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From Yard Waste Disposal To “Going Yard” – The Nationals Future Spring Training Home

By David Stinson on April 23, 2015

At the southeast corner of 45th Street and Haverhill Road in West Palm Beach, just south of the power lines and the Royal Poinciana Apartments, is 160 acres of city-owned land currently covered with weeds, brush, and scrub trees.

Intersection of Havermill Road and , Future Nationals Spring Training Site

Intersection of Haverhill Road and Leeper Drive, Future Nationals Spring Training Site

A former yard waste dump site, the property is slated to become the Spring Training home of the Washington Nationals and the Houston Astros, beginning in 2017.

Power Line Running North East Across Havermill Road Near Future Nationals Spring Training Site

Power Line Running North East Across Haverhill Road Near Future Nationals Spring Training Site

The Florida State Legislature still must approve the deal and no schematic drawings of the new ballpark have yet been released. However, assuming the ballpark design follows Major League Baseball Rule 1.04 which recommends that “the line from home base through the pitchers plate to second base shall run East Northeast,” home plate for the new ballpark will be located somewhere just south of the intersection of Haverhill Road and Leeper Drive.

Intersection of Haverhill Road and Leeper, Future Nationals Spring Training Site

Across from the proposed ballpark site, on Haverhill Road, is Advanced Disposal Services, a waste management company. Advanced Disposal operates a waste collection and disposal station at that location. It is a bit symbiotic, perhaps, that the Nats have chosen a spring training site across the street from a waste disposal plant, given that Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., is located across from the District’s main sewerage pumping station on O Street.

Advanced Disposal Company, Located Across Havermill Road From Future Nationals Spring Training Site

Advanced Disposal Company, Located Across Haverhill Road From Future Nationals Spring Training Site

West Palm Beach boasts a proud Spring Training history, with ties to the Nationals franchise. West Palm Beach Municipal Stadium was located just five miles southeast of the Haverhill Road at 715 Hank Aaron Drive. Municipal Stadium was the spring training home of the Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves from 1963 to 1997, and the Montreal Expos from 1969 to 1972 and 1981 to 1997. Demolished in 2002, the former ballpark site is now a gated housing development.

Former Site of West Palm Beach Municipal Stadium

Connie Mack Field (formerly Municipal Athletic Field and Wright Field) was located approximately seven miles southeast of the Haverhill Road site at the intersection of Tamarind Avenue and Okeechobee Boulevard. Connie Mack Field was the spring training home of the St. Louis Browns from 1928 to 1936, and the Philadelphia/Kansas City Athletics from 1946 to 1962. Demolished in 1992, the former stadium site is now a parking garage for the Kravitz Center for the Performing Arts and a storm water retention pond.

Former Site of Connie Mack Stadium, West Palm Beach

Former Site of Connie Mack Field, West Palm Beach

Roger Dean Stadium is located just 12 miles north of the Haverhill site is at 4751 Main Street in Jupiter, Florida. Currently the spring training home of the St. Louis Cardinals and the Miami Marlins, from 1998 to 2001, the ballpark was the spring training home of the Montreal Expos.

Roger Dean Stadium, Jupiter Florida, Spring Training Home of the St. Louis Cardinals and Miami Marlins

Beginning in 2002, the Montreal Expos held spring training at the Nationals’ current Grapefruit League home, Space Coast Stadium, in Viera, Florida. With the Nationals’ move to West Palm Beach slated for 2017, the Nats have only one more season in Viera.

Space Coast Stadium, Viera, Florida, Future Former Spring Training Home of the Washington Nationals

The Nationals relocation to West Palm Beach will be somewhat of a homecoming, with the Expos having previously trained at both Municipal Stadium and Roger Dean Stadium.

Welcome To West Palm Beach

And beginning in 2017, Nationals stars such as Bryce Harper and Denard Span presumably will be “going yard” in what was once a place where the good citizens of West Palm Beach disposed of waste from their yards.

This entry is filed under DBS Blog and tagged 45th Street, Advanced Disposal, Connie Mack Field, Hank Aaron Drive, Haverhill Road, Houston Astros Future Spring Training Site, Leeper Drive, Roger Dean Stadium, Space Coast Stadium, Spring Training, Washington Nationals Future Spring Training, Washington Nationals Future Spring Training Site, West Palm Beach, West Palm Beach Municipal Stadium.

John McGraw’s and Wilbert Robinson’s Former Baltimore Homes Damaged By Fire

By David Stinson on February 28, 2015

Chances are most people who live in the 2700 block of St. Paul Street in Baltimore, Maryland, have no idea that the two houses on their block that caught on fire on February 7th were once owned by two future baseball Hall of Famers, John McGraw and Wilbert Robinson.

2700 Block of St. Paul Street in Baltimore, Maryland. Where Wilbert Robertson and John McGraw Once Lived

2700 Block of St. Paul Street in Baltimore, Maryland. Where Wilbert Robinson and John McGraw Once Lived

McGraw and Robinson lived next door to each other at 2738 (McGraw) and 2740 (Robinson) St. Paul Street.

2738 and 2740 St. Paul Street, Baltimore, Maryland. Where Wilbert Robertson and John McGraw Once Lived

2738 and 2740 St. Paul Street, Baltimore, Maryland. Where John McGraw and Wilbert Robinson Once Lived

Both McGraw and Robinson played for the world champion Baltimore Orioles of the 1890s, when the team was a National League affiliate.Both players also were partners in the Diamond Cafe, located just two miles south of their homes, at 519 Howard Street in Baltimore. The Diamond is considered one of the first sports bar in the country.

Baltimore Orioles, 1897, John McGraw at bottom left (laying down) and Wilbert Robertson second row, third from right

Baltimore Orioles, 1897, John McGraw, at bottom left (laying down) and Wilbert Robinson, second row, third from right

Robertson bought his house at 2738 St. Paul Street in 1898. McGraw bought the adjoining house at 2740 that same year. Robinson lived in the house with his wife and children. McGraw lived next door with his first wife, the former Minnie Doyle, and McGraw’s brother Mike. See The Real McGraw, by Mrs. John J. McGraw (p 112), The houses were located only two blocks north and four blocks east of the Orioles home ballpark, Union Park.

Rear of Row Houses at 2740 and 2738 St. Paul Street, Baltimore, Maryland. Former Homes of Wilbert Robertson and John McGraw.

Rear of Row Houses at 2740 and 2738 St. Paul Street, Baltimore, Maryland. Former Homes of Wilbert Robinson and John McGraw.

On February 7, 2015, a fire broke out in one of the homes and quickly spread to the other. Five people, including two children were injured in the blaze, although none appeared to be life threatening. Robertson’s home at 2740 St. Paul Street sustained the bulk of the damage. All of its front windows have been boarded up and the city has condemned the property because of the damage.

Fire Damaged House at 2740 St. Paul Street, Baltimore, Maryland, Former Home of Wilbert Robertson.

Fire Damaged House at 2740 St. Paul Street, Baltimore, Maryland, Former Home of Wilbert Robinson.

Before the FIre, 2740 St. Paul Street, Baltimore, Circa 2013

Hopefully both buildings can be saved and restored. Although neither house is listed on any historic register, they should be given their connection to two Baltimore’s greatest baseball players.

Fire Damage To 2740 St. Paul Street, Baltimore, Maryland, Forrmer House of Wilbert Robertson

Fire Damage To 2740 St. Paul Street, Baltimore, Maryland, Forrmer House of Wilbert Robinson

Several other homes of former National League Orioles Hall of Famers still stand in Baltimore City. These include Joe Kelley’s former home at 530 East 22nd Street, which is located next to St. Ann’s Catholic Church, where John McGraw married his second wife Blanche Sindall, on January 8, 1902.

530 E 22nd Street, Baltimore, Maryland (three story tan brick row house). Former Home of Hall of Famer Joe Kelley

A former boarding house where John McGraw and Hughie Jennings both lived also still stands, at 12 West 24th Street (just six blocks west of Union Park’s former site).

Former Boarding House at 12 West 24th Street , Baltimore, Maryland, Where John McGraw and Hughie Jennings Once Roomed

Another house where Jennings once lived also still stands, but just barely, at 529 East 23rd Street.

529 East 23rd Street, Baltimore, Maryland, Former Home of Hughie Jennings

As Joni Mitchell once famously sang, “you don’t know what you’ve got ’till it’s gone.”

Former Orioles and Baseball Hall of Famers Willie Keeler, John McGraw, Joe Kelley, and Hughie Jennings

The past, as seen through these buildings, is with us today. Like Al Kaline’s boyhood home, these buildings are an important part of Baltimore’s history. They should be preserved and their history celebrated. Unfortunately, the passage of time and a lack of vision have a way of allowing structures like these to slip away.

Thanks to local Baltimore baseball historian Ken Mars for contacting me about the fire.

This entry is filed under DBS Blog and tagged 12 West 24th Street, 2738 St. Paul Street, 2740 St. Paul Street, 529 East 23rd Street, 530 East 22nd Street, Baltimore Orioles, baseball, Blanche McGraw, Hughie Jennings, Joe Kelley, John McGraw, Ken Mars, Minnie McGraw, National League Baltimore Orioles, Union Park, Wilbert Robertson.

Baseball and Beer – Peabody Heights Brewery and Old Oriole Park

By David Stinson on February 11, 2015

Peabody Heights Brewery has a rare opportunity to celebrate both Baltimore baseball history and Baltimore Beer. The brewery is located on the former site of Old Oriole Park and Terrapin Park in the Peabody Heights section of Baltimore. The brewery opened a couple of years ago in the former Beverage Capital Corporation bottling plant at 401 E. 30th Street in Baltimore and plans now are underway to celebrate the former ballpark upon which the brewery is built.

Bernard McKenna, Richard O’Keefe, and J. Hollis Albert, III, Outside Peabody Heights Brewery, Baltimore, Maryland

Baseball and Beer in Baltimore go at least as far back as the early 1890s when Harry Von Der Horst, son of John Von Der Horst – the owner of Von Der Horst Brewery – was President of the American Association Baltimore Orioles. In 1892, Harry Von Der Horst’s Orioles joined the National League and just two years later brought Baltimore its first baseball World Championship. The National League Orioles played their home games at Union Park, which was located just four blocks south of what is now Peabody Heights Brewery. Harry Von Der Horst was something of an innovator, not only featuring Von Der Horst beer at Union Park, but also installing what perhaps was the first beer garden to be located in a Major League ballpark.

Richard O’Keefe Giving a Tour of Peabody Heights Brewery, Baltimore, Maryland

When it comes to baseball and beer, Richard O’Keefe, the owner of Peabody Heights Brewery, and J. Hollis Albert, III, General Manager of the brewery, are innovators as well.

Bernard McKenna, Richard O’Keefe, and J. Hollis Albert, III, Marking the Former Location of Oriole Park Second Base, Peabody Heights Brewery, Baltimore, Maryland

In addition to building one of the finest breweries in Baltimore, O’Keefe and Albert have begun plans to pay homage to the baseball history that lies underneath its building.

J. Hollis Albert, III, and Richard O’Keefe, at Former Location of Oriole Park Third Base, Peabody Heights Brewery, Baltimore, Maryland

The two brewery officials have enlisted the help of others, including baseball historian Bernard McKenna (McKenna was responsible recently for locating the first known photograph of the Baltimore Black Sox’s home field Maryland Park). On a rainy day last December, McKenna and yours truly met with O’Keefe and Albert to tour the facility and determine what portions of Old Oriole Park lies within the brewery grounds.

Beer Bottling Near the Former Infield of Old Oriole Park, Boxing Beer in the Former Outfield of Old Oriole Park, Peabody Heights Brewery, Baltimore, Maryland

We discovered that the former site of both second and third base lies within the brewery building, as well as a portion of right field, center field, and left field. The two story fermenting tanks sit near second base and stretch into what was once right field.

Beer Fermenting Tanks In Old Oriole Park’s Former Right Field, Peabody Heights Brewery, Baltimore, Maryland

The brewery’s boxing area sits in what was once left and center field.

Boxing Beer in the Former Outfield of Old Oriole Park, Peabody Heights Brewery, Baltimore, Maryland

Brewmaster Ernie Igot’s mixing tanks sit in the former right field near the first base grandsstand.

Ernie Igot, Head Brewer, Peabody Heights Brewery, Baltimore, Maryland

Portions of Old Oriole Park remain on the site, including a concrete support wall that runs along an alley that parallels Greenmount Avenue.

Richard O’Keefe Walks the Eastern Perimeter of Peabody Heights Brewery, Next to Old Oriole Park Concrete Support Wall

Also on the site is a section of the former left field brick fence.

Old Oriole Park Left Field Fence, Peabody Heights Brewery, Baltimore, Maryland

Old Oriole Park Left Field Fence as Seen Inside Brewery Compound, Peabody Heights Brewery, Baltimore, Maryland

Old Oriole Park Left Field Fence as Seen From Street, Peabody Heights Brewery, Baltimore, Maryland

The brewery’s loading docks located along the back of the building stretch from left field to center field.

Loading Dock Located in Old Oriole Park Left Field, Peabody Heights Brewery, Baltimore, Maryland

The former site of Oriole Park’s home plate is located on the sidewalk that parallels Barclay Street, just south of Peabody Heights Brewery.

Former Location of Old Oriole Park Home Plate Just South of Peabody Heights Brewery, Baltimore, Maryland

With the former site of Old Oriole Park as a backdrop, O’Keefe and Albert are transforming one of Baltimore’s finest breweries into a place where fans of the game can not only take a tour of the brewery, but learn first hand the story of Old Oriole Park, Union Park, and three other professional baseball parks located within walking distance of Peabody Heights.

Richard O’Keefe, David Stinson, and J. Hollis Albert, III, Outside Peabody Heights Brewery, Baltimore, Maryland

The past is all around, you just have to know where to look.

This entry is filed under DBS Blog and tagged American Association, Baltimore, baseball, Bernard McKenna, Beverage Capital Corporation, David Stinson, Ernie Igot, Harry Von Der Horst, J. Hollis Albert III, John Von Der Horst, Old Oriole Park, Old Oriole Park Bohemian, Old Oriole Park Bohemian Lager, Peabody Heights Brewery, Richard O'Keefe, Terrapin Park, Union Park, Von Der Horst Brewery. | 3 Comments

Walking In Williamsport on the Trail of Boots Poffenberger

By David Stinson on February 3, 2015

One way for baseball fans to bridge the chasm between the last out of the World Series and the arrival of pitchers and catchers for spring training is to delve into the history of the game – maybe read a book or take a day trip to a nearby town or landmark with a connection to the National Pastime. Austin Gisriel’s Boots Poffenberger: Hurler, Hero, Hellraiser is an excellent choice if you are looking for a book to help pass the time until baseball arrives again this Spring.

Perhaps better, however, is spending an afternoon with Austin walking in the footsteps of Boots Poffenberger through Williamsport, Maryland, the ballplayer’s home town. Austin was kind enough to show me around Williamsport this past November, just as the San Francisco Giants and Kansas City Royals were cleaning out their lockers and scattering for the Winter.

If you have read Austin’s book, or if you know anything about Boots Poffenberger, you know that Boots had at least two great loves, baseball and beer. So it was fitting that our Williamsport Boots Tour touched on both aspects of his life. We started on the banks of the Potomac River at the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park in Williamsport.

Williamsport, Maryland, at the confluence of the Conococheague Creek and the Potomac River

Williamsport, Maryland, at the confluence of Conococheague Creek and the Potomac River

Boots was born on July 1, 1915, According to Austin, Boots was named for his grandfather who piloted a boat on the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal in and around Williamsport.

C&O Canal Lock 44, Williamsport, Maryland

A rookie phenom pitcher with Detroit Tigers in 1937, Boots’s sporadic baseball career is well detailed in Austin’s book, as well as in the SABR Baseball Biography Project article about Boots, also authored by Austin. When Boots wasn’t playing baseball (either during the off season or during those periods when he simply chose not to play, or was not allowed to play), he could be found at local establishments such as Ern’s Tavern at 35 North Conococheague Street in Williamsport. Now known as The Third Base Tavern (the “Last Stop Before Home” according to the sign), Ern’s was one of Boots’s favorite haunts.

Author Austin Gisriel In Front of Third Base Tavern, One of Boots Poffenberger’s Favorite Haunts

Boots’s legend lives large inside the Third Base Tavern. A table in the spot where Boots’s booth of choice once resided sits next to the tavern’s front window.

Spot Where Boots Rested His Weary Legs – Third Base Tavern, Williamsport, Maryland

A picture on the windowsill next to the table shows Boots in action, sitting in his booth at the Third Base Tavern.

Boots in his Booth at Ern’s Tavern, Now Third Base Tavern, Williamsport, Maryland

As Austin has learned having written the book on Boots, there is no shortage of people in Williamsport who have stories to share about Boots. During the short time we visited the Third Base Tavern we met several such residents.

Continuing the baseball theme, we stop next stopped at Doubleday Hill, named after Abner Doubleday, the Union general who famously did not invent baseball (but did fire the first shot by the Union Army at Fort Sumter, South Carolina). During the Civil War, General Doublday commanded an artillery battery in Williamsport on a hill overlooking the Potomac River.

Doubleday Hill, Williamsport, Maryland

It is on that same hill, in Riverview Cemetery, that Boots is interred. Boots died in Williamsport on September 1, 1999.

The Final Resting Place of Cletus Elwood “Boots” Poffenberger

As noted on his grave marker, Boots served in the Marines during World War II where, according to Austin, Boots spent much of the time entertaining the troops by playing baseball for the company team. Weeds covered a good portion of Boots’s plaque when we arrived, so it took a few minutes to find Boots. Austin made sure the headstone was cleared before we left.

Author Austin Gisriel Next to Boots Poffenberger’s Grave Marker, Riverview Cemetery

The last stop on our Boots Tour took us eight miles north of Williamsport to Hagerstown, Maryland. Boots’s played many games in Hagerstown at Municipal Stadium, including his last game as a professional ballplayer in 1948, when he as a member of the Class B Interstate League Hagerstown Owls.

Municipal Stadium, Left/Center Field Wall Facing South Cannon Avenue, Hagerstown, Maryland

Municipal Stadium sign, Left/Center Field Wall Facing South Cannon Avenue, Hagerstown, Maryland

Municipal Stadium is one of the oldest minor league ballparks still in use in the United States and currently is the home field of the South Atlantic League Hagerstowns Suns, an affiliate of the Washington Nationals. Out beyond Municipal Stadium’s center field fence is the Stadium Grill and Tavern located at 401 South Cannon Avenue.

View of Municipal Stadium through Center Field Gates Near Parking Lot to Stadium Grill and Tavern, Hagerstown, Maryland

Although Boots played many games at Municipal Stadium, Austin could not say definitively whether Boots ever frequented the Stadium Grill and Tavern.

Stadium Grill and Tavern, With Municipal Stadium in Background, Hagerstown, Maryland

It seems a safe bet, however, that Boots would have stopped by the establishment from time to time given the bar’s proximity to the ballpark (the current incarnation of the Stadium Grill and Tavern dates back some 50 plus years). The exact history of the building housing the Stadium Grill and Tavern, and its use during Boots’s last few years of professional ball, is another story for another day.

The Stadium Grill and Tavern Is Casual, But with Limits, No Backward Hats!

Even though we could not prove a direct link between Boots and the Stadium Grill and Tavern, we nonetheless stopped there for lunch.

Interior of Stadium Grill and Tavern, Hagerstown, Maryland

With a view from our booth of the last ballpark where Boots played professionally, it seemed a fitting place to end our Boots Tour.

A Room With A View of Hagerstown Municpal Stadium From the Stadium Grill and Tavern

If you haven’t read Austin’s book yet, do yourself a favor and pick up a copy. And if you find yourself anywhere near Williamsport, Maryland, and are interested in a tour, I am almost certain Austin would be willing to show you around.

This entry is filed under DBS Blog and tagged Abner Doubleday, Austin Gisriel, Boots Poffenberger, Boots Poffenberger grave site, Boots Poffenberger Hero Hurler Hellraiser, Chesapeake & Ohio Canal, David Stinson, Deadball, Deadball A Metaphysical Baseball Novel, Doubleday Hill, Ern's Tavern, Fort Sumter, Hagerstown Suns, Municipal Stadium, Riverview Cemetary, South Atlantic League, Stadium Grill and Tavern, The Third Base Tavern, Washington Nationals, Williamsport Maryland. | 1 Comment

Fenton Street Holiday Market This Saturday December 20th

By David Stinson on December 16, 2014

This Saturday December 20, 2014, I’ll be at the Fenton Street Holiday Market in downtown Silver Spring, Maryland, selling and signing copies of Deadball, A Metaphysical Baseball Novel.

I also will have on hand for sale copies of the Silver Spring-Takoma Thunderbolts 15th Anniversary Yearbook.

Stop by for some baseball talk and while you’re at it pick up some gifts for the baseball fan in your life. I hope to see you there.

This entry is filed under DBS Blog and tagged #holiday shopping, David Stinson, Deadball, Fenton Street Market, Silver Spring, Thunderbolts.

Third Time The Charm City at the Baltimore Book Festival

By David Stinson on October 14, 2014

The Baltimore Book Festival is held during the last weekend of September each year. The annual event draws thousands of book lovers to Charm City for three days of appearances by local, celebrity, and nationally known authors, book signings, and more than 100 exhibitors and booksellers. In previous years it was held in Baltimore’s Mount Vernon neighborhood, just north of downtown in the area surrounding the city’s famed Washington Monument. In 2012 and 2013, I had the pleasure of selling books at that location.

Authors Tent at Bicentennial Plaza, Baltimore Book Festival

This year the festival was held at the Inner Harbor and featured not one, but two Author’s Tents. My table in the Author’s Tent at Bicentennial Plaza was just a few feet away from stone markers honoring the 200th anniversary of the founding of Baltimore in 1797.

Bicentennial Plaza Marker, Baltimore Inner Harbor

Underneath one of the markers is a time capsule placed in 1997 and scheduled to be opened in 2097. As much as I would like to, it is doubtful that I will be able to attend that event.

Baltimore Book Festival Table Mates Raleigh Mann, David Stinson, and Seth Adam Kallick

On Saturday September 27th, I had the pleasure of sharing a table with Seth Adam Kallick, author of American Nightmare, A Tale of the Dead West, and Raleigh Mann, author of Jumping with Mixed Feelings, A Family Memoir. Raleigh’s daughter Beth accompanied him as well and offered free knitting lessons to anyone interested.

Authors Stage at Bicentennial Plaza, with Baltimore’s Inner Harbor in Background

At 6 pm Saturday evening I took to the Authors Stage at Bicentennial Plaza to give a brief history of the lost ballparks of Baltimore and talk a little about my book. The view of the Inner Harbor from the podium was spectacular. Thanks to Beth for agreeing to listen to my talk and thereby increase by 100 percent the number of people waiting in the audience when I arrived.

Day Two – Baltimore Book Festival – And, NO, the orange sign to my left did not fall and hit my head

On Sunday September 28th, my table mates were Barbara Mathias-Riegel, author of Curtain Calls, and Bill Fortin, author of RedEye Fulda Cold: A War in the Cold Novel. The Ravens played the Carolina Panthers that afternoon, providing the festival with an extra jolt of potential customers passing through the Authors Tent to and from the game. At one point in the morning there were so many fans walking by, the Authors Tent had the appearance of a second Ravens Walk.

Thanks to everyone who stopped to chat with me about Deadball and the lost ballparks of Baltimore, and especially those who were kind enough to buy the book. Thanks also to my table mates whose good conversations helped pass the time between customers.

This entry is filed under DBS Blog and tagged American NIghtmare A Tale of the Dead West, Authors Tent, Baltimore Book Festival, Barbara Mathias-Riegel, Bicentennial Plaza, Bill Fortin, Curtain Calls, Deadball A Metaphysical Baseball Novel, Inner Harbor, Jumping with Mixed Feelings, Raleigh Mann, Ravens Walk, RedEye Fulda Cold: A War in the Cold Novel, Seth Adam Kallick.

Baseball’s Renegades, Marvel’s Joe Sinnott, and The Thing

By David Stinson on September 26, 2014

This past August, hoping to hold on to summer just a little longer, my 15 year old son and I headed out on a 3,000 mile minor league road trip. Our journey took us to over 20 different baseball sites (current and former ballparks) in New Jersey, Connecticut, upstate New York, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, and Tennessee. On the first night – August 11th – we paid a visit to the Hudson Valley Renegades of the New York-Penn League and an Affiliate of the Tampa Rays. Our focus on these road trips typically involves visiting stadiums we have never seen, my photographing the ballpark, and the two of us watching the game. When we arrived at Dutchess Stadium about two hours before the start of the evening’s contest, little did we know that we also would meet a living legend.

“The Thing” by Joe Sinnott – but more on that later

As we walked around the concourse, stadium workers were setting up several tables for a special event in the beer garden. Walking among the workers was Victor L. Castro, Jr., who I soon would learn, is an up and coming comic book artist and penciler. Mr. Castro explained that the Renegades were sponsoring a Comic Con Night in honor of the annual October event held some 70 miles south of the Renegades in New York City.

Dutchess Stadium, Home of the Hudson Valley Renegades

Although I read comic books as a kid (mostly Archie – I was a Betty man), I do not profess to know much of anything about the world of comic book art. But I certainly was willing to learn and Mr. Castro proved to be an excellent teacher. He told me that there were several legendary artist scheduled to appear that evening and gave me some background about each.

Fans Line Up To Meet Comic Book Artist at Hudson Valley Renegades Night

Mr. Castro explained that the most well known artist of the group was Joe Sinnott, an inker for Marvel who was now in his late 70’s and was best known for his work on the Fantastic Four. (An inker is the second artist in the two step process of drawing comic book art. After a drawing is penciled by a penciler, an inker refines the drawing using black ink and giving the drawing that classic comic book look.)

As Mr. Castro was finishing his discourse, the artists started trickling in. For the next 30 minutes I had the pleasure of talking with each of the artists. First I met the husband and wife dynamic duo of Walt and Louise Simonson. Walt is a comic book artist and writer, best known for his work on Marvel’s Thor comic books. Louise is an editor and writer, best known for her work on The Man of Steel and Superman, including the Wedding of Superman. I then met Mr. Sinnott who was happy to sign a copy of the Renegades program for my son. I asked Mr. Sinnott about New York Giants hat he was wearing and he told me that not only was he a fan of the team but he also was related to former Giants Manager (and former National League Baltimore Oriole) John McGraw. Talk about Deadball Baseball karma!

Artist and Inker Joe Sinnott, Editor Louise Simonson, and Writer/Artist Walt Simonson

Also signing autographs was Mark McKenna, a comic book artist with almost 30 years experience in the industry. Mr. McKenna has worked for publishers such as Marvel and DC on titles such as X-Men, Spiderman, and Batman.

Comic Book Artist Mark McKenna

Bob Wiacek a creator, writer, and inker, has worked for publishers such as Marvel, DC and Darkhorse on such titles as Superman, X-men, Star Wars, and She Hulk.

Comic Book Artist and Writer Bob Wiacek

Fred Hembeck, a multi-talented cartoonist and creator is well known for his comic parodies and for his work with publishers such as Marvel Comics, DC, Fantaco Enterprises, and Archie Comics (I did not ask him his preference).

American Cartoonist Fred Hembeck

All six artists were kind enough to autograph a baseball for me as we talked, and many artist included a sketch or doodle on the ball, including Walt Simonson (Thor), Mark McKenna (Batman), Fred Hembeck (Spiderman), and Victor Castro (a new creation).

Baseball Autographed by Walt Simonson (featuring his drawing of Thor), Louise Simonson, Joe Sinnott, Mark McKenna, Bob Wiacek, and Fred Hembeck

The pièce de résistance, however, came later from Mr. Sinnott. When I met him earlier in the evening, I asked if he would be willing to draw one of his characters on a baseball. He was famous for his development of The Thing and I hoped he might be willing to draw something on a second baseball I had brought along. Because the crowds were starting to gather, Mr. Sinnott suggested that I come back later and he would see if he might have the time then.

First Pitch - Joe Sinnott, Walt Simonson, Louise Simonson, Mark McKenna, Bob Wiacek, Fred Hembeck, and J.L. Castro, Jr.

First Pitch – Joe Sinnott, Walt Simonson, Louise Simonson, Mark McKenna, Bob Wiacek, Fred Hembeck, and Victor L. Castro, Jr.

The artists took a break to partake in pregame ceremonies.

After the artists finished throwing out the first pitch (with assists from Mr. Castro, who clearly knows how to throw a baseball), I returned to the beer garden and waited for fans to get through the autograph lines. I then approached Mr. Sinnott and asked if might have the time. He smiled, reached out his hand, and I gave him a rather scuffed up MLB baseball.

Joe Sinnott Working On Autographed Ball Featuring The Thing

Mr. Sinnott held the ball just below the table, so I was unable to see exactly what it was he was drawing. He worked intently, never once looking up. Five minutes later, he handed the baseball back to me. He had drawn a spot-on sketch of The Thing.

Legendary Artist and Inker Joe Sinnott Displays His Latest Creation, The Thing Signed Baseball

I could not believe my good fortune. I showed the baseball to Mr. Castro, who also could not believe my good fortune and advised me to take better care of the baseball. When I arrived back home a week later, I put the baseball in a protective cube and gave it to my older son, who I know appreciates exactly what it was Mr. Sinnott was kind enough to give me.

Many thanks to Mr. Sinnott, Mr. Castro, and all the legendary comic book artists and writers who made the evening at the the Dutchess most memorable in a decidedly non-baseball way.

Oh, and in case you were wondering, the Tri-City Valley Cats defeated the Hudson Valley Renegades 2-0.

This entry is filed under DBS Blog and tagged Bob Wiacek, Comic Con, DC Comics, Dutchess Stadium, Fantastic Four, Fred Hembeck., Hudson Valley Renegades, Joe Sinnott, Louise Simonson, Mark McKenna, Marvel Comics, New York Penn League, Tampa Rays, The Thing, Victor L. Castro Jr., Walt Simonson.

Baltimore Book Festival Saturday September 27 and Sunday September 28

By David Stinson on September 25, 2014

The Baltimore Book Festival is back this weekend and I am excited to be appearing alongside fellow authors in the Authors Tent, selling and signing copies of Deadball, A Metaphysical Baseball Novel.

This year I will be appearing both Saturday and Sunday, September 27-28th in the Authors Tent located at Bicentennial Plaza.

On Saturday at 6 pm I will give a short presentation on my book at the Authors Tent.

This year the Festival will be held at Inner Harbor. The Authors Tent at Bicentennial Plaza is located southwest of the U.S.S. Constellation and south of the Harborplace Light Street Pavilion.

The Festival on Saturday runs from noon to 8 pm and Sunday from noon to 6 pm.

Here is a map of the festival.

This entry is filed under DBS Blog and tagged Authors Tent, Baltimore Book Festival, Bicentennial Plaza, David B. Stinson, Deadball A Metaphysical Baseball Novel.

A Serendipitous Al Kaline Deadball Moment

By David Stinson on August 1, 2014

It is not every day that you come across a previously unpublished photograph of a 16 year old future baseball Hall of Famer. This is especially true when considering that the picture was taken in Baltimore and depicts that future Hall of Famer wearing the uniform of a local sandlot company team.

A few months back, serendipity brought that picture to me, providing yet another Deadball Moment. Since 1998, I have been a Sunday-Plan Baltimore Orioles Season Ticket Holder, first in section 84, then section 78, and then, beginning in 2012, section 76. My move to section 76 introduced me almost immediately to the Sunday Mayor of Section 76, Rob Noel, who just happens to sit one row in front of me. As luck would have it, Rob likewise shares a passion for the Orioles, baseball stadiums, and lost ballparks, hosting baseballpanoramic.com, a website devoted to panoramic photos of ballparks.

As with any true politician, Mayor Rob has a cadre of friends dispersed throughout section 76, including Mark Tharle, who just happens to be married to Kathy Kaline. Which brings me back to the previously-unpublished, future-Hall-of-Famer-photograph. Turns out Kathy’s father George was the cousin of Westport/Baltimore native Al Kaline. After having read my post about Al Kaline’s boyhood home, Mark forwarded to me a family photo of Cousins George and Al Kaline donning their Gordon’s Stores baseball uniforms. After doing a bit of research, here is what I have found out about that photo. In 1951, the cousins played for a local team financed by Gordon’s Quality Dry Cleaning and Laundry and coached by one of Al Kaline’s Baltimore mentors, Sterling “Sheriff” Fowble .

Cousins George and Al Kaline (original photograph and image owned by Mark Tharle and Kathy Kaline – used by permission)

The Gordon’s Store jersey worn by Al Kaline is now on display at the Sports Legends Museum in Baltimore.

Al Kaline’s Gordon’s Store Jersey on Display at the Sports Legends Museum

According to Kathy Kaline, the picture of her father and Al Kaline was taken at Carroll Park, which is located in Baltimore just north of Interstate 95 at the intersection of Bush Street and Washington Boulevard. Carroll Park originally was part of Charles Carroll’s 2,000 acre Mount Clare Estate situated along the Patapsco River.

Mount Claire Estate with Montgomery Park Building (formerly Montgomery Wards) in Background

In the northeast section of the park, approximately two miles west of Oriole Park at Camden Yards are four youth baseball fields. Presumably the picture was taken somewhere in this section of the park.

Youth Baseball Fields at Carroll Park in Baltimore

The Kaline family home still stands in Westport, just two and a half miles south of Oriole Park at Camden Yards. According to Mayor Rob, Al Kaline’s father, Nicholas Kaline, worked at the Atlantic-Southwestern Broom Company. Al Kaline purportedly played on a baseball field located near that building as well. The building still stands at 3500 Boston Street in Baltimore and is known now as the Broom Factory, which has been repurposed to include restaurants, retail, and office space.

Former Atlantic Southwest Broom Company Building, Just a long fly ball from the old Natty Boh Factory on Brewery Hill

Former Atlantic Southwestern Broom Company Building, just a long fly ball from the old Natty Boh Factory on Brewery Hill

Al Kaline was a baseball phenomenon at Southern High School, once located in south Baltimore near the Inner Harbor on Warren Avenue between William Street and Riverside Avenue (thanks to Bob Neal for the clarification!), across the street from Federal Hill Park.

Former Southern High School Building at Intersection of Warren and Battery

Former Southern High School Building on Warren Avenue across from Battery Avenue

The three buildings that once comprised the high school are now apartments.

Former Southern High School Building at Warren Avenue and William Street

A new Southern HS building was constructed nearby at 1100 Covington Street – years after Kaline graduated – and is currently Digital Harbor High School.

Digital Harbor High School in Baltimore, formerly Southern High School

In 1953, two years after the Kaline Cousins photo was taken, Al Kaline signed a contract out of high school to play for the Detroit Tigers, never spending one day in the minor leagues before making his professional debut. As fate would have it, the American League Baltimore Orioles returned to the city the following year, but by then Kaline already had established himself as the Tiger’s every day center fielder. Perhaps because of his Baltimore connection, serendipity came into play on September 24, 1974, as well, when Kaline made his 3,000 hit at none other than Memorial Stadium in Baltimore.

Thanks to Mark and Kathy for sharing your family photo with me. Thanks also to serendipity and Mayor Rob.

This entry is filed under DBS Blog and tagged Al Kaline, Al Kaline boyhood home, Atlantic-Southern Broom Company, Baltimore, Baltimore baseball history, Broom Factory, Carroll Park, Charles Carroll, Deadball Moment, Digital Harbor High School, Federal Hill Park, Gordon's Quality Dry Cleaning and Laundry, Gordon's store, Gordon's Store jersey, Memorial Stadium, Mount Clare Estate, Southern High School, Sports Legends Museum, Sterling "sheriff" Fowble, Westport. | 5 Comments

Gordy’s View From The Hagerstown Suns Dugout

By David Stinson on June 10, 2014

Municipal Stadium, Current Home of the Hagerstown Suns

The news last season that the Hagerstown Suns would be moving after the 2014 season to a new ballpark in Fredericksburg, Virginia, was not surprising given the age of the ballpark and many costly improvements that would be necessary to bring Municipal Stadium up to the current standards for a professional baseball park. Still, as a hopeless fan of old ballparks, the news sadden me nonetheless and I vowed to take in as many games at Hagerstown as possible during the 2014 season.

Gordy Schlotter, ESPN 1380 Radio Host Interviewing Hagerstown Suns Manager Patrick Anderson

And so it was that my youngest son and I made such a trip in mid-May to see the Suns take on the Kannapolis Intimidators, a game which the Suns won 3-1. After the game I had the chance to sit in on an interview of Hagerstown Suns Manager Patrick Anderson by my good friend Gordy Schlotter, of ESPN 1380. The Suns Manager talks about the current season, as well as his record-setting season in 2013, leading the Gulf Coast League Nationals to a record of 49-9 and a .845 winning percentage.

To hear Gordy’s interview, click here: Gordy’s Sports World’s View from the Hagerstown Dugout with Patrick Anderson

Also, be sure to tune into Gordy’s Sports World every Thursday during the baseball season for the latest in local and national baseball brought to you by Gordy and his multi-talented baseball analyst Austin Gisriel.

And as for the future of the Suns in Hagerstown, reported delays in land acquisition and planning in Fredericksburg suggest that the Suns may remain in Hagerstown one more year, through the 2015 season.

This entry is filed under DBS Blog and tagged A View from the Dugout, Austin Gisriel, Fredericksburg ballpark, Gordy Schlotter, Gordy's Sports World, Gulf Coast League Nationals, Hagerstown Suns, New Suns Ballpark, Patrick Anderson. | 2 Comments

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