ECL Coverage: 1925

In 1925 the Harrisburg Giants hitters terrorized the EAstern Colored League and the best independent, semi-pro and professional teams in the middle Atlantic states. The local papers provided excellent coverage. Here is an example from the pages of the Intelligencer Journal:

Monday, April 27, 1925 - Daily Intelligencer

Giants Win Opener at Rossmere

Thousands See Giants Come From Behind to Whip Wilmington;
Triple Steal in 8th. Starts Rally

Harrisburg Colored Nine Overcomes Five-Run Lead and Wins Opening Home Game at Rossmere; Final Score was 8-5

The Harrisburg Giants made their debut to local baseball fandom yesterday afternoon at Rossmere Base Ball Park, and delighted the thousands of fans present by coming from behind and overcoming a five-run lead to defeat the Wilmington Potomacs 8 to 5 in a game that was chock full of fast baseball, smart baseball and thrilling baseball. The game was for the benefit of the American Legion Band.

Tying the score at 5 all in the lucky seventh, the local representatives of the Eastern Colored circuit pulled a piece of baseball strategy that gave even the most quiet baseball fans an opportunity to release some of his pent up enthusiasm. With two down Jenkins singled, Dixon was advanced to first when he was hit by a pitched ball. The heavy hitting Charleston was walked purposely. The signal from the bench was given and the men on the bases started to move, beginning a triple steal. The play was successful and Jenkins crossed home plate. Dixon and Charleston later scored when Lindsay fumbled Canady’s hot liner. This play put the game on ice for the Giants.

Wilmington’s last chance at-bat came in the ninth and the Giant hurler retired the side without a run. The visitors started like sure winners in the first inning by polling out five runs. White the first man up was given a free ticket to first by Henry. Dallard got a single which was closely followed by another single off the bat of Hamilton. With the bases loaded, Brown connected for a base hit and scored Henry. Lindsay the next man up collided with one of Henry’s curves for a circuit clout clearing the bases. The spree ended the scoring for Wilmington for the day.

The Giant players came to bat with determination written on their faces in the dying half of the initial inning. Dixon singled to center, and Charleston the next man to bat, not to be outdone by Lindsay, sent the ball over the right field fence. After the free hitting on both sides in the first inning, both twirlers settled down to work, and for six innings the two teams battled back and forth, neither side being able to duplicate the first inning punch.

In the seventh frame, the locals tied the score. Jenkins walked pilfered second, and was sent home on Dixon’s base hit. Dixon stole second and scored from second on Taylor’s double against the fence. Taylor tied the score several minutes later when he crossed home station on Burnett’s single. The side was retired without further damage.

Then came the fatal eighth as far as Wilmington was concerned, and the fruitful eighth as far as the Giants were concerned. The triple steal which scored one man, and started a rally which later scored two more, is now baseball history.

Local fans put their stamp of approval on the Giants who displayed real ability in their first game of the home season. Both sides played wonderful ball and if the rest of the games booked for Rossmere this season can be judged by the opening one, then Lancaster baseball fans are in for some real pastiming. Grier and Henry twirled good ball with the exception of several innings in which all the scoring was done. Brown at third for the Wilmington nine gave the fans a real treat in fielding ability.