Hutch Post, in partnership with Steve Harmon and the Conard-Harmon Collection, is proud to present Throwback Thursday. Enjoy a weekly release from Steve Harmon as he presents the "Hutch - Then & Now Collection."
STEVE HARMON
Hutch Post Contributor
Today's "Throwback Thursday Collection" takes us to the Southwest corner of West Avenue C and South Adams Street.
In 1904, Hutchinson decided it needed to get into the Minor League Baseball business. The city decided to build a baseball park that could accommodate the larger crowds that a minor league team would need.
The Hutchinson Athletic Park opened in June of 1905 at Avenue C & Adams. They joined the Western Association and, on July 12 of 1906, the St. Joseph Packers moved here to become The Hutchinson Salt Packers, with W.F. Cook assuming the role of field manager. The first photo (taken by Sam Hirst) shows that ballpark.
The 1907 Salt Packers were a special team, managed by Jay A. (Doc) Andrews. He landed 17-year-old pitcher Howard Ellsworth (Smoky Joe) Wood. Smoky Joe had a blazing fastball.
The second photo shows the 1907 Salt Packers team.
The Salt Packers went 18-11 in their 29 games that year. Smoky Joe caught the attention of the Boston Red Sox . He was immediately moved to the Kansas City Triple-A affiliate and then was with Boston to start the 1908 season. Smoky Joe was one of only 13 pitchers to win 30 or more games in a single season (going 34-5 in 1912) since 1900. Walter Johnson once said, "There is no man alive that can throw harder than Smoky Joe Wood."
After 1911, baseball was moved to the Carey Park location. The old stadium was razed and, about 1935, a large warehouse was constructed on the property.
About 1950, the Rudy Patrick Seed Co. formed at this location. In 1973, The Greenbush Seed & Supply purchased the Rudy Patrick location and has been there ever since.
The third photo shows the property today, still owned by the Greenbush Seed and Supply Co. of Parsons.
To purchase a print, contact: [email protected].
Throwback Thursday is brought to you by:
Gambino's Pizza
Sleep Shoppe & Furniture Gallery
Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce
STRATACA Kansas Underground Salt Museum
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