This jovial album, shot and compiled by the commercial photography outfit Jennings and Haas, documents a ball game that took place on August 14th, 1915. Forty or so of Scranton,...
This jovial album, shot and compiled by the commercial photography outfit Jennings and Haas, documents a ball game that took place on August 14th, 1915. Forty or so of Scranton, Pennsylvania’s leading citizens convened at the Athletic Park to play a charity baseball game benefiting Nay Aug Zoo. Two games were played, one between the Elks lodge and the Rotary club and the other between the Court House and the City Hall.
The first game was a 14–7 blowout, with the Elks emerging victorious. By all accounts, it was a taxing game. Contemporary newspaper accounts recall balls hit into shinbones and dramatic slides into home plate. “Blistered and battered were the Elks and Rotarians after the game,” says an article from the Monday issue of The Scranton Republican. The second game was slightly closer, with the Court House coming out on top 9–4. Again, opportunities for injury were a constant. “Ben Griffiths, acting as coach on the third bag lines, caught a fast liner between his knees. He wasn’t hurt much.”
The final receipts for the games were unknown. As of the following Monday, the total was still being tallied. By all accounts, it was a success. The games were attended by a healthy crowd, and it was decided on the day that the women baseball teams from the Scranton Button Works and the Scranton Silk Mills should play in September. “Today,” read the Republican, the players “are sore and tired but happy in thought that they helped a good cause along.”