da-bullman
09-10-2016, 08:13 AM
John A. Heydler and John K. Tener Support for
Doubleday Field in 1920
Samuel "Sam" Crane, a former ballplayer and journeymen sportswriter for the New York Journal, wrote an article about the birthplace of baseball. Crane wrote several more articles about Cooperstown and the need for a ball field. His articles were well received by the Village and Major League Baseball. So much so, that New York Giants owner Harry Hempstead and recently resigned National League president John K. Tener visited Cooperstown and suggested that John A. Heydler, new president of the National League, might also be interested in the story. Heydler visited Cooperstown and became one of the best advocates for the creation of a ballfield dedicated to Abner Doubleday. His passion cannot be understated. He was impressed with the community and felt it was the perfect place to serve as the birthplace of baseball. Heydler's continued support created a buzz within Major League Baseball. His support, both personally and financially, helped to solidify the importance of a shrine marking baseball's birthplace.
The ball field was completed on September 6, 1920, and John Heydler, serving as umpire, officiated the first game. The Village celebrated the conclusion of the project with a street fair to raise additional funds and support for Cooperstown's newest asset.
Doubleday Field went through 4 more renovations and design changes culminating in 1939. John K. Tener and John A. Heydler attended the dedication on June 12, 1939 the Baseball Hall of Fame may not be in Cooperstown without them. John Tener died May 19, 1946 and John Heydler passed away April 18, 1956. Please visit my web site you will like it www.1939baseball.com. All the best Steve
Doubleday Field in 1920
Samuel "Sam" Crane, a former ballplayer and journeymen sportswriter for the New York Journal, wrote an article about the birthplace of baseball. Crane wrote several more articles about Cooperstown and the need for a ball field. His articles were well received by the Village and Major League Baseball. So much so, that New York Giants owner Harry Hempstead and recently resigned National League president John K. Tener visited Cooperstown and suggested that John A. Heydler, new president of the National League, might also be interested in the story. Heydler visited Cooperstown and became one of the best advocates for the creation of a ballfield dedicated to Abner Doubleday. His passion cannot be understated. He was impressed with the community and felt it was the perfect place to serve as the birthplace of baseball. Heydler's continued support created a buzz within Major League Baseball. His support, both personally and financially, helped to solidify the importance of a shrine marking baseball's birthplace.
The ball field was completed on September 6, 1920, and John Heydler, serving as umpire, officiated the first game. The Village celebrated the conclusion of the project with a street fair to raise additional funds and support for Cooperstown's newest asset.
Doubleday Field went through 4 more renovations and design changes culminating in 1939. John K. Tener and John A. Heydler attended the dedication on June 12, 1939 the Baseball Hall of Fame may not be in Cooperstown without them. John Tener died May 19, 1946 and John Heydler passed away April 18, 1956. Please visit my web site you will like it www.1939baseball.com. All the best Steve