KOFC AND BASEBALL: AN AMERICAN STORY

Third Base

The Pere Marquette Council 271 baseball team of Boston, Mass., 1915

Introduction

Baseball thrived and grew to new heights in popularity due to powerful bats like that of Knight of Columbus, Babe Ruth. From World War II to the early 1960s, the game had its share of heroes not only confined to the baseball field, but also on battlefields. Fans also witnessed unforgettable moments forever etched into its folklore, similar to the generation before.

*Joe DiMaggio, a Knight of Columbus, gets a hit during his historic 56-game hitting streak, July 16, 1941. (National Baseball Hall of Fame)*

But similar to the generation before, the game prevented contributions from major portions of the population by upholding its notorious “gentlemen’s agreement” — an unspoken rule between National League (NL) and American League (AL) owners that prohibited blacks from playing in Major League Baseball.

However, baseball was entering into a new era, where the institutional norms and records once thought untouchable were challenged and broken, some by members of the Knights of Columbus.

KofC Baseball: Third Base

Homer in the Gloamin'

Homer in the Gloamin'

The Chicago Cubs were in reach of clinching the NL pennant against the first-place Pittsburgh Pirates on Sept. 28, 1938. Only four weeks earlier, the Pirates had a commanding lead of the NL; but now, the Pirates had only a one-and-a-half game lead ahead of the resilient Cubs who, in late August, were out of reach of the pennant in fourth place.

Gabby Harnett poses for a Columbia story he authored titled “From Where I Sit,” published in April 1940, just as the Hall of Fame catcher was entering his 19th season. (Knights of Columbus Multimedia Archives)

This was in an era where the only playoff games were in the World Series. It was win or go home. For the nearly 35,000 fans who packed Wrigley Field on Sept. 28, they wanted to go home happily.

However, the chances looked dim, with the Pirates and Cubs tied in the bottom of the ninth. With two outs, the hope for a win fell on player-manager and 17-veteran catcher Charles Leo “Gabby” Hartnett.

Hartnett was referred to as the “perfect catcher” by Hall of Fame coach Joe McCarthy. He had been a regular All-Star since the game’s inception in 1933 and was awarded the NL MVP in 1935 after hitting .344 with 13 home runs and 91 RBIs. He was also a member of Knights of Columbus Woonsocket Council 113. Although still an All-Star in 1938, the 37-year-old player was beginning the twilight of his career.

*Harnett demonstrates his throwing motion. (National Baseball Hall of Fame)*

When Hartnett stepped in the batter’s box, twilight crept over the ballpark — and at the time, Wrigley Field didn’t have lights (the park wouldn’t install them until 1988). The umpires conversed between innings about the difficulty of seeing the action, and the first two pitches tossed at Hartnett from relief pitcher Mace Brown were also difficult to see for the batter. Down 0-2 in the count, with two outs, Brown tossed a curveball to Hartnett. However, the Knight connected on the pitch and “felt it was gone the second I hit it.”

The ball soared into the twilight sky over the left field bleachers for a walk-off home run. The crowd erupted in jubilation and Hartnett was mobbed at home plate. As a result, the Cubs took first place in the NL and stayed there for the rest of the season, clinching the pennant; however, the team lost in the World Series, extending the club’s historic title drought that wasn’t broken until 2016.

Despite the eventual World Series loss, Harnett’s home run is now regarded as one of the most famous in baseball history. The moment is forever enshrined in baseball folklore due to a moniker credited to Associated Press reporter Earl Hilligan — “The Homer in the Gloamin.’”

The Joltin' Knight

‘Starts Season Right’

By the late 1930s, Columbia published fewer articles on Knights in the majors as T.H. Murnane, Henry Farrell and other writers once did for the Order throughout the 1910s and 1920s. However, in the early months of 1939, the magazine reported on a rising star who joined the Order. That star was none other than the future Yankee Clipper, Joe DiMaggio.

*A blurb of DiMaggio’s First Degree ceremony in the ‘What Knights Are Doing?’ section in the April 1939 issue of Columbia. (Knights of Columbus Multimedia Archives)*

The son of Italian immigrants, DiMaggio became a phenom after hitting safely in 61 games for the Pacific Coast League hometown team — San Francisco Seals — in 1933. Not long after, he was signed to the New York Yankees.

Portrait photograph of DiMaggio, also known as the Yankee Clipper — DiMaggio, also known as the Yankee Clipper, smacks a hit during his illustrious career. He was once quoted saying, “There is always some kid who may be seeing me for the first or last time, I owe him my best.” (National Baseball Hall of Fame)

When he was called up to the big leagues in 1936, the Yankees pinned their hopes on him, touting the budding star as Babe Ruth’s successor. DiMaggio delivered for the Yankees in his rookie season, becoming an All-Star and helping to end the club’s four-year title drought — the first of his nine World Series championships. In 1939, he was awarded his first of three AL MVPs, batting .381 with 176 hits and 30 homers.

An American Icon

However, in the summer of 1941, DiMaggio became more than a promising Yankee star. He became a symbol of consistency and excellence, and, in the process, an American icon.

*DiMaggio tears through a banner marking his record 56-game hitting streak. (YES Network)*

On May 15, 1941, DiMaggio hit an RBI single in the bottom of the first inning against Chicago White Sox’s Eddie Smith. It proved to be the only run the Yankees would get, as they lost in a 13-1 blowout. As a result of the loss, the Yankees fell one game below .500.

But that single was the humble beginning to what blossomed into a cultural phenomenon. DiMaggio hit safely for the next 55 consecutive games, amassing 56 singles, 16 doubles, 4 triples and 15 homeruns. And his otherworldly play galvanized his team, as the Yankees jumped from fourth to first in the AL standings in that span.

DiMaggio became front page news around the country throughout the streak and was mobbed by children and adults alike. There was even a song written about his illustrious streak.

A mini-biographical video about Joe DiMaggio. (National Baseball Hall of Fame)

But all good things must come to an end and so did the streak, which ended on July 17 against the Cleveland Indians. In the locker-room after the game, DiMaggio said, “I’m ticked to death it’s all over. I’m sure proud of the record but I might as well admit it was quite a strain. Naturally, I wanted to keep it going. But as long as I didn’t, I’m happy about the whole thing.”

The very next game, he started what became a 16-game streak. However, he made his mark, shattering the 45-game record set by Willie Keeler — another Knight of Columbus — and etching himself in American lore, even so far as being voted “the greatest living ballplayer” by sportswriters in 1969 over players like Mickey Mantle, Hank Aaron, Willie Mays and Ted Williams. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1955 and is still considered one of the greatest to ever play the game.

*DiMaggio kisses his signature bat. (The Sporting News Pub. Co./Library of Congress)*

That hitting streak record is often considered one of the most unbreakable records not only in baseball, but in American sports. Pete Rose came the closest in 1978, hitting safely in 44-consecutive games, but no one has hit more than 40 games since then.

The Czar of North African Baseball

The Czar of North African Baseball

Over There During World War II

As noted in “Second Base,” baseball was a major part of the Order’s wartime efforts during the First World War. As the Knights of Columbus viewed the sport, baseball was a reminder of home and a distraction from the battlefield.

*A U.S. Navy baseball team, including future Hall of Fame pitcher Bob Lemon (second from right), poses for a photo prior to ballgame during World War II. (National Baseball Hall of Fame)*

However in World War II, the United Service Organizations (USO) handled larger scale recreational efforts for soldiers abroad that the K of C provided in World War I. No matter who organized the efforts, baseball remained a focus of entertainment for Allied troops, and major league stars — like Joe DiMaggio and Ted Williams — showed off their skills.

*Sgt. Joe DiMaggio (right) was a member of the 7th AAF, but spent most of his military career playing in exhibition games against other MLB players. (National Baseball Hall of Fame)*

However, it was another Knight of Columbus, Henry “Zeke” Bonura — a former Major League star — who helped introduce the American national pastime to countries around the world similar to the ‘Caseys’ of World War I.

Trading Baseball for the Army

Bonura played first base for the Chicago White Sox, managed by Knight of Columbus Jimmy Dykes, for a majority of his seven years in the majors. By the late 1930s, he had a .330 batting average with nearly 200 hits, leading the AL in field percentage in three seasons.

*A portrait of Henry J. “Zeke” Bonura of the Chicago White Sox in 1935. (National Baseball Hall of Fame)*

But by 1939, Bonura’s career in the major leagues was slipping away. The slugger was considered a clumsy defenseman, and his once mighty bat quieted as he became mired in slumps. In February 1941, the 33-year-old’s contract was sold by the Chicago Cubs to the Minneapolis Millers of the American Association.

The Knight of Columbus believed he could work his way back into the majors, but that goal was never realized as he was drafted into the U.S. Army in the summer of 1941. By September, he arrived at Camp Shelby in Hattiesburg, Miss., serving as an assistant to the camp’s athletic director, organizing intramural baseball leagues for the servicemen.

This stint in the military was initially short-lived. Since he was older than 28, Bonura was honorably discharged on Dec. 5, 1941 — two days before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor that thrust America into World War II. However, after the attack, the U.S. Army quickly recalled him to serve once again at Camp Shelby.

Legion of Merit

Bonura’s organizational skills began to “flourish” upon his return to Camp Shelby, according to Playing for Their Nation: Baseball and the American Military during World War II. Under his leadership, a new field was built, and he procured equipment from major league teams to help the camp’s baseball league thrive.

Bonura, in his U.S. Army uniform, showing a group of women how to swing a bat. When Gen. Eisenhower presented the Legion of Merit issued to Bonura, he stated: “By his resourcefulness, enthusiasm and leadership he was able to overcome many shortages in needed assistance and construction materials and he established 30 baseball fields in the area through the use of volunteer assistants and salvaged materials. Corporal Bonura has made a substantial contribution to the morale and efficiency of troops in this theater.” (National Baseball Hall of Fame)

When Allied forces invaded Northern Africa, Bonura was sent overseas to Oran, Algiers, not to fight, but to continue organizing recreational activities for the troops. He was “extremely productive,” supervising more than 1,000 players on hundreds of baseball teams divided into six leagues. He taught the game not only to soldiers, but also to French and Arab forces, even while the threat of German attacks loomed over the military and baseball fields. Soldiers called him the “Judge Landis of North Africa” — after Judge Kenesaw Mountain Landis, then commissioner of Major League Baseball.

His work was widely praised by many, including General Dwight Eisenhower, who personally presented Bonura — then a corporal — with the Legion of Merit, for “exceptionally meritorious conduct.”

North African World Series

In late 1943, Bonura added to his “exceptionally meritorious conduct” by spearheading a playoff with teams from around North Africa. Calling it the “North African World Series,” it culminated in a playoff between the Casablanca Yankees and the Algiers Streetwalkers. More than 4,000 people attended the series, while others listened in on the Armed Forces Radio Network. The Casablanca Yankees won the best-of-three series and were presented baseballs autographed by General Eisenhower and a trophy made from an unexploded Italian bomb.

As the Axis forces were pushed out of Northern Africa into Italy and France, Bonura followed, organizing sports leagues in France.

By the time he left the Army in September 1945, he was considered the “preeminent promoter of military athletics” during the war and nicknamed the “czar of North African Baseball,” according to Playing for Their Nation: Baseball and the American Military during World War II.

The Color Barrier

Knight Leading the Way

On June 21, 1879, the Providence Grays of the National League (NL) squared off against the Cleveland Blues at the Messer Street Grounds in Providence, R.I. First baseman Joe Start would not be able to play due to an injury, and according to Society of American Baseball Research (SABR), the team therefore scrambled for a replacement and picked up a player from Brown University’s college team — William Edward White.

*White photographed as a member of the 1879 Brown University baseball team. (Brown University)*

Little is known about White. It isn’t known if he batted or threw left or right. It isn’t known why he only played for the Grays once. But what is known is that White was not white; he was an African American, perhaps the first ever to play in Major League Baseball. Not only that, but according to SABR’s research, he may have even been a former slave.

White got one hit in four at bats and scored a run in the Grays win over the Blues that day. However, he never played in the majors again, as he was replaced on the Grays by future Hall of Famer — and Knight of Columbus — Jim “Orator” O’Rourke, who had knocked the league’s first successful hit several years earlier.

Jim O’Rourke, the first man to safely hit in the NL, also founded the Connecticut League, a minor league system. The undated portrait was probably taken in the 1890s when he served as executive of the Bridgeport, Conn., team. (Wikipedia Commons)

O’Rourke, a member of Park City Council 16 in Bridgeport, went on to advance the status of minorities in baseball before the turn of the 20th century. While serving as an executive in the Connecticut State League, which he helped found, O’Rourke hired Harry Herbert in 1895 for the Bridgeport Victors. With the hire, Herbert became the first African American from Bridgeport to play professional baseball, and, quite possibly, the first African American in the minor leagues.

Herbert played four seasons for the Victors, Bridgeport Soubrettes and Bridgeport Orators between 1895-1898. Although his career statistics are incomplete, in his first season he managed to knock six hits and one home run in 30 at-bats. He never played in the majors.

As an Order, the Knights of Columbus promoted civil rights and racial integration prior to and throughout the 20th century (see here for more).

‘Tokahoma’

The “gentlemen’s agreement” didn’t stop attempts from breaking the color barrier, nor did it stop other minorities from playing in the majors, such as Native Americans. One of the most well-known attempts to advance a Black player in baseball was orchestrated by John McGraw, a member of the Knights of Columbus.

*John McGraw, a Knight of Columbus, poses for a photograph during his tenure as manager of the New York Giants. (Bain News Service/Library of Congress)*

Before spring training 1901, the manager of the Baltimore Orioles met Charlie Grant — an African American ballplayer — in the resort town of Hot Springs, Ark. McGraw saw talent in Grant and conspired with the player to circumvent the so-called agreement, posing Grant as a Native American named “Charlie Tokahoma.”

Grant went along with the ruse, even so far as telling an interviewer his mother was of Cherokee descent and his father white. For a time, the charade worked, and Grant was poised to be a member of the Orioles until the team arrived in Chicago. Grant was already known by people in the city. The writers of Baseball: An Illustrated History suggest that Grant was “exposed when black friends offered him congratulations that proved too public.” Other scholars, including Brian McKenna from SABR, suggest the Chicago Tribune alerted American League (AL) president Ban Johnson and owners of the ruse. However the reveal unfolded, McGraw eventually relented to mounting pressure, leaving Grant off the Opening Day roster.

*Charlie Grant, pictured here, was the African American player McGraw posed as a Native American. (National Baseball Hall of Fame)*

McGraw died Feb. 25, 1934, and would not live to see Robinson break the color barrier. But according to Baseball: An Illustrated History, after McGraw’s death, his widow reportedly found a list of all the Black players the Hall of Fame manager wanted to sign.

Jackie Robinson

When Jackie Robinson started first base for the Dodgers April 15, 1947, he faced racism, discrimination and death threats with a heroically restrained temper. He instead focused his energy on the game itself, stating, “Above anything else, I hate to lose.”

One of the earliest tests to restrain himself came less than a week into his 1947 rookie season when the Dodgers played against the Philadelphia Phillies. In the City of Brotherly Love, the Phillies and their manager Ben Chapman verbally abused and racially taunted Robinson. The abuse reportedly almost drove him “to the brink of abandoning the ‘noble experiment’ in pacificism.” But Robinson’s teammate, Eddie Stanky — a member of the Knights of Columbus — stepped in.

Eddie Stanky posed (second from right) with John Jorgenson, Pee Wee Reese and Jackie Robinson. — Stanky was the starting second baseman and leadoff batter for the Dodgers in 1947. He had a reputation for being scrappy, leading the majors at one point in walks, runs and plate appearances. His playing-style got him the nickname “The Brat.” Here he is posed (second from right) with John Jorgenson, Pee Wee Reese and Jackie Robinson. (National Baseball Hall of Fame)

Stanky shouted down the Phillies, calling them cowards. “Why don’t you guys go to work on somebody who can fight back?” he said. “There isn’t one of you has the guts of a louse.”

Initially, Stanky didn’t like Robinson. He even petitioned Dodgers general manager Branch Rickey to trade him rather than play with a Black teammate. However, as a testament to his character growth, Stanky eventually became one of Robinson’s earliest backers, and according to SABR, Stanky’s stand against the Phillies’ bombardment of racial insults truly united the Dodgers as a team behind Robinson.

Watch “The Gil Hodges Story: Soul of a Champion” produced by Spirit Juice Studios.

Another important ally in Robinson’s integration into baseball was Hall of Famer and Dodgers first baseman Gil Hodges. Hodges, who is also reported to have been a Knight of Columbus, was a fan favorite and a man of integrity who was revered by teammates, especially during the 1947 season. According to a 1977 article in The New York Times, when fights erupted at Ebbets Field due to Robinson’s presence, Hodges “would walk over and just stand there with his big hands at his side. He would say a few quiet words and the fight would be over.” Robinson had great respect for Hodges, remarking after his teammate’s death that, “He was the core of the Brooklyn Dodgers.”

Robinson finished the 1947 season as Rookie of the Year and forever changed the landscape of the national pastime, opening the door for remarkable players such as Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, Bob Gibson, Ken Griffey Jr., and countless others. Robinson was named the 1949 MVP and went on to help the Dodgers win the 1955 World Series before retiring as a seven-time All Star.

Baseball game poster — On May 14, 1957, the Order wanted to celebrate the man who broke the color barrier by co-sponsoring an Interfaith Baseball Game along with B’nai B’rith and the Almas Temple Shrine at Griffith Park Stadium in Washington, D.C. Even though the game lasted only two innings due to rain, the event, nevertheless, displays the consistent outreach to African Americans by the Order and its tradition of honoring the game’s mightiest heroes. This is the game’s program. (Courtesy of B’nai B’rith)

The House That Ruth Built

The House That Ruth Built

‘Some Ball Yard’

Babe Ruth hit a staggering 54 home runs in his first year as a New York Yankee in 1920. The next year, he hit 59, helping the team clinch their first AL pennant in franchise history; however, the Yankees’ home games were played at the Polo Grounds, home to John McGraw’s New York Giants. Even though fans came in droves to the ballpark, it rubbed McGraw the wrong way that attendance was higher for Yankee games than for his own ballclub.

*A bust portrait of Babe Ruth as a New York Yankee. (Library of Congress)*

The Giants, therefore, insisted the Yankees find a new place to call home, but, as it turned out, Yankee owners Jacob Ruppert and Tillinghast L’Hommedieu Huston were already beginning efforts to do so. They aimed to construct a stadium on the site of a ten-acre old lumberyard in the Bronx. At the time, most ballparks seated 30,000, but Yankee Stadium would be different, and Huston and Ruppert knew the fans would see Ruth by the tens of thousands. In total, the construction cost an estimated $2.5 million — but it would seat 62,000, becoming the largest ballpark in the country.

*Yankee Stadium as it was in 1925. (Library of Congress)*

When Opening Day came to Yankee Stadium on April 18, 1923, more than 74,000 fans attended the game between the Yankees and Boston Red Sox, filling the seats and jamming the aisles. John Philip Sousa led the Seventh Regiment Band in playing the Star-Spangled Banner and New York Governor Al Smith — a Knight of Columbus — threw out the first pitch. But the man the fans came to see did not shy from the spotlight, christening the new right-field stands with a three-run homer as the Yankees won 4-1. After the game, when asked by reporters his opinions about the stadium, Ruth replied, “Some ball yard, huh?”

The new ballpark truly was the “House That Ruth Built” as dubbed by New York Evening Telegram writer Fred Lieb. In their first season at the new ballpark, the Yankees went on to win their first of 27 World Series titles.

The Largest Check K of C Signed

By December 1953, Yankee Stadium was a shrine to baseball with legendary heroes gracing the diamond. However, team owners Dan Topping and Del Webb were looking to sell the stadium and it was around this time that the Knights of Columbus — under the leadership of Supreme Knight Luke Hart — was searching for new investment opportunities, particularly in real estate.

As Supreme Knight Hart describes in the October 1954 issue of Columbia, “Then the opportunity to buy the Yankee Stadium ground was brought to our attention by Supreme Treasurer Heazel, who was a friend of some of the people involved.” Here, Supreme Knight Hart poses in the stands at Yankee Stadium. (Life Magazine)

In a stunning move, the stadium and property were purchased from financier Arnold Johnson as part of a leaseback investment — the Order bought the real estate (i.e. the land on which Yankee Stadium stood) then leased it back to Johnson, who then, in turn, leased the stadium to the Yankees. Supreme Knight Hart wrote in his diary about the purchase:

“We all met in the Board Room at the Banker’s Trust Company in Rockefeller Center. …The various documents incident to the Yankee deal were executed and I delivered a check for $2,500,000. …It was of course, the largest check I ever signed.”

Aeriel view of the stadium — *From 1954 to 1971, the Order owned the land on which the House of Ruth stood. During that time, the Yankees were a perennial powerhouse behind* the bats of Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris, the glove of Yogi Berra and the pitching of Whitey Ford, appearing in the World Series nine times and winning four. One of the most significant years came in 1961 when Mantle and Maris pursued Ruth’s single-season home run record of 60 — which Maris broke, notching 61. (Knights of Columbus Multimedia Archives)

Supreme Knight Hart explained the rationale behind the purchase of the land at Yankee Stadium as not only an investment opportunity, but as a way of furthering the mission Father McGivney set out for the Order. As he wrote in a letter to Knights in the January 1954 Columbia:

“The publicity incident to this transaction has accomplished two important results: First, it has strikingly made known to the world the fact that our Order has attained a stature that makes it worthy of consideration. Second, it emphasized the fact that the definite plan and purpose of our founder has been religiously adhered to. Because of the publicity attaching to this transaction many citizens have been aroused to an awareness of the Knights of Columbus who, until then, were not fully conscious of its existence, or, if they were conscious of its existence, had no realization of its importance. Now they know that the Order has risen to a position in the affairs of men that commands attention. In addition, this transaction gives emphasis to the fact that, in keeping with Father McGivney’s resolve that there should be a fraternity of Catholic men that would make provision for their widows and orphans at the time of their distress, the organization which he founded has carefully, day in and day out, year in and year out, kept faith with his resolution by accumulating the moneys requisite to that great objective.”

The Knights of Columbus eventually relinquished the rights to field at Yankee Stadium when the city of New York, under Mayor John Lindsay, purchased it in 1971. Of the eighteen real estate investments made during Supreme Knight Luke Hart’s term, the Yankee Stadium deal was the most significant.

Hallowed Grounds

On Oct. 4, 1965, the hallowed grounds of baseball’s greatest stadium transformed into the hallowed grounds for one of the most significant Masses in the 20th century — and the first Mass on American soil celebrated by a pontiff.

Pope Paul VI celebrates a votive Mass with more than 90,000 worshippers — the largest crowd in Yankee Stadium’s history up to that point. During his homily, the Holy Father stressed to the world to love peace, serve the cause of peace, and base peace on “moral and religious principles.” (AP Photo)

The papal Mass, celebrated by Pope Paul VI, was a momentous occasion that the Knights of Columbus sought to commemorate at Yankee Stadium. Therefore, on June 25, 1966, as part of Knights of Columbus Day at the ballpark, the Order dedicated a plaque honoring the Holy Father’s visit with the approval of Yankee management and the Archdiocese of New York.

Bishop Charles P. Greco, the Order’s supreme chaplain, blessed the plaque in the presence of not only 20,000 spectators, but with Supreme Knight John McDevitt, Yankee general manager Daniel Topping, Jr., Yankee pitcher Steve Hamilton and White Sox manager Eddie Stanky — the latter two who were members of the K of C. (Knights of Columbus Multimedia Archives)

Supreme Knight McDevitt affirmed the significance of the plaque’s location, stating, “It is the fervent hope of our association of 1,200,000 Catholic men that in the years ahead this plaque will remind the millions who will visit this stadium of the stirring beauty of the night that the Pope prayed here and even more impress on them the serious purpose of that prayer — to emphasize that the place of charity, like God, is everywhere.”

*Pope John Paul II celebrates Mass at Yankee Stadium during his first visit to the United States, Oct. 2, 1979. (Library of Congress)*

The Knights of Columbus would again sponsor commemorative plaques to papal Masses held at Yankee Stadium — one celebrated by Pope John Paul II on Oct. 2, 1979, and the other by Pope Benedict XVI on April 20, 2008. The plaques currently reside in the Yankees’ Monument Park which honors the franchise’s most legendary figures, including the likes of Babe Ruth, Joe DiMaggio, Yogi Berra and Mickey Mantle.

*Pope Benedict XVI blesses a crowd of nearly 60,000 attending a papal Mass at Yankee Stadium, April 20, 2008. (Catholic News Service)*

Epilogue

‘The Greatest Game Ever Played’

There are many home runs in major league baseball that could be argued as the greatest in the game’s long-storied history: Babe Ruth’s called shot; Bobby Thompson’s “Shot Heard ‘Round the World”; Bucky Dent waving the ball fair; Hank Aaron’s 715th home run; even Gabby Harnett’s ‘Homer in the Gloamin.’ But the 1960 World Series between the New York Yankees and Pittsburgh Pirates featured one of the more significant.

The Yankees were entering their 10th World Series appearance since 1949, while the Pirates had not won a pennant since 1927. For most of the 1950s, the Pirates had been primarily basement dwellers — finishing 7th or 8th in the NL.

However, the team began turning their winning prospects around with the hire of former player, and Knight of Columbus, Danny Murtaugh in 1957.

In his ten years as a player, Murtaugh was a utility man playing second, shortstop and third, and was an average hitter — with a lifetime .254 batting average and 661 career hits. His greatest achievement as a player was leading the NL in stolen bases (18) in his 1941 rookie season. It should be noted, he missed several years of his prime due to his military service, serving in the 97th Infantry. Murtaugh joined the Knights of Columbus as a charter member of Peace Council 4518 in Ridley, Pa., in 1958. *Pictured above, Murtaugh visits with religious sisters on Nuns’ Day at Forbes Field in Pittsburgh in the early 1960s. (Courtesy of Colleen Hroncich)*

But 1960 was the team’s year, even if the sports media did not believe so. The Pirates started the season well, posting a 12-3 record by May 1, and then took hold of first place for the rest of the season, unlike what the franchise did in 1938. The World Series had lopsided victories that favored the powerhouse Yankees. In Game 2, 3 and 6, the Bronx Bombers won by 13, 10 and 12 runs, respectively, while shutting out the Pirates in two of those games. Meanwhile, the Pirates eked out three narrow victories to bring the series to Game 7, which would be played at Forbes Field in Pittsburgh.

The Pirates’ chances to win the World Series in Game 7 were not promising heading into the bottom of the 8th inning, as they were losing 7-4. However, with some luck — and defensive errors — the Pirates claimed the lead, 9-7. They then quickly relinquished it as the Yankees tied the game in the top of the ninth. The momentum had swung toward New York, but Pittsburgh’s second baseman — Bill Mazeroski — had other plans. He was the first batter in the bottom of the ninth and rocketed a home run over the left field wall off pitcher Ralph Terry, clinching the title with the first walkoff in World Series history.

*Pirate Bill Mazeroski chased by a fan gets ready to cross home plate and is greeted by fans and fellow players after his ninth inning homer in the 1960 World Series. (Associated Press)*

The unlikeliest team to win the World Series entering 1960 had won behind the manager, and Knight, Murtaugh who was credited for his strategy of pitching his ace Vernon Law in three games. According to SABR, Murtaugh was nervous throughout the deciding game, stating “I used four packs (of chewing tobacco) and don’t remember spitting.”

Murtaugh would retire four seasons later due to health issues, but stepped back into the managerial role in 1970, and led the franchise the following year, once again, to the peak of baseball glory with a World Series title. As a Knight, Murtaugh served in honor guards at the funerals for Knights whenever he was home from baseball, according to his son, Timothy. In recognition of his accomplishments, the Pittsburgh chapter of the Knights of Columbus honored Murtaugh as “Knight of the Year” in 1972.

Danny Murtagh (center) was saluted at a dinner held in his honor by the Pittsburgh Chapter of the Knights of Columbus. He receives a plaque from Joseph Meehan, right, president of the chapter. Looking on are Supreme Director Carmen R. Capone and State Deputy Luke J. Farrell Jr. (Knights of Columbus Multimedia Archives)

His daughter also spoke about her father’s faith, writing for the July 2016 Columbia: “I remember being embarrassed when the nuns would tell my whole elementary school, ‘Watch Danny Murtaugh when he goes to receive the Holy Eucharist. He’s a famous baseball manager, and look how reverent he is. If he can be so devout, you can too.’”

Murtaugh managed until 1976, amassing 1,115 wins and 950 losses. His number — 40 — was retired by the Pirates in 1977.

KOFC AND BASEBALL: AN AMERICAN STORY

Join us in this four-part series about the unique, untold Catholic American story of how the Knights of Columbus as an organization and individual Knights - including some of baseball's mightiest heroes - stepped up to the plate to produce many memorable moments and shape America's pastime for the better.

KOFC AND BASEBALL: AN AMERICAN STORY

KofC Baseball: Third Base

KOFC AND BASEBALL: AN AMERICAN STORY

First Base

Second Base

Third Base

Home Base