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. |