Canadian ball hall selling prints to commemorate Babe Ruth homer, Kevin Glew podcast interview

September 5, 2023

Official Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame News Release

On September 5, 1914, a 19-year-old Boston Red Sox pitching prospect stepped up to the plate in the sixth inning and belted a three-run home run off Toronto Maple Leafs hurler Ellis Johnson at Hanlan’s Point Stadium on Toronto Island.

Few thought much of the blast that cleared the right field fence. After all, the long ball came off the bat of George Herman Ruth, who was batting ninth and toeing the rubber for the double-A Providence Grays. And this husky teenager was destined for a future on the mound, not in the batter’s box.

But that home run turned out to be Babe Ruth’s first professional regular season – and only minor league – round-tripper. The Bambino, of course, graduated to the big leagues by the end of that season and eventually socked 714 four-baggers in a 22-year career, mostly with the New York Yankees.

Limited edition print

With today being the 109^th anniversary of that home run, the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame is selling a limited number of prints (numbered out of 714) that commemorate his historic first homer.

Titled “The Babe and Toronto: A Legend Begins . . . September 5th, 1914,” these prints are signed by the artist, Pam Davies, and are being offered exclusively by the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame for a 20% discount. The prints regularly cost $50 each, but they can be purchased for $40 each plus tax and shipping until September 10. Proceeds will go towards the archiving of the artifacts.

“This is a great opportunity for fans to purchase a print that pays tribute to one of the greatest moments in Canadian baseball history,” said Scott Crawford, the Hall’s director of operations. “When you’re talking about baseball, there’s no one bigger than the Babe and we’re fortunate to have an exclusive opportunity to sell these prints.”

Created in 1985, the Ruth print is 18.5″ (width) by 25″ (length) and features action and profile shots of the Babe, a sketch of the stadium, the game’s box score and the Canada and U.S. flags.

It’s interesting to note that in the same game as his historic first home run, Ruth also pitched a complete-game, one-hitter to lead the Grays to a 9-0 win over the Maple Leafs in front of 2,300 fans at Hanlan’s Point Stadium. The only hit Ruth allowed was a single to Leafs catcher Billy Kelly.

To purchase one of these limited edition Ruth prints click HERE, or please call the Hall of Fame at 519-284-1838 or email baseball@baseballhalloffame.ca.

Kevin Glew interviewed by the Cardy Show Podcast

No one hates listening to their own voice more than I do, but in early August I was interviewed by Brent Cardy and David Glassford from the Cardy Show podcast. I had the opportunity to talk about a lot of the great things about my job, including working with Bob Elliott, my passion for the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame and my strong interest in Jack Graney.

You can listen to the interview here.