Great Expectations

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Posted By: Rhys

Here are three pictures of the Sockalexis photo. The picture is HUGE and is in the original frame and glass that it was made in 1895. The player second from the right, back row is Sockalexis. Person in street clothes on the left is Jesse Burkett. He was Worcester Mass' most famous ballplayer and used to help with the Holy Cross team when he could. This is documented in several sources and it has been absolutely confirmed that this is indeed Jesse Burkett in the photo. Player with catchers mitt is Doc Powers a star catcher in the majors for many years. Player on the far left top row is named George Kerrigan and that is who this photo belonged to. They only made these photos for the team members (10-11 total produced) and that is why this is one of only 2 known to have survived, and the only one in public hands.

One more quick Sockalexis story is that his father was Chief of his tribe. He hated it that Sock was getting involved in the "white mans sport" and when he was recruited to play ball at Holy Cross his father took a 1700 mile canoe trip from Maine to Washington DC and personally had the President of the US declare that Louis would follow his father as Chief of his people. He hoped in vain that this declaration would keep him on the reservation. Didn't work. When Louis made his Debut at the Polo Grounds though in the aforementioned exhibition against Rusie and the Giants, many Penobscot Indians made the trip to New York dressed in Full Indian attire and did all sorts of dances and tribal chants when Sock hit the Home Run off of Rusie.

Thanks for listening to my rantings about my favorite vintage ballplayer.

Rhyshttp://www.network54.com/Realm/tmp/1110329937.JPG