also Earle Gardner, a second basemen destined for the New York Yankees and Chick Evans, an 18 year old who threw a perfect game for the Senators on July 21, 1908. Hartford had its finest team to date, but lost to Springfield by a half game in the last days of the season.

Hartford Senators at Wethersfield Avenue Grounds, 1908.

A disappointing conclusion to Hartford’s 1908 season lit a fire under the Senators in 1909. Clarkin appointed Bob Connery player-manager in place of Thomas Dowd who reportedly struggled with alcoholism. New additions Jimmy Hart and Jack Wanner led the squad in batting. With masterful pitching and defense, Connery’s crew captured first place. Hartford outlasted second place Holyoke and finally won their first championship. On September 13, 1909, the Senators were honored with a parade on Main Street, a ceremony outside Connecticut’s Old State House, a musical performance at Hartford Theater and a late night banquet at Hotel Garde.

1909 Hartford Senators, Connecticut League Champions.

Johnny Wanner, Second Baseman, Hartford, 1909.

Quartet of players, Hartford Senators, 1909.

Michael Wadleigh, Catcher, Hartford, 1909.

New players for the Hartford Senators, 1909.

George Metzger, Third Baseman, Hartford Senators, 1909.

In 1910, the Senators were the envy of the Connecticut League. A pennant flag flew over the pristine Hartford Baseball Park. The venue had a smooth playing surface, player clubhouses and concession stands. Meanwhile, Clarkin further delegated his duties by creating the Hartford Baseball Club Board of Strategy. The group devised plans and scouted players like pitchers Buck O’Brien and Carl Lundgren. Though it was player-manager Bob Connery who picked up a rookie from St. Louis, Wally Rehg who was later dubbed the world’s sassiest player. Amid high expectations, the Senators underachieved to fourth place – six games behind first place Waterbury.

First day’s workout, Hartford Senators, 1910.

Senators at Hartford Baseball Park, 1910.

John Vann, First Baseman, Hartford Senators, 1910.

Walter Rehg, Utility, Hartford Senators, 1910.

Buck O’Brien, Pitcher, Hartford Senators, 1910.

Board of Strategy, Hartford Senators, 1910.

Carl Lundgren, Pitcher, Hartford Senators, 1910.

William Moore, Groundskeeper, Hartford Baseball Park, 1910.

Before the 1911 season, Connecticut League officials increased the championship purse from $25 to $100 to attract better talent. That year, rookie outfielder Hugh High rose to local stardom by hitting for a .302 average in 431 at bats. Former Boston Doves pitcher Tom McCarthy only played half of the season, yet he twirled 15 wins. A low point for the club came when they were caught drinking alcohol on a Sunday at Lighthouse Point in New Haven. Arrest warrants were issued for nine Hartford players including manager Connery but the charges were later dropped. The Senators fell short of a title but finished in a respectable third place.

Clint Ford, Outfielder, Hartford Senators, 1911.

Hugh High, Pitcher, Hartford Senators, 1911.

Robert Henry Ray, Pitcher, Hartford Senators, 1911.

Nick Lakoff, Pitcher, Hartford Senators, 1911.

John Hickey, Outfielder, Hartford Senators, 1911.

Herman Shincel, Catcher, Hartford Senators, 1911.

As winter descended on Hartford, Jim Clarkin renewed his lease of the Wethersfield Avenue Grounds for ten more years. He then built the largest grandstand in the league to seat more spectators. When the 1912 season began, Bob Connery suited up for his last managerial campaign. Connery would later discover Rogers Hornsby as a scout for the St. Louis Cardinals. Hartford also added Benny Kauff who batted .321 in 53 games. Hugh High led the Connecticut League with 145 base hits and 5 homers. Si McDonald served as primary catcher and captained Hartford to second place.

A new grandstand at Hartford Baseball Park, 1912.

New Players of the Hartford Senators, 1912.

Bob “Tom” J. Connery, Player-Manager, Hartford Senators, 1912.

Hugh High, Outfielder, Hartford Senators, 1912.

Si McDonald, Catcher, Hartford Senators, 1912.

Bill Powers, Pitcher, Hartford Senators, 1912

At an offseason meeting, President Jim O’Rourke and Connecticut League officials renamed the loop the Eastern Association, reflecting the inclusion of three Massachusetts clubs. In preparation for the 1913 season, the Senators announced Si McDonald as Hartford’s player-manager. Important acquisitions were shortstop, Bill Morley, second baseman, Jim Curry and first baseman, Mickey Keliher. Center fielder Benny Kauff had one of the Senators’ best seasons, leading the league with 176 hits and a .345 batting average. Behind superior hitting and pitching, Hartford won 83 games and another triumphant league championship.

Benny Kauff, Outfielder, Hartford Senators, 1913.

Gus Gardella, Shortstop, Hartford Senators, 1913.

Eastern Association final standings, 1913.

Most of Hartford’s title winners appeared again in 1914. Si McDonald became full-time manager while Hartford-born Jack Muldoon was promoted to starting catcher. Eventually McDonald was deposed by owner Clarkin, who assigned the job to a veteran manager, Dan O’Neil. New arrivals Ed Barney and Jack Hoey were Hartford’s most productive hitters. Pitchers Clyde Geist and Fred Rieger carved out brilliant seasons and were among the league leaders in wins. When the Eastern Association wrapped, the Senators had completed a tenth consecutive season with a winning record.

Dan O’Neil, Manager, Hartford Senators, 1914.

Maurice Kennedy, Pitcher, Hartford Senators, 1914.

Jimmy Curry, Second Baseman, Hartford Senators, 1914.

Jack Hoey, Outfielder, Hartford Senators, 1914.

Roger Salmon, Pitcher, Hartford Senators, 1914.

Ed Goeb, Outfielder, Hartford Senators, 1914.

Mickey Keliher, First Baseman, Hartford Senators, 1914.

Murray Parker, Pitcher, Hartford Senators, 1914.

James Crowley, Pitcher, Hartford Senators, 1914.

In 1915, proprietor Clarkin abandoned the Eastern Association. Instead, he entered Hartford into the Colonial League, loosely affiliated with the infamous Federal League. Shortly before the season, 36 year old infielder Jim Delahanty was named player-manager. He mashed a .379 batting average, earned MVP of the league and led the Senators to the Colonial League pennant. Other players on the squad were former Federal Leaguers with the Brooklyn Tip Tops and the Newark Pepper. A mix of outcasts won Hartford its third pennant during a span of six years.

1915 Hartford Senators, L to R: Back Row – Mike Simon, George Textor, Dennis Gillooly, Gus Helfrich, Gil Whitehouse, Aime Proulx and Fred Trautman. Front Row – Blondie Sherman, Henry Demoe, Jim Delahanty, Jack Murray and Ray Werre.

Gil Whitehouse, Outfielder, Hartford Senators, 1915.

Clyde Geist, Pitcher, Hartford Senators, 1915.

Bill Jensen, Pitcher, Hartford Senators, 1915.

Hartford Senators on the New York Yankees, 1915.

Sources

Tue. 06/09/20Fri. 05/24/24 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:

Connie Mack, Catcher (1885-1886)
Henry Gruber, Pitcher (1885, 1887)
Hugh Duffy, Outfielder (1886)
Steve Brady, Outfielder (1887)
George Stallings, Catcher (1890)
Jackie Cronin, Pitcher (1895)
Billy Barnie, Catcher (1899-1900)
”Wild” Bill Donovan, Pitcher (1900)

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.

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.

Everett Mills, First Baseman, Hartford, 1878.

Joe Battin, Third Baseman, Hartford, 1878.

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.

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.

Jack Farrell, Second Baseman, Hartford, 1885.

Jack Remsen, Player-Manager, 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.

Steve Brady, First Baseman, Hartford, 1887.

General Stafford, Second Baseman, 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.

Phenomenal Smith, Pitcher, Hartford, 1889.

Joe Gerhardt, Second Baseman, Hartford, 1889.

George Stallings, Catcher, 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.

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.

John Gunshanan, Outfielder, 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.

Reddy Mack, Second Baseman, Hartford, 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.

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.

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.

Arlie Latham, Third Baseman, 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.

Biff Sheehan, Outfielder, Hartford, 1899.

Louis Sockalexis, Outfielder, Hartford, 1899.

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.

George Hemming, Pitcher, Hartford, 1900.

“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.

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.

Connie Mack, Frank Gilmore, John M. Henry and Ed Beecher at Wethersfield Avenue Grounds, Hartford, August 17, 1925.

Sources

Hartford Courant database on Newspapers.com
StatsCrew.com

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

Bulkeley Stadium, Gone But Not Forgotten

Morgan G. Bulkeley Stadium

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

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

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

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

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

Barnie secures Wethersfield Avenue Grounds, 1896.

Hartford Ball Park, Wethersfield Avenue, 1896.

Wethersfield Avenue Grounds, Hartford, Connecticut, 1908.

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

William Moore, Hartford Groundskeeper, 1910.

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

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

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

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

Babe Ruth plays at Wethersfield Avenue Grounds, 1918.

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

Hartford Police defeat Waterbury Police at Clarkin Stadium, 1921.

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

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

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

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

New stadium seating, Bulkeley Stadium, 1928.

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

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

Pittsburgh Pirates visit Bulkeley Stadium, 1928.

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

Robert J. Farrell, Hartford Baseball owner, 1930.

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

Hartford Senators and Judge Kenesaw Landis, 1930.

Hartford Courant reporters play at Bulkeley Stadium, 1930.

Hartford vs. New Haven at Bulkeley Stadium, 1931.

Hartford vs. Allentown at Bulkeley Stadium, 1932.

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

Bulkeley Stadium Official Scorecard, 1932.

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

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

Savitt Gems vs. Pittsburgh Pirates, 1933.

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

Motorcycle racing at Bulkeley Stadium, 1935.

Bill Savitt & Dizzy Dean at Bulkeley Stadium, 1936.

Savitt Gems vs. Cleveland Indians, 1937.

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

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

Hartford Bees at Bulkeley Stadium, 1938.

Hartford vs. Springfield at Bulkeley Stadium, 1940.

Governor Hurley on Opening Day, Bulkeley Stadium, 1941.

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

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

Hartford vs. Williamsport, Bulkeley Stadium, 1944.

Hartford Baseball Club, Bulkeley Stadium, 1944.

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

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

Bill Savitt & Babe Ruth at Bulkeley Stadium, 1945.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hartford Fire Department, Bulkeley Stadium, 1948.

Johnny Taylor, Hartford Chiefs at Bulkeley Stadium, 1949.

Hartford Courant All-Stars at Bulkeley Stadium, 1949.

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

1950 Hartford Chiefs at Bulkeley Stadium.

Hugh Casey, Brooklyn Dodgers at Bulkeley Stadium, 1950.

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

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

Anguish over Gene Conley Bulkeley Stadium, 1951.

Gene Conley, Hartford Chiefs, Bulkeley Stadium, 1951.

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

Business Manager Charles Blossfield, 1951.

Trinity College Baseball, Bulkeley Stadium, 1952.

Eddie Matthews at Bulkeley Stadium, 1952.

St. Louis Browns, Bulkeley Stadium, 1953.

Jim Piersall & Joey Jay, at Bulkeley Stadium 1953.

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

Bulkeley Stadium Monument Dedication, 1998.

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

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