2024 Program_Proof

CREATING CALFEE

Jup, who always arrives when not wanted, started his attack on the two major league clubs at a few seconds before 5 o’clock this morn ing, following on the heels of a hail storm. Fans, who arose early to the dripping tune of rain and who kept their weather eye on the skies until the arrival of the train, gathered at the station in hopes of seeing the players if not in action. Mayor E.W. Calfee headed the delegation at the station and had in his party most all of the dyed-in-the-wool fans. Rain started falling anew as a special pulled into the yard and with the downpour went the last hopes of a ball game. The welcoming party went from one end of the train to the other seeking notables. Several official representatives of the Norfolk and Western railway climbed off the Pullmans and stood in consultation but the big leaguers stayed in their berths for some time, leisurely eating breakfast or otherwise making themselves scarce. Finally in desperation, many of the fans left without knowing whether the game would be played and without any official recognition from the clubs. The Cleveland team finally appeared, going to Hotel Pulaski to sit in the lobby, mail postal cards and otherwise while the morning away. Efforts to reach Bill Terry, New York manager, proved futile until al most noon when word spread over town that he had appeared in the dining car. The writer, plagued with telephone calls from numerous nearby towns, climbed aboard the Pullman and went into the diner. Terry, surrounded by officials, was enjoying his repast but stopped suffi ciently long to say the train was leaving at noon for Weirton, W. Va., and that he would like to see Pulaski’s field. Terry was left unmolested while a car was kept in waiting to take him to the park. Terry never appeared, going to the Inn to round up his players and sending word to Cleveland to prepare to move. The whole performance was disappointing to Pulaski fans. Terry is known to be snobbish and his antics here this morning convinced those who never heard of the gentleman’s rep. The two teams were traveling on an 8-car special, carrying Pullmans, lounge car with soda fountain, telephone connection and other ultra modern improvements, baggage car and diner. Several of the visiting players made a trip to the park in company with Frank Snyder, veteran coach of the Giants, who praised the field. They stated it might be possible to return next year but right

now a barnstorming tour through Texas was planned. Reports from Weirton where the two teams are scheduled to play tomorrow were far from satisfactory. Rain was falling there today and the two clubs may continue to Cleveland, arriving at home several days before the opening of the season due to weather. Jupiter Pluvius played a mean trick on Pulaskians, knocking them out of their first big, major league attraction. Plans for closing down schools, plants and business establishments were abandoned after the final decision on the game became known. Mayor Calfee has still to be recognized as has “Doc” Ayers and scores of other fans who thought enough of the athletes to quit their work and voluntarily form a welcoming committee. With the big game washed out, work is expected to start in a short time on the concrete grandstand at Calfee field which must be com pleted by June. The park was thoroughly soaked by rain after it had been groomed to the limit to present a credible appearance for to day’s contest. Some of the fans recognized Carl Hubbell, ace of the Giant pitchers; Sam Leslie, Steve O’Neill, Cleveland manager; Dick Bartell, Giants’ shortstop and other of the players. Few autographs were obtained and Bill Terry lost much of his popularity with local fans. Billy Wysor proved a loyal fan, offering a fleet of cars and a truck for equipment to the visitors. The Western Union had 15 men here from various parts of the state expecting to handle approximately 15,000 words on the game. Eight circuits had been set up at the park to care for the flow of news. Restaurants and the hotels gained some business but nothing like the amount expected. Telephone operators were kept busy with calls from points over the southwest making inquiries regarding the weather here. Ticket refunds will be started tomorrow with Curtis Jordan in charge at the Pulaski National bank. The official programs, to have been printed this morning, were cancelled and the advertising space saved for regular league games.

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