Adjacent to the Bears Stadium was a large
field used for athletic events. One of the many games that I remember,
was the sport of Hurling. It was played and enjoyed by many of Irish
American extraction. The field was about the size of our football
field, with goal posts at both ends. The teams of fifteen members
came from many Celtic Associations in the city and around the country.
The Hurling Stick is curved and broadened at one end in order
to strike the ball. It was a fast and furious game. Many a tooth
was loosened, noses were bloodied and other assorted bumps and bruises
were acquired at the end of the paddle. It was a tough contest,
seemingly enjoyed by the many players and spectators.
Many a wonderful time was spent in Davis Stadium, as it was called
before Mr. Jacob Ruppert bought it, watching those marvelous Bears
in action. As a youngster it was my pleasure, in the company of
my Father to attend their games. Sometime in those early youthful
days my Uncle gave me a gift twenty five shares of stock in the
Newark Bears organization. Not really being aware of what a share
of common stock was, I at times became confused equating a Share
and a Chair. Every time that I accompanied my Father to one of their
games, I would ask him to point out "My Chairs". Always
received an answer that satisfied me.
When Colonel Jacob Ruppert purchased the team in 1928 I had to
redeem my shares for which I received Twenty Seven Dollars and Fifty
Cents. Quiet a princely sum in those days.
It was great to see the actions and reactions of Bears Manager
Al Mamaux a very interesting man. Also during those days it was
wonderful to see the up and coming players that one day would be
stars in the Major Leagues. Such as Babe Daghthgrin, Flash Gordon,
Jim Weaver, Chatlie "King Kong" Keller, Buddy Rosar to
name a few.
Later I became a member of the famous Knot Hole Gang, for a small
price you could become a member and be admitted to the bleachers
to attend the Newark Bears games. It was a great thing and made
many of us baseball fans. To bad they don't do the same thing today.
I guess it's all profits and not much sports. Also we were able
to walk to the stadium, one of the perks of being a Downnecker.
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