July 27 has been declared Jack Graney Day in St. Thomas in celebration of his 14-year career on the diamond and 21 years off the field as a play-by-play broadcaster for the Cleveland Indians.
The evening portion of the festivities will be held at Emslie Field and city councillor Steve Peters recounts the connection between Graney and Bob Emslie, both of whom lived on Elgin Street in the city.
Born in St. Thomas in 1886, Graney began his career as a pitcher then transitioned to the outfield, spending his entire major league career with the Cleveland franchise, which included playing as part of Cleveland’s first World Series Championship team in 1920, beating the Brooklyn Dodgers.
Graney entered the record books as the first hitter Red Sox Pitcher Babe Ruth faced in the major leagues on July 11, 1914.
Almost two years later, he became the first major leaguer to bat wearing a number on his uniform and in 1908 was a member of the first All-Star team to tour Asia.
He transitioned again to became the team’s play-by-play broadcaster over a 21-year span, signing off in 1953.
Peters notes how ‘Glad’ Graney brought the games to life on the radio.
Graney is this year’s recipient of the Ford C. Frick Award presented annually by the National Baseball Hall of Fame to a broadcaster for major contributions to baseball.
Peters advises audio records of Graney calling a game still exist.
And, of course, no recollection of ‘Glad” Graney is complete without a mention of Larry.
Author Barbara Gregorich, in her book Jack and Larry, wrote a heart-warming account of the special relationship between Graney, the team’s dog Larry (Cleveland’s first mascot), and Cleveland fans. Whenever Jack realized Larry was becoming tired from his pre-game antics, long road trips and train rides, Jack sent the well-recognized bull terrier to St. Thomas for a much-needed rest.
Jack would take Larry to the Cleveland dock and put him on the midnight steamer northbound across Lake Erie. Arriving in Port Stanley the next morning, Larry would trot down the ramp, run over to the waiting interurban car bound for St. Thomas, board it, and jump off at his stop. There he
would scamper down Elgin Street to Jack’s parent’s house, announcing his arrival with a loud bark and scratching at the door.
Peters recounts Larry’s appearance with the Cleveland organization.
A full day of activities honouring Graney are planned on the 27th, culminating in an evening of celebrations at Emslie Field.
Schedule of events:
11:30 a.m. – Formal dedication of the Hometown Heroes baseball sculptures (staff will be there by 11am to take photos for anyone interested)
Location: Small monument at the Southwest Corner of the intersection of Fairview Avenue and Bill Martyn Parkway, not in the middle of the roundabout. Park on Bill Martyn Parkway.
2:00 p.m. – Book signings of both 3 and 2 Jack (by William Rayner) and Jack and Larry (by Barbara Gregorich)
Location: St. Thomas Wall of Fame, Joe Thornton Arena
6:30 p.m. – Evening event opens to the public as both the St. Thomas Cardinals and the Sarnia Brigade get warmed up (food trucks, games and activities, live music from the Heavyweights Brass Band, photo area, meet and greet with Paralympian James Dunn and more).
Location: Emslie Field – parking available off of Parkside Drive by the tennis courts and in Pinafore Park.
7:40 p.m. – Teams off the field into dugouts, dignitaries gather behind the stands at Emslie Field.
7:45 p.m. – Players and coaches from both teams to be introduced by the announcer and line up on the baselines.
Dignitaries piped in by the St. Thomas Police Pipes and Drums Band and then introduced by the announcer.
Performance of the U.S. and Canadian national anthems by local musician, Justin Maki.
Unveiling of the “Jack Graney Broadcast Booth.”
Ceremonial first pitches (simultaneous)
Players to take their positions and dignitaries leave the field.
“Play Ball” announcement by Perry (Mudd) Smith, granddaughter of Jack Graney
8:00 p.m. – Game between the U14 St. Thomas Cardinals and Sarnia Brigade.
(each batter will be announced and the Heayweight Brass Band will play music during inning transitions)
End of the 3rd inning – Heavyweight Brass Band to play “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” for our version of the seventh inning stretch
10:00 p.m. (following game) – Players exit the field and watch the first ever Drone Show in St. Thomas
Written by Ian McCallum
