Card #17 - Babe TowneJay King Towne, whose nickname was "Babe" before a certain home run hitting pitcher/outfielder ruined it for anyone else, had incredible luck.
Despite only playing one season in the majors (1906), and his contract not being purchased from Des Moines of the Western League until July, Babe was part of the winning team of the 1906 World Series. Towne made his MLB debut on August 1, 1906. He appeared in 14 games with the Hitless Wonders and sported a .278 average with 10 hits (all singles) and 6 RBI. Babe even managed 7 walks.
Perhaps Babe's greatest thrill came on October 10, 1906, during the third inning of Game 2 of the World Series. The White Sox were down 4-0, when Babe Towne pinch hit for Doc White. Babe proceeded to ground out to the second baseman, Johnny Evers, but it was his only appearance in the World Series. I would imagine that it's still quite a feeling, no matter what you do.
Babe Towne bounced around the minors until 1916, eventually splitting duties between managing and catching, with the occasional stop at first base.
GREAT NAME! Cool card and story, too, but I love the name!
ReplyDeleteIf you can believe this, I have spent the evening researching Babe Towne in the Newspaper Archives!! Thought I was lucky to find a sketch of him... Now I find this card on your CURRENT Blog... what a small world. Here is my starting point, my hometown on my blog, today: http://drbilltellsancestorstories.blogspot.com/2010/05/my-hometown-on-monday-baseball-in-coon.html
ReplyDeleteThank you, so much!!
I'm glad that there's a growing interest in the history of the game. You are welcome to use the image of the computer created card on your blog, if you give a link back to this post.
ReplyDeleteBabe Towne is my husband's great grandfather and he has heard many stories about his life from his grandmother. Virginia was only 10 and the youngest of 3 girls, when her mother died, so she really treasured her father.
ReplyDeleteThat is a great connection! Thank you so much for sharing that!
ReplyDelete