Deadball Era Captured in Rare Film Footage

Here’s a fantastic video posted on YouTube in October 2008.  The video’s creator took rare Deadball Era film footage from Ken Burns’ documentary, Baseball, spliced it together and added music.  And thanks to my friend and colleague Gary Livacari, a lot of the players, managers, coaches, and umpires have not only been identified, but Gary lists at what point in the film they appear.

:24 Some people think this is Jake Daubert at first base. I think it’s Giants pitcher Hooks Wiltse who played a couple innings at first base in Game 4 of the 1913 World Series. At one point he has the wrong foot on the bag as he takes the throw, exactly what an inexperienced pitcher playing first base would do, not an accomplished first baseman like Daubert. If I’m right, that’s Larry Doyle at second, Art Fletcher at short, and the umpire is Tom Connelly. Can anyone confirm that’s the Polo Grounds?

:34 First baseman George “Highpockets” Kelly.

:51 Giants’ Hughie Jennings dancing in third base coaching box. Probably from 1921 World Series against the Yankees.

1:09 1910 World Series sequence starts. Frank Chance (Cubs), Harry Davis (A’s), Jimmy Sheckard (Cubs), Unknown, Frank “Wildfire” Schulte (Cubs). (Identifications by Mark Fimoff).

1:12 Chief Bender holding bat.

1:18 Danny Murphy batting, followed by Harry Davis.

1:23 Harry Davis holding bat at West Side Grounds (Chicago).

1:30 Chief Bender pitching to Cubs King Cole, dropped 3rd strike, Ira Thomas catcher. Game Four, bottom of third inning.

1:43 A’s 1,000,000 infield: Frank Baker, Jack Barry, Eddie Collins, Harry Davis (isn’t Stuffy McInnis usually considered the first baseman in this infield?).

1:59 Game 4, top of 4th. Cole pitching, A’s Murphy batting, hits double. Collins and Baker score. Jimmy Archer Cubs’ catcher.

2:01 Look closely to see a group of what appears to be photographers in left field!

2:12 1919 World Series sequence starts. Kid Gleason and Pat Moran shaking hands.

2:20 Pat Moran hitting grounders.

2:21 Probably Heine Groh at 3rd.

2:23 Eddie Collins at bat.

2:25 Home Plate conference. Pat Moran, Eddie Collins, Heine Groh (Reds’ captain). All four umpires visible: Ed Quigley, Jim Evens, Cy Ringer, Dick Nallin.

2:35 Chick Gandil grounding out to end Game 1.

3:06 Judge Landis.

3:11 Gandil forced out at 3rd base.

3:15 Foul ball to left, Heine Groh and Larry Kopf give chase.

3:25 Felsch forces Weaver at second.

3:35 Ray Fisher and Dickey Kerr before Game 3.

3:40 Dickey Kerr warming up.

3:50 Gandil forced out at 3rd.

4:02 Eddie Ciccotte warming up before Game 1.

4:15 Ciccotte gives up triple to pitcher Dutch Reuther (notice umpire throwing out new ball to Ciccotte).

4:27 Risberg hits triple off Ray Fisher.

4:33 Ray Schalk squeeze bunt to score Risberg.

4:42 Shoeless Joe Jackson.

4:57 Buck Weaver.

5:07 Game 3, Bottom of 2nd. Gandil doubles off Fisher, scoring Jackson and Felsch.

5:17 Eddie Collins and Heine Groh.

5:30 Gleason hitting grounders, Schalk catching for him.

5:40 Heine Groh at plate with umpires.

6:00 Jake Stahl batting.

6:16 Giants sequence starts. John McGraw tipping cap, Christy Mathewson walking behind him.

6:59 Scene of a guy on roof of Polo Grounds risking his life to grab large Giants’ banner.

7:03 Touching scene of a very emotional young Giants’ fan.

7:29 Giant players parading in autos. Look closely in third car to see McGraw’s bull dog. Looks to be Mathewson in front seat of fourth car.

7:50 Giant players walking in line formation. Look closely at 7:54 to see McGraw’s bull dog run in front of the players.

8:04 Christy Mathewson warming up.

8:15 1909 World Series sequence. Ty Cobb hitting home run.

8:35 Pirate bench. From right: Bobby Byrne, Mike Simon, Unknown, Unknown, Bill Powell, Chick Brandom (identifications by Mark Fimoff).

8:43 Cobb and Wagner.

8:35 Game 1: Fred Clarke hitting home run off George Mullen, Wagner coming up to plate as Clarke scores, Sam Crawford visible in centerfield (identifications by Mark Fimoff).