NYGPS Member Rich McCabe was the visiting batboy at the Polo Grounds starting in the September 1953 season and then for the WS Champion Giants in 1954. He concluded his tenure following the 1955 campaign. Read his story below (double click to enlarge) and check out his “Through the Years” photo album in the photos section-Gary
This site, THE NEW YORK GIANTS PRESERVATION SOCIETY, is a new on-line venture, one in which “the history of the New York Baseball Giants is remembered, treasured, and preserved.”
Our goal is to make this a place where followers of the past can congregate with others who have similar yearnings to remember a a time in their life that was removed when the Giants moved to San Francisco for the start of the 1958 MLB season. We want to keep the flame burning so to speak. We hope all followers of the Giants (both NY and SF) find this a site that they will frequent often as we try our best to provide you with as up to date information on the NY Baseball Giants as possible.
We will be continually trying to add new things to make this your home for anything having to do with the NY Baseball Giants. “We’re calling all fans, all you Giants ballfans”!!
-Gary
Last remnant of the Polo Grounds & home plate marker
(Click on pictures to enlarge)
Here are some of the best books written about the New York Giants in the last few years that need to be part of your “Giants” library.
THE ECHOING GREEN The Untold Story of Bobby Thomson, Ralph Branca and the Shot Heard Round the World
by Joshua Prager
“By this time, we all know about the book, The Echoing Green, written by Joshua Prager. Prager came to speak to my Sports Interest Group in Arizona about the book a few years back. There were more than 60 of my members there and they were hypnotized by the “young” Prager as he told his story. The book is certainly worth the read and Prager knows every minute detail of what happened during that season, including the epic sign stealing scheme. He had many, many interview sessions with all of the characters including Thomson and Branca. This book needs to be in your sports library!!”
-Steve
“The Echoing Green is simply my favorite baseball book. The amount of research that Mr. Prager did on this story makes it what it is……an epic baseball tale. No detail has been has been left out. It is such an amazing story that I wrote a mock trial about it for my school. Mr. Prager was kind enough to visit with my students signing their books and placards as well as participating in a Q & A session with them a few years back. He also attended the trial with his dad which pleased my students to no end. This book without a doubt is a home run!! A must read for any Giants fan and any baseball fan for that matter.”
-Gary
Miracle Ball My Hunt for the Shot Heard ‘Round the World
by Brian Biegel (click on people below, follow to Brian Biegel)
people
“The newest book about the 1951 Baseball Season is Miracle Ball: My Hunt for the Shot Heard ‘Round the World, written by Brian Biegel. A good friend put me up to buying and reading the book. Since then I have had numerous chat sessions via phone with author Biegel. The plot of the book is amazing and takes us all over the country in his search for the most prized piece of memorabilia in sports, including forensic experts, attorneys, etc., who were hired by Biegel in his quest. As Brian says, “This book should finally put closure to the Shot Heard Round the World.”
I have to agree. I recommend it highly. Once you start to read it, you won’t want to put it down. It is like reading a mystery novel for sure. I am hoping to get Brian out here at some point to speak to my sports group.
-Steve
“A terrific and quick read. Once you start Miracle Ball, it will be tough to put down as Mr. Biegel uses his search for the games most valuable prize as a sort of therapy in dealing with his own issues in life. Went to the book signing and his story really came to life. Mr. Biegel informed me via email that, “The documentary is going to be on the Velocity Channel in the early fall, air date TBD.” Can’t wait”
-Gary
the SHOT heard ’round the WORLD
by Phil Bildner (click on shot below)
the-shot-heard-round-the-world
Mr. Bildner’s book the SHOT heard ’round the WORLD is a terric picture book about the greatest moment in baseball history. The book looks at the Giants unlikely comeback and Thomson’s homerun from a Brooklyn Dodger perspective. The illustrations are truly remarkable and bring the wonderful writing to life! This is the perfect gift you would want to give your child or grandchild and read to them over and over again. I purchased this book for each of my 55 students that Mr. Bildner personally autographed and he then spoke to them about how it came to see the light of day! The students loved the book and Bildner’s interaction with them. The Giants win the Pennant! Mr. Bildner wins fans!!!
-Gary
THE EARLY POLO GROUNDS
by Chris Epting
www.chrisepting.com
Mr. Epting’s (NYGPS member) book has a wonderful collection of pictures with informative blurbs on each. Book contains shots of the the PG’s today as well. Mr. Epting is an entertaining speaker and authority on subject as I had pleasure of hearing him a few years back at the Queens Historical Society. He has written many other books that will surely peek your interest, including Roadside Baseball. Click on his link above to get to his website.
-Gary
***Chris’ new book Baseball in Orange County will be out in early June. Here is a link to it.
ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1336870133&sr=1-1
According to Chris, “There are some of the rarest pictures of Babe Ruth, never before made public, from a 1924 game in which he faced Walter Johnson in Brea, California.”
New York Giants Night / “Polo Grounds: 55 Year Anniversary”
Tuesday, 6/26 vs. LA 7:15 p.m.
What better way to honor the great history of the Giants than coming to the park for a showdown with the longtime rival Los Angeles Dodgers? This rivalry dates all the way back to the days when both teams called New York home, and this special event celebrates that legacy with the 55th Anniversary Celebration of the last year the Giants played their games at the Polo Grounds. Your special event package includes a ticket to the game and a collector’s edition Polo Grounds Stadium Replica! Whether you have been a Giants fan since the New York Days, or just since the World Champion days, bring your friends and family out to the park and get in on a little history!
http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/sf/ticketing/group_special_events.jsp?group=nygiants
-Gary
JUNE 6, 1938
In a 17-3 win over the Reds at the Polo Grounds, the Giants become the first team to hit five home runs in one inning. Harry Danning, Frank Demaree, Burgess Whitehead, Manny Salvo, and Joe Moore all go deep with two outs in the fourth inning. (Nationalpastime.com)
