Donovan Field

New Haven CT

Former
New Haven Profs
New Haven Bulldogs


All photographs in this series appear courtesy of
Chris Hunter of the
Schenectady Museum and
Science Center

from the G.E. Collection of Historic Photographs

(special thanks to Stephen L.J. Russo)
The off-season was just a fluke it turned out. The talent returned to Donovan Field in 1928 with some excellent power hitting and a new superstar… Jim Blakesley would set this ballpark on fire with his heroics, as he posted a record 50 2Bs, 13 3Bs, 19 HRs and a new batting title of .382. He would lead the team in almost every record had Elmer Bowman not come back with a vengeance to steal his HR title back by slamming 31 2Bs and 21 HRs while batting .310. Leo Casey would also contribute by batting .329 with 33 2Bs and 16 HRs and Kermit Smith put up 14 HRs of his own while batting .245. Fred Meyer would add a .293 with 36 2Bs, 12 3Bs and 11 HRs. This formidable lineup was boosted by some excellent pitching. Future Cincinnati Reds’ Dutch Kemner turned his 20 loss previous season completely around, winning 20 games posting a 20-7, 2.52 record. Together this talented bunch would put up a team best 92 wins against 61 losses and took 1st place and the first Championship home to Donovan Field.