Barons of the Ballpark
Harry Hooper
In 1918, the Boston Red Sox won their fourth World Series in seven years but fell to sixth place in 1919. After the season, outfielder Harry “Hank” Hooper wrote to team owner Harry Frazee imploring him to keep manager Ed Barrow. The letter was signed by 21 members of the Red Sox including George Herman “Babe” Ruth. This was likely the last official document Ruth signed as a member of the Red Sox as his rights were purchased in December by the New York Yankees. Barrow joined Ruth in New York after the 1920 season, sparking the Yankees dynasty largely at the expense of the Red Sox who endured “The Curse of the Bambino” — 86 years without another World Series title.
The Hotel Winton
Prospect Ave at Ninth Street
Cleveland, Ohio
– 1919 –
Having in view the many stories and rumors as to the cause of the present low standing of the Boston Am. Club; stories of dissension among the players and rumors of mismanagement; we the undersigned wish to correct an injustice to manager Ed Barrow. We feel that he has treated his players royally, in a manner that could not
be improved on.
The poor success of the team was caused by a combination of bad breaks. The failure of some of the regulars to perform up to their past standards, weak pitching and continued bad luck on the field has upset the expectations of the management as well as the critics.
The players are in harmony amongst themselves
and with the manager and stories to the contrary are untrue. We are for him to the last.
Signed,
Hank Hooper
Frank Gilhooley
Del Gainer
George H. Dumont
Al Walters
Ray Caldwell
Bill James
Sam Jones
Walter Schang
G.H. Ruth
Everett Scott
Robert Roth
Ossie Vitt
Herb Pennock
John McInnis
Mike McNally
Dave Shean
Maurice Shannon
William Lamar
Joe Bush
Norman McNeil
