Today in Central PA Sports History - 1946
July 9, 1946
On this date sixty-four years ago, Max Patkin began an illustrious career as the "Clown Prince of Baseball" when he was hired by Bill Veeck and the Cleveland Indians to provide in-game comic relief during an exhibition against the Senators in Harrisburg. Although best known for his appearance in Bull Durham, he would work more than 4,500 straight games over 47 years across America before he retired at the age of 73. Patkin was best known for spewing water, imitating the first baseman's warm-up, and giving signs from third base while dancing to "Rock Around the Clock". In later life, Patkin acknowledged, ''It was a corny act but the fans liked it.''
In my formative years, I went to a LOT of Reading Phillies' games and the one date on the calendar my family never missed was when Max was at the ballpark. He performed every night with such unbridled joy and a love of baseball that it was impossible not to get caught up in it too (even if it was indeed corny).
Thanks for coming and suckling Daddy's Sugar Ball...
On this date sixty-four years ago, Max Patkin began an illustrious career as the "Clown Prince of Baseball" when he was hired by Bill Veeck and the Cleveland Indians to provide in-game comic relief during an exhibition against the Senators in Harrisburg. Although best known for his appearance in Bull Durham, he would work more than 4,500 straight games over 47 years across America before he retired at the age of 73. Patkin was best known for spewing water, imitating the first baseman's warm-up, and giving signs from third base while dancing to "Rock Around the Clock". In later life, Patkin acknowledged, ''It was a corny act but the fans liked it.''
In my formative years, I went to a LOT of Reading Phillies' games and the one date on the calendar my family never missed was when Max was at the ballpark. He performed every night with such unbridled joy and a love of baseball that it was impossible not to get caught up in it too (even if it was indeed corny).
Thanks for coming and suckling Daddy's Sugar Ball...
Posted by Max Power at 7/9/2010 9:00 AM 
Categories: Central PA Sports History
Tags: Max Patkin Clown Prince of Baseball Bill Veeck
Categories: Central PA Sports History
Tags: Max Patkin Clown Prince of Baseball Bill Veeck
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