The taproot of our National Pastime can be attributed in a big way to a lanky boy from East Brookfield, MA by the name of Cornelius McGillicuddy! Connie was born during the Civil War in which his father was a soldier. Mack was a catcher and climbed baseball's ladder, first in the Eastern League, then, at a early age, bought into the American League. His business friend Ban Johnson allowed him to take ownership of the Philadelphia Athletics. Mack's lifetime record stands at 3,731 wins and 3,948 losses. He retired at age 87.
Mr. Mack never wore a baseball uniform as a manager. He always wore a business suit and hat. From the dugout he would wig-wag his scorecard signaling players to relocate on the playing field!
I have an audio-cassette of Connie Mack's voice recordings entitled "Mr. Baseball" which was produced after his death in 1956. Hearing his squeaky voice adds a dimension to his 6'2" stature.
The Connie Mack legacy continued with his grandson and namesake being elected to the United States Senate from the State of Florida and his great-grandson being elected to the House of Representatives!
I wrote a cover story of Connie for the 1986 Spencer New Leader. The gist of the feature is of Connie Mack Day, July 10, 1934 held on the North Brookfield Town Common. To think Connie Mack once played baseball in the Brookfields truly immortalizes the man!
A comprehensive book entitled "Connie Mack and the Early Years of Baseball" by Norman L. Macht can be found in the WB Library!
ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN
NB -YouTube offers many great clips on Connie Mack, Cooperstown Hall of Fame & Museum and others. For more than two hours I delighted in reviewing baseball history. Looking for some diversion? Relax to YouTube baseball entertainment!
Also, the book "My 66 Years in the Big Leagues" the autobiography of Connie Mack is found in the West Brookfield Library!
RLP
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