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Tag: eastern league

Sat. 07/01/23Sun. 12/15/24 by Weston Ulbrich

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

Minor League

Eastern League (1938-1945)

Championship Season

1944

Major League Affiliations

Boston Braves (1941-1945)
Boston Bees (1938-1940)

Hartford Bees in the National Baseball Hall of Fame

Warren Spahn, Pitcher (1942)

Notable Hartford Bees

Del Bissonette, Manager (1942-1943)
Ralph Hodgin, Outfielder (1939-1941)
Bama Rowell, Outfielder (1939)
Fresco Thompson, Manager (1939)
Sebby Sisti, Infielder (1938-1939)
Eddie Onslow, Manager (1938)

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

Hartford officials present the Boston Bees with an official pledge of support, 1938.

Hartford Bees Business Manager Charlie Blossfield prepares Bulkeley Stadium for the season, 1938.

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

Hartford Bees en route to Evansville, Indiana, for Spring Training, 1938.

Eddie Onlsow (center), signs on as Hartford’s manager, 1938.

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

Hartford Bees at Bulkeley Stadium, 1938.

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

Eddie Onslow, Manager, Hartford Bees, 1938.

Sebby Sisti, Infielder, Hartford Bees, 1938.

Dan Curtis, Outfielder, Hartford Bees, 1938.

Ed Black, Pitcher (left) and Manager Eddie Onslow, Hartford Bees, 1938.

George Barnicle, Pitcher, Hartford Bees, 1938.

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

Governor Baldwin warming up his arm at the Connecticut State Capitol Building, 1939.

Fresco Thompson, Manager, Hartford Bees, 1939.

Hartford Bees at the Garfield Inn, Hartford, Connecticut, 1939.

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

Players for the Hartford Bees at Bulkeley Stadium, 1939.

Batters for the Hartford Senators (Bees), 1939.

Hartford Bees at Bulkeley Stadium, 1939.

Lee Heller, First Baseman, Hartford Bees, 1939.

Gene Handley, Third Baseman, Hartford Bees, 1939.

Manuel Onis, Catcher, Hartford Bees, 1939.

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

Jack Onslow, Manager, Hartford Bees, 1940.

Hartford Senators (Bees) at Springfield on Opening Day, 1940.

Frankie LaManna (left) and Art Johnson, Pitchers, Hartford Bees, 1940.

Bill Jackson, Catcher, Hartford Bees, 1940.

Johnny Dudra, Third Baseman, Hartford Bees, 1940.

George Diehl, Pitcher, Hartford Bees, 1940.

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

Paul Rampey, Infielder, Hartford Bees, 1940.

Hartford Lady Fans proposes a new organization to support Hartford, 1940.

Joe Rucidio, Pitcher, Hartford Bees, injures knee at Bulkeley Stadium, 1940.

Hartford Bees at Bulkeley Stadium, 1940.

Ralph Hodgin, Outfielder, Hartford Bees, 1940.

Irv Bartling, Shortstop, Hartford Bees, 1940.

Jim Hickey, Pitcher, Hartford Bees, 1940.

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

Governor Robert A. Hurley throws out the ceremonial first pitch on Opening Day of the Hartford Bees at Bulkeley Stadium, 1941. — Governor Hurley throws out ceremonial first pitch on Opening Day of the Hartford Bees at Bulkeley Stadium, 1941.

Players at Hartford Bees training camp, 1941.

First game under the lights at Bulkeley Stadium, June 16, 1941.

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

Casey Stengel, Manager, Boston Braves, 1941.

Former Hartford players on the road with the Boston Bees 1941.

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

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

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

Ralph Hodgin, Outfielder, Hartford Bees, 1941.

George Barnicle, Pitcher, Hartford Bees, 1941.

Ralph Younker, Third Baseman, Hartford Bees, 1941.

Leo Eastham, First Baseman, Hartford Bees, 1941.

Tommy Neil, Outfielder, Hartford Bees, 1941.

Otto Huber, Second Baseman, Hartford Bees, 1941.

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

Hartford Bees leave for Spring Training, 1942.

Johnny Dudra, Second Baseman, Hartford Bees, 1942.

Former Hartford Bees at Boston Braves Spring Training, 1942.

Sebby Sisti, Norine Barone SIsti and Art Johnson, 1942.

Ralph Younker and Alvin Montgomery car accident, 1942.

Art Funk, Third Baseman, Hartford Bees, 1942.

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

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

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

1943 Hartford Bees at University of Connecticut, 1943.

Ben Cardoni, Pitcher, Hartford Bees, 1943.

Del Bissonette, Manager, Hartford Bees (left) and J.O. Christian, Head Coach, UConn, 1943.

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

Bob Quinn (left), President, Boston Braves and Charley Aickley, Shortstop, Hartford Bees, 1943.

Stan Wentzel, Outfielder, Hartford Bees, 1943.

Pete Naktenis, Pitcher, Hartford Bees, 1943.

Sam Hyman, Pitcher, Hartford Senators, 1943.

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

1944 Hartford Bees with Charlie Blossfield (standing, middle).

Mayor Mortensen throws out ball of Opening Day, 1944.

Del Bissonette, Manager, Hartford Senators, 1944.

Al "Skippy" Roberge, Infielder, Hartford Senators, 1944. — Al “Skippy” Roberge, Infielder, Hartford Senators, 1944.

Vince Shupe, First Baseman, Hartford, Senators, 1944.

Bob Brady, Catcher, Hartford Senators, 1944.

Charlie Aickley, Shortstop and Steve Shemo, Second Baseman of the Hartford Bees at Bulkeley Stadium 1944. — Charlie Aickley, Shortstop and Steve Shemo, Second Baseman, Hartford Bees, Bulkeley Stadium, 1944.

Pete Naktenis crosses home plate, 1944. — Peter Naktenis crosses home plate, 1944.

Pete Naktenis, Pitcher, Hartford Senators, 1944. — Peter Naktenis, Pitcher, Hartford Senators, 1944.

Roland Gladu, Third Baseman, Hartford Senators, 1944.

Stan Wentzel, Outfielder, Hartford Senators, 1944.

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

Fred “Dutch” Dorman (left), Manager and Charlie Blossfield, Business Manager of the Bees, 1945.

Sam Sporn and Moe Sporn, Hartford Bees, 1945

Hartford Senators raise '44 Eastern League Pennant, 1945. — Hartford Senators raise ’44 Eastern League Pennant, 1945.

Bob Quinn, Boston Braves and Governor Raymond E. Baldwin of Connecticut sign balls for a clothing drive contest while Charlie Blossfield, Business Manager, Hartford Bees looks on, 1945.

Billy "Whitey" Wietelmann, Infielder, Hartford Senators, 1945 — Billy “Whitey” Wietelmann, Infielder, Hartford Senators, 1945

L to R: Del Bissonette joins Boston Braves management, John Quinn, General Manager and Bob Coleman, Manager, 1945.

Merle Settlemire, Manager, Hartford Senators, 1945.

Charlie Aickley, Shortstop, Hartford Senators, 1945.

Young Italians boy wearing Hartford baseball uniforms, 1947. — Young Italians boy wearing Hartford Bees uniforms, 1947.

Del BIssonette, former Hartford Bees Manager, 1948.

2023 Frank Grant Meriden Baseball Story GHTBL

Wed. 06/28/23Thu. 04/25/24 by Weston Ulbrich

Frank Grant: the Hall of Fame Trailblazer who Began his Pro Career in Meriden

The year was 1886. Meriden was a thriving industrial city steeped in two things: cutlery manufacturing and base ball. Like most urban settings in America, The Silver City was captivated by the new National Game. Meriden enthusiasts formed a professional club – the Silverites of the Eastern League. The club’s best player was Ulysses Franklin Grant of Pittsfield, Massachusetts. Frank Grant dominated on the diamond and as the first black player to sign with a minor league team in Connecticut, his presence was polarizing.

1886 Jun 10 Base Ball Hartfords vs. Meriden — Meriden defeats Hartford 8-3, June 10, 1886.

The Eastern League featured two other African-American players in 1886 – George Stovey with Jersey City and Moses Fleetwood Walker with Waterbury. Like Stovey and Walker, Grant previously competed for all-black clubs. His first foray into organized (white) baseball was with Meriden. He debuted on April 14, 1886, in an exhibition at South Meriden’s Hanover Park where he helped to demolish Trinity College, 22-0.

After the game The Sporting Life published an article stating, “Grant is our young colored player and his home run hit was the longest ever made on our [Meriden] grounds.” The same publication later attested, “Grant was again called to the box and proved that he can play any position in good shape.”

1887 Buffalo Bisons Frank Grant — Frank Grant (sitting second to right), Buffalo Bisons, 1887.

Frank Grant appeared in 44 games for Meriden at second base and pitcher. His .316 batting average, ranked as the team’s best and their only everyday player to bat above .277. Another reporter from The Sporting Life noted, “The Meridens seem to contain some really good material, but lack the proper coaching.” In addition to thin managerial support, Meriden was a small market team compared to the rest of the Eastern League.

The 1886 Meriden’s were financially weak. Shareholders of the Meriden Base Ball Association complained about their schedule at the beginning of the season, because the team had no weekend dates and only seven home games during the month of May. This negatively affected ticket sales early in the season. The team eventually disbanded on July 13, 1886, toting a miserable 12-34 record. As a result, Frank Grant left Meriden with two teammates, Steve Dunn and Jack Remsen, to join the Buffalo Bisons of the International League.

1888 Frank Grant Baseball Player Buffalo — Frank Grant, Second Baseman, Buffalo, 1888.

Grant was happy to join a more wealthier club. One Hartford Courant reporter stated, “Grant gets double the pay in Buffalo he received in Meriden.” However, in Buffalo his race became more of a controversy than it was in Meriden. Several news outlets alluded to his ethnicity. According to the St. Louis Globe-Democrat newspaper, “The Spaniard is what Grant, the colored player of the Buffalos, is called.” The Syracuse Evening Herald announced, “Manager [John] Chapman of Buffalo calls Grant, his colored second baseman, an ‘Italian.’”

Some sportswriters nicknamed Grant “The Black Dunlap,” as a reference to Fred Dunlap, a top-fielding second basemen of the 1880’s. In three seasons with Buffalo, Grant welcomed loud cheers but he also dealt with numerous racial taunts and threats. Players and officials by International League tried to ban black players. Despite the animus against him, Grant hit .353 and led the league with 11 home runs and 49 extra-base hits in 1887. He hit for the cycle and stole home twice.

1895 Aug 28 Cuban Giants Frank Grant Poem Franklin Repository Newspaper — Frank Grant featured in *The Franklin Repository*, August 28, 1895.

Grant’s departure from the International League was attributed to racial bigotry. He faced discrimination from his opponents and his own teammates. He wore wooden shin guards to protect himself from the cleats of sliding baserunners. Pitchers threw at him intentionally on a few occasions. Teammates threatened to strike if he continued to play, and some refused to pose with him in photographs. When Grant asked for the same salary as the previous year ($250 per month), Buffalo denied his request and he went elsewhere.

1896 Cuban Giants Frank Grant — Frank Grant (seated middle, second from right) and the Cuban Giants, 1896.

By 1891, Grant had become the highest paid member of the New York Gorhams – one of the best black teams of all-time. The Gorehams were granted into the Connecticut League as the club representing the Town of Ansonia. When his team traveled to Cape May, New Jersey, in mid-August, they won a game with United States President Benjamin Harrison in attendance. Harrison was the only sitting President to witness a black club in action during the era of segregated baseball.

1902 Philadelphia Giants Frank Grant Sitting Second From Left — Frank Grant (sitting second from left) with the Philadelphia Giants, 1902.

Grant played professionally for another sixteen years. He starred for the Cuban Giants, Page Fence Giants, New York Gorhams, Cuban X-Giants, Philadelphia Giants and Brooklyn Royal Giants. His last known games were with Brooklyn in 1907. He retired from the game at 42 years old after a long and successful career. The 1910 United States Census listed Frank Grant’s occupation as “baseball player” – even though his diamond days had already ended.

1904 Philadelphia Giants Champions Frank Grant — Frank Grant (sitting, front and center) and the Philadelphia Giants Champions, 1904.

After baseball, Grant worked as a waiter for a catering company in New York City. He died on May 27, 1937, at age 71. He was buried in East Ridgelawn Cemetery in Clifton, New Jersey, and his grave was unmarked until 2011. Frank Grant was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2006, along with class from the Negro Leagues.

Frank Grant Grave Marker Baseball Player — Frank Grant gravestone, Clifton, New Jersey.

Frank Grant…in those days, was the baseball marvel. His playing was a revelation to his fellow teammates, as well as the spectators. In hitting he ranked with the best and his fielding bordered on the impossible. Grant was a born ballplayer.”
Sol White (a National Baseball Hall of Fame Inductee and a teammate of Frank Grant)

National Baseball Hall of Fame Grant Frank Plaque — Frank Grant’s National Baseball Hall of Fame plaque.

Frank Grant

Sources

1. Frank Grant by Brian McKenna
2. Safe at Home by John Thorn
3. Frank Grant player page on Baseball-Reference.com
4. Agate Type: Benjamin Harrison Sees the Big Gorham’s
5. National Baseball Hall of Fame: About Frank Grant

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.

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.