Tag: east hartford

Honoring the Life of Mark Foss, GHTBL President

The Greater Hartford Twilight Baseball League bids a fond yet somber farewell to our former President, Mark Foss. He headed the league from 2006 to 2013.

GHTBL Executives: Mark Foss (right) with his wife Jane Foss & Jim Gallagher.

Mark and his wife Jane served the Twi-loop as steady leaders and perennial Foss Insurance franchise sponsors during the 2000s and 2010s. They were crucial directors and contributors who held the league together behind the scenes. Mark and Jane bridged the gap between generations and guided GHTBL towards a more competitive brand of baseball.

Mark was a Korean War veteran with the United States Army, a father of four children and an avid Boston Red Sox fan.

Funeral service celebrating Mark’s life will be Thursday (June 13, 2024) at 5 pm at the D’Esopo East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford. Mark’s family will receive relatives and friends on Thursday afternoon from 3-5 pm at the funeral home chapel.

See more: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/east-hartford-ct/mark-foss-11848162

August 20 – GHTBL All-Stars vs. CTL All-Stars

Greater Hartford Twilight Baseball League and Connecticut Twilight League will play a postseason interleague All-Star game at 7 PM on Friday, August 20, 2021.

This year, GHTBL will host the exhibition at Palmer Field on Bernie O’Rourke Drive in Middletown, Connecticut. The 9-inning game will mark the sixth contest between GHTBL and CTL in which GHTBL has remained undefeated.

Aside from several rainouts, both league’s regular seasons are going as planned. After a champions are crowned, managers will decide on all-star selections. These all-star matchups allow each league to showcase many of our best players. Participants, parents and fans are welcomed to attend the exhibition at no charge.

As always, we thank you for your continued support.

We will see you at the ballpark! Free admission!

GHTBL East Hartford Jets 2020 Playoff Champions

August 7 to 16 – 2021 Playoff Tournament

On August 7, 2021, the Greater Hartford Twilight Baseball League will begin our postseason at Palmer Field in Middletown, Connecticut. Consolation bracket games will start August 8, 2021 at McKenna Field in East Hartford, Connecticut. Our annual double-elimination playoff tournament will conclude at McKenna Field as shown below:



Admission: $10 per person for a ticket to the entire tournament. Free for kids 14 and under.

Stay tuned for weather-related postponements and announcements at www.GHTBL.org.

Tight Race in the Twi-Loop

Last night Jack Blake homered for the East Hartford Jets beating People’s United Bank 7-2. Cole Lalli earned his third win and the Jets moved to 5 and 1 on the year.

Having completed one third of the 2021 GHTBL Regular Season, the frontrunning East Hartford Jets and Vernon Orioles lead the standings.

The season title is very much up for grabs now that the Orioles have hit a 2-game skid. Meanwhile, Rainbow Graphics and South Windsor Phillies are lurking in a tie for third place.

Other honorable mention teams are Ulbrich Steel and Malloves Jewelers. So far shortstop, Sam DeMaio of Steel leads the league in hits and triples. Mike Munson has three homers for the Jewelers.

For all league wide statistics, go to GHTBL.org/stats.

Mark Twain, the Hartford Baseball Crank

Samuel Langhorne Clemens, also known by his pen name, Mark Twain, once boasted about Hartford: “Of all the beautiful towns it has been my fortune to see, this is the chief.” Twain and his family were proud Hartford residents from 1874 to 1891. When the Hartford Dark Blues joined the first iteration of the National League in 1874, Twain frequented games at Hartford Base Ball Grounds, a 2,000-seat stadium at the corner of Wyllys Street and Hendrixon Avenue.

Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain) regularly attended Hartford ballgames and took notes of the action on personal stationary.

While attending a game between the Brooklyn Atlantics and the Dark Blues, Twain’s umbrella suddenly went missing. In response to the suspected theft, Twain published a reward in the Hartford Daily Courant on May 20, 1875:

TWO HUNDRED AND FIVE DOLLARS REWARD — At the great base ball match on Tuesday, while I engaged in hurrahing, a small boy walked off with an English-made brown silk UMBRELLA belonging to me and forgot to bring it back. I will pay $5 for the return of the umbrella in good condition to my house on Farmington Avenue. I do not want the boy (in an active state) but will pay two hundred dollars for his remains.

-Samuel L. Clemens
Twain’s advertisement in the Hartford Courant, May 20, 1875.
Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain), 1870 (c.)

The humorous advertisement unfortunately led to a morbid prank. A local medical student left one of his case studies — the corpse of a boy — on Twain’s porch, along with a note claiming the reward. A nervous Twain thought he might be suspected of murder, until the janitor of the medical college came to claim the body. Despite the scare, Twain’s support of baseball in Hartford continued for more than a decade. In fact, Twain became an investor of the Hartford club in 1886.

Twain becomes a Hartford Base Ball Club subscriber, July 30, 1886.
The Mark Twain House, Hartford, Connecticut.

After a lackluster 1886 season in the Eastern League, in which the Hartford team traded Connie Mack to the Washington Nationals, a new joint stock company assumed ownership of the Hartford club. Among investors of the Hartford Amusement Association were Samuel Clemens and Mayor of Hartford, Morgan G. Bulkeley. The stakeholders hired Charles F. Daniels, a professional umpire from Colchester, Connecticut, as manager. Hartford finished third place in the Eastern League. Twain’s ownership stake only lasted a few years.

Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain), 1885 (c.)
Members of the Hartford Amusement Association, 1887.
Morgan G. Bulkeley, 1890 (c.)

Later on April 8, 1889, Mark Twain dined with baseball’s “who’s who” at Delmonico’s restaurant in New York City. The grand event was a night to remember, drawing heavy publicity. The Testimonial Banquet honored Albert Spalding and baseball players of the “Tour Around the World”. Twain was among the guest speakers and gave a rousing speech to the banquet of ballplayers and dignitaries. His comedic prose garnered a standing ovation.

“Tour Around the World” brochure cover at Delmonico’s, New York, April 8, 1889.
“Tour Around the World” brochure at Delmonico’s, New York, April 8, 1889.

“Baseball is the very symbol, the outward and visible expression of the drive and push and rush and struggle of the raging, tearing, booming nineteenth century.”

-Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens), April 8, 1889.
Testimonial Banquet at Delmonico’s, New York, April 8, 1889.
Delmonico’s Menu, New York, 1889.

That same year, Twain completed writing A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court while living in Hartford. The novel is about a man from East Hartford who time travels to 6th-century medieval England. The book’s main character, Hank Morgan meets King Arthur and teaches noblemen to play baseball. While living in Hartford, Twain also wrote such works as Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and the Adventures of Tom Sawyer.

“There was no joy in life for poor Tom. He put away his bat and his ball and dragged himself through each day.”

– Mark Twain, Adventures of Tom Sawyer, 1885.
A knight in armor playing baseball, 1889.
A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court, 1889.
Mark Twain at his 70th birthday celebration, Delmonico’s, New York, 1905
Samuel Clemens, 1907.

Baseball Bloodlines: The Riemer’s

Over the last 50 years, men of the Riemer family have achieved remarkable baseball success…

1974 New Britain High School

The story of a father and two sons began in New Britain, Connecticut, in 1974. Mark Riemer was a fleet-footed junior infielder at New Britain High School with a quick bat. Behind Mark, the Hurricanes won a Class AA State Championship. The following year New Britain won 30 consecutive games but lost 1-0 to North Haven in the state championship. Mark was awarded First Team All-State honors. Later that fall, he also earned All-State honors as a linebacker on the football team.

1974 New Britain High School
1975 New Britain High School

Mark Riemer matriculated to Eastern Connecticut State University where he was a four-year starter on under Head Coach Bill Holowaty. Mark helped the Warriors to their first four NCAA Division-III tournaments. He was the first position player in New England Division-III to earn First Team NCAA All-American honors. As a junior right fielder in 1978, he batted .403 with an .803 slugging percentage, led Division-III in hits (73), RBI (59), total bases (146), was second with 14 home runs, and tied for second in doubles (19). Mark holds the Warriors career record for triples (18), is second in total bases (366) and home runs (34), third in RBI (152) and fourth in slugging (.637).

Mark Riemer, Eastern Connecticut Baseball, 1978.
Mark Riemer, ECSU Hall of Fame

Mark Riemer also starred in the Greater Hartford Twilight Baseball League. At 18 years old, he suited up for the Moriarty Brothers of Manchester when they won the 1975 league championship. Then he changed teams in 1977 and joined Manager Tom Abbruzzese’s Society for Savings. After winning a GHTBL batting title and another championship season in 1979, Mark signed as a free agent with the Pittsburgh Pirates organization. As a member of the Carolina League’s Salem Pirates in 1980, he finished second on the team in batting with a .298 average in 416 plate appearances.

Mark served two years in professional ball before returning home to Connecticut. He rejoined Society for Savings with whom he won four league titles. Then Mark jumped to the East Hartford Jets franchise from 1985 to 1992. Late in his career he won several National Senior Baseball World Series men’s league tournaments in Phoenix, Arizona, alongside GHTBL Hall of Fame inductee, Dave Bidwell. Mark continued to make twilight league appearances until around 2011 as a DH for Tom Abbruzzese’s People’s United Bank. Mark, a father of three (Matt, Meagan and Mike), was nicknamed “Trout” because of his love for fishing.

Hartford Courant excerpt, August 19, 1989.
Mark Riemer, East Hartford Jets, GHTBL, 1989.
Mark Riemer breaks up a double play, 1990.

Matt Riemer followed in his father’s footsteps in many respects. After graduating from Ellington High School, Matt took his skills to Eastern Connecticut State University and displayed speed and versatility. He helped Eastern win a Little East Conference championship in 2007. Matt began his GHTBL career in 2004 for People’s Bank. He was an effective leadoff hitter who got on base and collected countless stolen bases. Matt led People’s to a league championship in 2006, as well as regular season titles in 2007, 2008 and 2011. He took the field for the last time in 2013 after eight twilight seasons.

Matt Riemer, People’s United Bank, GHTBL, 2009.
Matt Riemer People’s United Bank GHTBL, 2011.

Mike Riemer, the youngest of the Riemers, graduated from Berkshire School in Sheffield, Massachusetts, in 2008. Like his father and older brother, Mike played under Bill Holowaty at ECSU after transferring to the Warriors from Division-I Central Connecticut State University. Mike was primarily a relief pitcher at CCSU but transformed into a starting center fielder and a heart-of-the-lineup hitter at ECSU. In his final collegiate season, he was one of three players to start all 44 games. Mike batted .329 with three home runs and 30 RBI, while committing just one error.

Mike Riemer, People’s United Bank, 2010.
Mike Riemer, Pitcher/Outfielder, 2011.

During summer months, Mike Riemer was a valuable member of People’s Bank in the GHTBL. The Riemer family also organized an amateur squad that won three straight tournaments in Cooperstown, New York (2010, 2011 and 2013). Men’s league experience helped Mike develop into a more complete player, and in 2014, he signed to play professionally in Germany. The 6-foot-2 and 220 pound, 24 year old joined the Tübingen Hawks of the German Baseball and Softball Association (DBV) after being recruited by Jason Holowaty, Director of Major League Baseball international development operations in Europe and Africa.

Mark and Mike Riemer, ECSU Baseball, 2013.
Mike Riemer with his mother, Ellen, in Germany, 2017.
GHTBL East Hartford Jets 2020 Playoff Champions

East Hartford Jets, 2020 Champions

Jets win 1st playoff tournament in franchise history.

After 50 years, the East Hartford Jets finally achieved their first GHTBL Playoff Championship. The Jets have competed in the twilight league since 1970. This year, Player-Manager Taylor Kosakowski led the Jets to the Twi-loop’s ultimate prize at their home turf, McKenna Field in East Hartford.

A walk-off extra base hit from Bryant University outfiedler,  Jarod Dalrymple scored former Eastern Connecticut State University star Jimmy Schult  from first base. The Jets bested the Vernon Orioles 3 to 2. The Orioles were tournament favorites and a veritable dynasty in recent years. Manager Jack Ceppetelli’s O’s previously won 4 consecutive playoff championships. 

Congratulations to all East Hartford Jets players, coaches, fans and family! 

We will see if the Jets could repeat and soar in the summer of 2021.

Corey Plasky, Second Baseman, East Hartford Jets strides to reach base.

Read the full championship recap by the Journal Inquirer:
https://www.journalinquirer.com/sports/dalrymple-provides-hometown-heroics-for-eh-jets-in-twilight-league-title-game/article_9ac5a072-e3b7-11ea-8e5e-7fd2d05f1710.html

Twi-Loop is Off and Running

GHTBL completes first week without a hitch.

Amidst a global pandemic, the GHTBL is playing baseball in 2020. Our 12-game Regular Season schedule is underway and the first week has been completed. Managers, players and fans are excited to be back. Without any unforeseen hiccups or health scares, local amateur baseball looks like it is here to stay.

Most recently, GHTBL was featured by John Pierson of News Channel 8 Sports. He highlighted the league’s history and its prospects for the future. Gabby Lucivero of NBC Connecticut also interviewed Justin Morhardt of People’s United Bank and his family, who have a long baseball tradition in the Twilight League and professional baseball. 

Four notable minor league players have joined the league this season. Willy Yahn for People’s United Bank as well as Matt Cleveland, Jimmy Titus and Jack Patterson for the Vernon Orioles. A mix of young players and veterans will create great matchups all year long. 

Current college athletes in the GHTBL will be earning valuable experience this summer. Hard-throwing pitchers and fast paced games are the repetitions that players need to improve. The Twilight League is flooded with arms who throw over 88 MPH and pitcher’s duels are not uncommon. However, some teams like the Record-Journal Expos and the East Hartford Jets have managed to put up big run totals thus far.

The league, led by President Bill Holowaty, is proud to be playing the game we all love. Come on out and support baseball in Greater Hartford by attending a game. Regular Season admission is free. Our annual double-elimination playoff tournament is scheduled for early-to-mid August and will take place at McKenna Field in East Hartford and Ceppa Field in Meriden, Connecticut.

Stay tuned for more updates!

Hal Lewis, Baseball Star from Hartford’s North End

Harold “Hal” James Lewis was born in Hartford, Connecticut, on September 4, 1927, to James Lewis and Lula Randolph Deloach. He grew up in the city’s North End and attended Weaver High School. After school Lewis joined the United States Army for eighteen months. He returned to Hartford in 1949 and gained employment as a metal worker at Hamilton Standard. Lewis was a star player for the Hamilton Standard company baseball team, also known as the “Propellers” or “Props.”

Hamilton Standard Propellers win the amateur state championship, 1950.

Lewis also suited up for an all-black team called the Nutmeg Dukes as an infielder and outfielder. Sometimes called the Hartford Dukes, they were initially formed in 1942 as an independent barnstorming club. Of the Dukes, Lewis said, “We wanted to play competitive baseball. We wanted to be in a league.” In 1950, the Dukes were admitted to Hartford Twilight League. As the first African-American club in league history, the Dukes dominated the competition by winning the regular season title and playoff championship.

In January of 1951, Lewis became the second African-American from Hartford to sign a professional baseball contract. His childhood friend, Johnny “Schoolboy” Taylor, was first a year earlier. Lewis appeared in 29 minor league games for the Quebec Braves, an affiliate of the Boston Braves. As the only black player on an all-white team in Canada, he was subjected to racial slurs and taunts. Two months into his first season, he packed his bags and returned home once more. Lewis was rehired at Hamilton Standard and continued to play baseball for the Windsor Locks based company.

For about fifteen years Hal Lewis excelled at the amateur level. With the Hamilton Standard Propellers, he was one of the best ballplayers in the Greater Hartford area. He proved it in 1953 when his Props were crowned state champions with Lewis at shortstop. The team was so highly regarded that they flew from Rentschler Field, East Hartford, to Dallas, Texas, to compete in a national tournament. Lewis’ teammates included GHTBL Hall of Fame inductees Wally Widholm, Ed Kukulka, and Dick Kelly.

Hamilton Standard Propellers, 1953.
Hamilton Standard travels to Texas, 1953.

After winning his first title in the Hartford Twilight League, Lewis jumped ship to another team. He led the Bloomfield Townies to a GHTBL Season Title in 1956. Lewis then returned the Props and went on to win seven more GHTBL pennants. In 1958, he set new league records for the most single-game (5) and single-season stolen bases. During this time, Lewis also played for a semi-pro team called the Meriden Knights.

Lewis retired from competitive baseball aftter more than twenty years. His last career came in 1968 when a veritable “who’s who” of twi-loop alumni played an Old-Timers Game at Dillon Stadium. 36 former twi-leaguers took part in the game. Lewis appeared alongside local greats like Johnny Taylor, Monk Dubiel, and Bob Repass. Famed broadcaster Bob Steele served as announcer.

GHTBL Old-Timers Game, 1968.

In 1969, Hal Lewis ventured into the restaurant business. Lewis changed careers, left Hamilton Standard behind, and established “Hal’s Aquarius” – a popular diner that once stood at 2978 Main Street, Hartford. Visiting celebrities, politicians, police officers, clergy and regulars congregated at Hal’s. Lewis worked sixteen hours per day and seven days a week. He ran the restaurant and catering business while raising three kids with his wife, Mary. Hal’s Aquarius operated until Lewis retired in 1989, due to failing health.

Lewis’ son, Hal Lewis Jr., 1987.

Hal Lewis was also a talented vocalist and musician. He sang at local clubs and performed with the Sam Kimble Band, Jasper Jenkins Trio, Paul Brown and others. After a comeback from heart problems, Lewis performed at a jazz concert in Bushnell Park in 2000. His performance with singer Kitti Kathryn and his solo renditions of “Fools Rush In” and “It’s Wonderful,” dazzled the crowd once more.

“I’m a happy guy, just a real happy guy. I’m having fun and I’m appreciative of everyone around me.”

– Hal Lewis, 2002

He was a successful entrepreneur, a singer and a revered ballplayer. As a member of Union Baptist Church, Lewis had a fun-loving personality with quick wits and a compassionate soul. Former Hartford Fire Chief John B. Stewart Jr. described Lewis as being ahead of his time. “He could do it all,” Stewart said, “He was one of the most talented men I know. He’s the last of old Hartford.” Hal Lewis departed this life on June 15, 2004, at his home in Bloomfield, Connecticut.

The National Pastime at Pratt & Whitney

Manufacturing firms bearing the name Pratt & Whitney have been global leaders in industries ranging from machine tools to jet engines. The original company was founded in Hartford, Connecticut, in 1860, by Francis A. Pratt and Amos Whitney, who supplied interchangeable tools, drills, mills, and lathes for firearm production during the American Civil War. Pratt & Whitney revolutionized machining while setting the standard inch as a measurement benchmark, but beyond technological achievements, the company also left a lesser-known baseball legacy.

Founders of Pratt & Whitney Company.

Baseball gained popularity in Hartford circa 1860, as the agrarian city became more industrialized. To enhance publicity and morale, manufacturers, churches, and fraternal organizations sponsored athletic clubs. Pratt & Whitney Company established its first baseball team in the summer of 1866—nearly a decade before Hartford welcomed professional baseball. The P&W nine competed against crosstown clubs and teams from neighboring towns. In 1883, they ventured out of state for the first time, taking on a team from Holyoke, Massachusetts.

Pratt & Whitney executives Hartford, Connecticut, 1887 (c.)
Pratt & Whitney Co. executives, 1887.

Pratt & Whitney also pioneered indoor baseball, during the cold seasons of 1899 and 1900. The club took part in the Indoor Baseball League at Hartford’s Y.M.C.A. When warmer weather came back, P&W competed in Hartford’s Shop Baseball League, later named the Factory League. Their opponents included Colt Armory, Billings & Spencer, Hartford Electric Vehicle, Hartford Rubber Works, and Pope Manufacturing. Local fans eagerly gathered to watch these spirited matchups at Colt Park and Wethersfield Avenue Grounds.

Y.M.C.A. Building, Hartford Connecticut, 1900.
Pratt & Whitney, Capitol Avenue, Hartford, CT, 1911.

By 1916, the Factory League had evolved into the Hartford Industrial League, popularly known as the Dusty League. As Hartford’s premier amateur circuit, Pratt & Whitney claimed the Dusty League championship in its inaugural season. The team featured Dutch Leonard, a hard-throwing pitcher; John Muldoon, a catcher later signed by the Hartford Senators of the Eastern Association; and Sam Hyman, a Hartford High School southpaw destined for a professional career. Most of the team, however, was comprised local talent, including Rex Islieb, an outfielder whose key contributions helped Pratt & Whitney secure another pennant in 1918.

By 1916, the Factory League had grown into the Hartford Industrial League, also called the Dusty League. As Hartford’s premier amateur circuit, Pratt & Whitney claimed the championship in its inaugural season. Standout players included Dutch Leonard, a hard-throwing pitcher; John Muldoon, a catcher later signed by the Hartford Senators of the Eastern Association; and Sam Hyman, a Hartford High School southpaw destined for a professional career. All team members were employees and local residents. Among them was Rex Islieb, an outfielder whose contributions helped P&W secure another pennant in 1918.

Then on September 22, 1918, Pratt & Whitney squared off against a 23-year-old Babe Ruth, only eleven days after winning a World Series for the Boston Red Sox. He barnstormed a benefit game at Wethersfield Avenue Grounds for the Bat and Ball Fund, donating baseball equipment to American soldiers fighting in World War I. Ruth hurled and batted third for a semi-pro club, the Hartford Poli’s. His Red Sox teammate, “Bullet” Joe Bush started on the mound for Pratt & Whitney with big leaguers Shano Collins, Joe Dugan and Herman Bronkie behind him. Though Ruth pitched admirably, he was outdueled by Bush’s two-hit pitching performance and Pratt & Whitney won, 1-0.

Babe Ruth & Joe Bush, Boston Red Sox, 1918.
Herman Bronkie, St. Louis Cardinals, 1918.
Shano Collins, Chicago White Sox, 1918.
Joe Dugan, Philadelphia Athletics, 1918.

Building on their victory over Babe Ruth, Pratt & Whitney’s baseball team maintained their good form the following season. Thousands of spectators gathered at Colt Park to watch the team secure the 1919 Industrial League title—marking their third consecutive pennant. Pratt & Whitney capped off a remarkable season with a year-end celebration at the Hotel Bond on Asylum Street. While supporting the Allies in World War I, Pratt & Whitney’s company team had also established an elite reputation. Their standout player was a two-way outfielder named Jack Vannie, a Bulkeley High School graduate and a former member of the Hartford Poli’s.

As baseball thrived, the “Roaring Twenties” prompted expansion at Pratt & Whitney. In 1925, aviation engineer Frederick Rentschler partnered with Pratt & Whitney Machine Tool to build new aircraft engines, thus beginning Pratt & Whitney Aircraft Company. As the company made advances in jet engines, its workers built camaraderie and community around athletics, including bowling, tennis, basketball and football. The P&W baseball club of the 1920s contended in the Industrial League, but with limited success compared to previous years.

Johns-Pratt vs. Pratt & Whitney at Colt Park, 1923.
Pratt & Whitney Company, Capitol Avenue, Hartford, Connecticut, 1925.

When most businesses were stricken by the ill effects of the Great Depression, Pratt & Whitney thrived on federal contracts. Frederick Rentschler produced a thousand Wasp aircraft engines by 1929, but soon broke away from Pratt & Whitney. His division was spun off and merged with Boeing to form United Aircraft and Transport Corporation (a predecessor of United Technologies Corporation). As part of the agreement, United Aircraft retained the name Pratt & Whitney Aircraft and in 1930, they formed a new baseball club.

Frederick Rentschler, President, Pratt & Whitney Aircraft, 1926.
L to R: Pratt & Whitney Aircraft executives George Mead, Fred Rentschler, Don Brown & William Willgoos, 1929.
United Aircraft & Transport Corporation, 1929.
Pratt & Whitney Aircraft Company, East Hartford, CT, 1930.
Pratt & Whitney Aircraft, East Hartford, CT, 1930.
Pratt & Whitney Aircraft, East Hartford, CT, 1930.

The Pratt & Whitney Aircraft “Aircrafters” and the Pratt & Whitney Machine Tool “Toolmakers” produced a friendly baseball rivalry throughout the 1930s and 1940s. Both clubs were regulars of the Hartford Industrial League, the Public Service League and the East Hartford Twilight League. Though after antitrust laws broke up United Aircraft and Transport Corporation in 1934, a new firm emerged in United Aircraft Corporation (consisting of Pratt & Whitney Aircraft, Sikorsky, Chance Vought and Hamilton Standard). President Fred Rentschler moved their headquarters to a giant complex in East Hartford, Connecticut, and the baseball team continued on as United Aircraft.

Hal Justin, Pitcher, Pratt & Whitney Aircraft Co., 1932.
Hal Justin, Pitcher, Pratt & Whitney Aircraft Co., 1932.
Pratt & Whitney Aircraft and Chance Vought plants in East Hartford, Connecticut, 1935.
Pratt & Whitney Aircraft and Chance Vought plants in East Hartford, Connecticut, 1935.
Sikorsky S-42 Clipper with United Aircraft Hornet Engines, 1935.

In springtime of 1937, United Aircraft’s club entered the Industrial League and then they joined the East Hartford Twilight League around midsummer. That same season, they hosted an exhibition game versus an United States Marine Corps nine from Quantico, Virginia. The Aircrafters starred GHTBL Hall of Fame inductees Joe Tripp and Bill Calusine. A former Eastern League pitcher, Hal Justin, served as manager and guided them to the 1939 Industrial League championship.

While their clubs presided over Hartford’s baseball scene, Pratt & Whitney Machine Tool and United Aircraft made major contributions to the Allies of World War II. Both baseball clubs fielded professionals and aspiring prospects whose careers were interrupted by war. Aircraft’s workforce swelled to more than 40,000 employees, helping America build more planes than any nation. It was on the diamond at East Hartford’s Burnside Park where employees and fans retained a sense of normalcy.

Pratt & Whitney Machine Tool, 1940.

United Aircraft boasted a minor league outfielder, John Chomick, and a tandem of brothers in the infield, Pete Kapura and George Kapura. Hartford’s hometown ace of the Negro Leagues, Johnny Taylor, pitched for the Aircrafters on several occasions. Meanwhile, Pratt & Whitney Machine Tool rostered one-time Boston Braves pitcher, George Woodend, as well as minor leaguers, Daniel Zazzaro, Jake Banks and Charlie Wrinn. The Toolmakers seized the 1942 Hartford Industrial League and the 1943 East Hartford Twilight League. On April 25, 1943, they faced off against the Hartford Senators of the Eastern League in an exhibition, losing only by one run.

United Aircraft, East Hartford, Connecticut, 1940.
United Aircraft, East Hartford, Connecticut, 1942.
Joe Tripp, Shortstop, United Aircraft, 1943.
George Woodend, Pitcher, Pratt & Whitney Machine Tool, 1943.
Jake Banks, Outfielder, Pratt & Whitney Machine Tool, 1944.

In 1947, United Aircraft made a bid at the Hartford Twilight League championship. Behind strong pitching from Iggy Miller Murawski, the team cruised by Royal Typewriter in the semifinals. In the final round against Lenny’s Yellow Taxi, the Aircrafters split a Saturday doubleheader, but due to unknown circumstances, the team was unable to field enough players and were forced to forfeit the deciding game of the series. (United Aircraft had reverted back to using the name Pratt Whitney Aircraft around 1945 and both names were used interchangeably.)

Pratt & Whitney Aircraft emblem, 1945.
Pratt & Whitney Aircraft ad, Hartford Courant, 1945.
“Iggy” Miller Murawski, Pitcher, Pratt & Whitney Aircraft, 1947.
John “Yosh” Kinel, Pitcher, Pratt & Whitney Machine Tool, 1949.
Charlie Wrinn, Pitcher, Pratt & Whitney Machine Tool, 1951.

In 1952, the Aircrafters claimed both the Hartford Industrial League and the Manchester Twilight League. The following summer, the team joined the Hartford Twilight League and captured the championship under the leadership of their manager, Johnny Roser. Professional scouts were impressed, leading the New York Giants to sign Aircraft pitcher Bob Kelley to a minor league contract. The team’s dominance continued in 1955 when they secured another dual championship, winning both Industrial League and Hartford Twilight League titles.

Pratt & Whitney Aircraft, Hartford Twilight League champions, 1953.
Bill Risley, Pratt & Whitney Aircraft, 1955.

A notable campaign for Pratt & Whitney Aircraft came in 1957. That season, first baseman Dick Pomeroy won a Twi-loop batting title and the club’s ace and freshman at the University of Connecticut, Pete Sala, tossed his way to a minor league contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Aircrafters played their final Hartford Twilight League season in 1960. Around this time, Pratt & Whitney Machine Tool and Pratt & Whitney Aircraft began to sponsor softball teams instead of baseball. When Aircraft opened a new division in North Haven, Connecticut, the company erected a softball field for its employees.

Mayor Cronin’s first pitch, Hartford Twilight League Opening Day, Colt Park, Hartford, CT, 1956.
Jimmy Griffin, Outfielder, Pratt & Whitney Aircraft, 1956.
Pete Sala, Pitcher, Pratt & Whitney Aircraft, 1957.
Pratt & Whitney first pitch, North Haven, Connecticut, 1957.

Although their contributions are largely unnoticed today, Pratt & Whitney greatly influenced and developed baseball in the Greater Hartford area. Teams representing the many companies of Pratt & Whitney competed in Hartford’s amateur leagues for nearly a century. Amid endless changes, innovations, mergers and acquisitions, baseball was one of few constants for manufacturing laborers – especially the men who toiled and tossed for Pratt & Whitney.

Pratt & Whitney Aircraft, East Hartford, Connecticut, 1980.
1930s Pratt & Whitney baseball uniform, Connecticut Historical Society, 2019.


Sources:

  1. Hartford Courant, available at www.newspapers.com (accessed: 2020).
  2. Pratt & Whitney, available at www.prattandwhitney.com (accessed: 2020).

Jimmy Gonzalez, East Hartford’s Greatest

A young, talented catcher from East Hartford, Connecticut, named Jimmy Gonzalez caught the eyes of local scouts in his junior year at East Hartford High School. During the summer of 1991, Gonzalez was selected as the 40th player overall in the Major League Baseball Draft – a first round draft pick of the Houston Astros. He went on to play fourteen seasons in professional baseball with the San Diego Padres, Montreal Expos and New York Mets organizations. Gonzalez played with Mike Piazza, David Ortiz, Miguel Tejada and Tony Gwynn. He was an understudy of Gary Carter and Dave Engle. He also spent 4 seasons of winter ball in the Dominican Republic, capturing two Caribbean Series championships.

Jimmy Gonzalez, Catcher, East Hartford High School, 1990.
Hartford Courant excerpt, 1991.
Jimmy Gonzalez, East Hartford High School, 1991.
Jimmy Gonzalez, East Hartford High School, 1991.
Jimmy Gonzalez, East Hartford High School, 1991.

Gonzalez is a graduate of the Major League Scout School and has worked with the Boson Red Sox as an Associate Scout. He has been a minor league manager in the Chicago Cubs organization for the past 6 seasons and was named Manager of the Year in the Midwest League in 2016. Most recently, Gonzalez was at the helm of the South Bend Cubs in 2018 but has since been promoted. Gonzalez was hired for the 2019 season as the new Manager of the Tennessee Smokies in the Southern League – the Double-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs.

Jimmy Gonzalez Topps Stadium Club card, 1992.
Jimmy Gonzalez Topps Stadium Club card, 1992.
Jimmy Gonzalez, Catcher, Quad City River Bandits, 1993.
Jimmy Gonzalez, Houston Astros, Bowman card, 1993.
Jimmy Gonzalez, Houston Astros, Bowman card, 1993.
Jimmy Gonzalez, Catcher, Quad City River Bandits, 1993.
Jimmy Gonzalez, Catcher, Osceola Astros, 1994.
Jimmy Gonzalez, Catcher, Binghamton Mets, 2000.
Jimmy Gonzalez, Manager, South Bend Cubs, 2016.
Jimmy Gonzalez, Manager, South Bend Cubs, 2016.

Career stats – https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=gonzal001jim

Jimmy Gonzalez, Manager, Tennessee Smokies, 2019.
Jimmy Gonzalez, Manager, Tennessee Smokies, 2019.

Jimmy Gonzalez, Manager, Tennessee Smokies, 2019.

Dom Amore: East Hartford’s Jimmy Gonzalez Was There At Right Time For Gleyber Torres – https://www.courant.com/sports/baseball/hc-sp-amore-column-gonzalez-0529-story.html

New Management in the Twilight League

3 new managers assume roles in East Hartford, Meriden and Middletown.

Record-Journal Expos – Charlie Hesseltine, Manager
– Drafted by the Texas Rangers in the 42nd round of the 2003 MLB June Amateur Draft as a left-handed pitcher.
– In 2006, he signed with the Atlantic City Surf of the Atlantic League.
– He pitched for 3 more Atlantic League teams including the Bridgeport Bluefish in 2008.
– Meriden, CT, resident and member of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters.

East Hartford Jets – Taylor Kosakowski, Manager
– Right-handed relief pitcher at Central Connecticut State University (’06-’08) with 72 K’s and 35 walks over 96 innings.
– Veteran of GHTBL and player-manager of the Ulbrich Clippers in 2018.
– Public school psychologist in Hebron, CT.

Middletown Outlaws – Christian Budzik, Manager
– Shortstop at Eastern Connecticut State University (’14-’17) with a .354 OBP and 77 hits in 121 games.
– He was part of the Cromwell High School baseball team who won the 2012 CIAC Class S championship.
– Special education teacher in Cromwell, CT.