More than a Rawlings HH

[softball66]

Many of us know that the Rawlings HH Harvey Haddix model was one of the classic gloves of all times. Mays made the over the shoulder World Series catch with one in 1954. Mantle is reported to have employed one in Larsen's perfect game two years later in another memorable WS game.
But who of us knows much about the player's name on the glove, a Mr. Harvey Haddix, who was known as "The Kitten" (and that name's on the HH glove as well). Harvey learned from a Cardinal pitcher before him, Harry, "The Cat" Brecheen, hence Harvey's nickname. The Kitten once pitched 12 innings of perfect baseball, still an unmatched feat. No they weren't concerned about pitch count in those days.
I just re-read a newspaper column by a guy none of you have heard of, Kesley Colbert, who was as loyal and eager a St. Louis fan around in the 1950s, even though, he was from a podunk town and had to keep up with his team by listening to the Cards games on the radio. Kesley a glove aficionado, who once wrote another very humorous glove story about the kid who couldn't play well but, to the envy of all the other kids, owned a nice Bob Turley Trapeze.
Kesley was paying tribute to one of his lifetime heros, Haddix, who had just passed away in this column, and it touched my heart again.
If any of you have read, "The Painted House," by John Gresham you'll know how KMOX St. Louis and Harry Carey broadcasting the St. Louis games could affect the lives in small town America. Well, it sure did with
Kesley and he has written a poignant love story of his devotion with Haddix and his Cardinals.
"HADDIX TRADED FROM ST. LOUIS"
"The world as I knew it came to a crashing halt," Colbert writes. "Baseball is a cold busiiness. He just can't play for the Phillies" I beat up my dog. I bit my little brother. I wore sackcloth and ashes.
"My father never listened to another Cardinal ball game."
He ends his column writing, "ESPN and Sports Illustrated couldn't tell the story--they didn't know him. And besides, they don't have a clue about the depth of loyalty. . . in little no where towns. . .
If any of you glovers would like a photocopy of this kind of different article, drop me a note at glovecollector@mac.com.

[BigD-Moonlight]

Joe, Thanks for the great story about the Kitten.
Some of my fond memories of growing up in the 1950's was listening to my beloved Brooklyn Dodgers from Dallas on the radio. One of my best friends was a Cardinal fan and we had a bunch of fun with that rivalry.
John

[robin_buckeye]

Just west of Urbana, Ohio is a "wide spot in the road" called Westville. Signs on the four main entrances proudly state: "Westville, birthplace of Harvey Haddix."

40 years ago, when I was in college nearby I drove through often and always thought of Harv and his heartbreaking loss after 12 innings of perfect pitching.

I drove through recently and the signs are still up.

[vintagebrett]

My dad had a Harvey Haddix that he gave me to sell a bunch of years ago but I still have it because my wife loves cats, and since the glove says "The Kitten" it stays in the collection. Guess I should probably pay him for it sometime.

I posted this in another section but there is a new album coming out in July with a baseball themes and one of the songs is about Harvey Haddix - it is a great song

http://www.vintagebaseballgloveforum.co ... php?t=1399

[jackwhale]

I love these old stories that come up on the forum and Baseball on the radio brings back old memories: Harry Heilman/Red Rolfe and the Tigers in the 50's.

[Cusser]

I only have two autographs: Haddix and Mazeroski, both signed my 1960 Game 7 ticket. Haddix signed it at 1979 Pirates at San Diego game. Harvey was amazed I had kept that all those years, repeated that he was the winning pitcher of that game (he had pitched the 9th inning).