Curveballs and Calamities: Eastland Disaster Baseball Connection - Part 1
Flower in the River Podcast, Ep. 41
Note: For additional information on the research plan and on each baseball player’s life, go to Eastland Disaster Baseball Connection - Creating a Research Approach
This latest episode of Flower in the River slings a curveball straight from history's dusty archives, shedding light on truths that have been buried under the sands of time.
Each episode of Flower in the River is like unraveling a matrioshka doll, and Curveballs and Calamities: Eastland Disaster Baseball Connection is no exception. It's a whirlwind of revelations. This episode dives into the Eastland Disaster, a historical tragedy that claimed many, including at least 11 amateur baseball players. But here's a twist - one of these players didn't just survive with his wife; he's linked to the 1919 Black Sox Scandal. And no, it's not Shoeless Joe Jackson, but it's equally shocking!
Speaking of shocking….it's astonishing that after 25 years of digging into the Eastland Disaster, this tale was a fresh discovery for me. Maybe I was searching in the wrong corners? It happens.
Sometimes, the most gripping stories are camouflaged right before our eyes, nestled in the faded print of old newspapers. Unearthing this narrative felt like stumbling upon a hidden chapter of history, one that's been glossed over by the many mainstream history buffs.
So, I've got the show notes and a graphic lined up for you to get a glimpse of some of these ballplayers. But trust me, there's a whole lot more to their stories and lives that I'm itching to share. My aim is always to lean heavily on primary sources, to let those who were actually there tell their stories. Apart from offering some context through my commentary, I steer clear of adding my own spin. Interestingly, I wasn't the only one in the dark about losing a family member in the Eastland Disaster. It's part of why I'm driven to document and preserve these narratives. It's for anyone out there, like me, who might someday seek to unravel the stories of their ancestors caught up in this forgotten piece of history.
Ep 41 Show Notes:
Section 1: Baseball in a Diverse Chicago
Late 19th and early 20th-century Chicago: a vibrant blend of cultures.
Baseball: more than a sport; a symbol of the American Dream.
Acknowledging the idealized version versus the reality.
Section 2: Baseball’s Universal Appeal
The global impact of baseball.
The game as a unifying force across generations and communities.
Personal insights into the influence of baseball.
Section 3: Chicago's Baseball Tapestry
The evolution of semi-professional and amateur baseball in Chicago.
The rise of celebrated teams like Logan Squares and West Ends.
Baseball’s role in unifying communities and industries.
Section 4: Amateur Baseball and the Eastland Disaster
The Chicago Tribune Amateur Baseball Contest of 1915.
The Eastland disaster's impact on Chicago's baseball community.
The intertwining of baseball and tragedy.
Section 5: Personal Stories of Baseball Players and Survivors
Individual accounts of players who perished in the Eastland disaster.
The impact on families and communities.
The story of Frank "Pete" Schreiner, a survivor with ties to the Black Sox scandal.
The ongoing legacy of these players in the tapestry of American baseball history.
Section 6: The Black Sox Scandal and Its Legacy
The connection to the infamous Black Sox scandal.
Personal recollections of the scandal's impact.
The cultural significance of the scandal in American history.
Conclusion:
Reflections on the intertwining of baseball, culture, and tragedy.
Acknowledging the importance of remembering and sharing these stories.
Headline from Chicago Daily Tribune, July 27, 1915 “Eleven Amateur Baseball Players Among Eastland Disaster Victims” and their images
