|
|
| Title: |
Clown Prince of Baseball #1 |
| Bio: |
Born March 15, 1860 - died November 29, 1952. Latham is listed by the New Hampshire Historical Society as the first “Clown Prince of Baseball.” He played professional ball in the 1800’s when only the catcher and first basemen wore gloves. His first interest in the game started when Civil War soldiers came home from the war and continued playing the game they learned from other soldiers. His first game for pay was in 1879.
His pranks as a player earned him another title: “Freshest Man on Earth,” which was a popular song of that time. It is told that because of his antics as a third base coach, new rules had to be instigated providing for a coach’s box. Seems Arlie would run up and down the third base line yelling abuse at the pitcher in mid-form.
While playing for the St. Louis Browns, Arlie decided a game for the pennant with Brooklyn should be called for darkness. The umpire did not agree. So Arlie rounded up 12 big candles and lit them on the bench. The umpire came over and blew out Arlie’s strong hint. Arlie lit them again. This time the ump blew out the candles and forfeited the game to Brooklyn.
A small, but athletic player, Latham once bunted straight to the first baseman who merely had to wait for Arlie to come to him for an easy put out. Latham obliged, but at the last second somersaulted over the first baseman and landed safe on first.
At the age of 50, Arlie was, and still is, the oldest player to ever steal a base in major league history. As a coach (baseball’s first full time coach) he would try to distract opposing pitchers with silly stunts and taunting. He was known for entertaining the fans by dancing jigs in the coaching box, and would turn somersaults when his team scored.
During World War I, Latham organized baseball for the troops in England. While there, he taught King George V to catch and throw a baseball. He remained there for 17 years as the Commissioner of Baseball.
Back in the states Arlie opened a Deli in New York City near 183rd and Nicholas. He worked in the press box for both the Yankees and Giants and kept that job until his death in 1952.
|
 |
|
| Hall of Fame |
|
|
 |
 |
|
