Etched in Stone: A Lasting Tribute to the Deadball Era

November 26, 2008 by David Stalker · Leave a Comment

In 2005 a monument in honor of Fred Merkle was erected in the city of his birth, Watertown, WI. It has become the first of a series of memorials honoring players, and soon to be included teams, from the Deadball Era.

I consider the Deadball Era the most exciting time of our National Pastime. We are all familiar with the names of Ty Cobb, Honus Wagner, Shoeless Joe Jackson, and Cy Young playing during this time, and Babe Ruth starting his career in this era. My goal with this monument project is to teach the public about the lesser known stars and players as well. Starting in the communities where, or near, the player was born, or where he played prior to his major league career. Eliminate numbers, and all the players from this era are equal. They all played with, and against each other. Each one has an interesting life and story, worth recording and remembering.

This is a non-profit series. The monument company and I donate our time. Funding comes from those that share my interest, often from the playerâ€™s families. I always include the donorsâ€™ names on the monuments. Businesses are welcome; this may provide a unique way of advertising for you.

My goal is to make this a National series, telling the story about these players throughout the country. With the continued help of player family members, fans, historians, authors and businesses, this can grow to be a series that the country can take much pride in. Anyone with interest can be part of it. If you have a player that you would like to see honored and included in this series, and would be willing to help, please forward your request to me, for consideration. Or if you want to contribute to the overall project contact me, David Stalker at attheballyard@yahoo.com

Players that have followed Fred Merkle thus far include Davy Jones, Billy Sullivan , Red Kleinow, Addie Joss , Charley Faust and Bob Groom. Bert Husting, Bill Killefer and Red Killefer will be added in 2009. The first team monument is honoring the 1901 Milwaukee Brewers; plans are being made for it to be erected at Miller Park in 2009.

Monument names and locations:

FRED MERKLE

Octagon House Grounds
Watertown Historical Society919 Charles Street
Watertown, WI 53094

DAVY JONES

The Wagoner House
Cambria-Friesland Historical Society112 N. Madison Street
Cambria, WI 53923

BILLY SULLIVAN

Jones Park
615 Janesville Ave.
Fort Atkinson, WI 53538

CHARLEY FAUST

Marion Baseball Complex
308 Eisenhower Drive
Marion, KS 66861

ADDIE JOSS

Washington Park
635 S. 12th Street
Watertown, WI 53094

RED KLEINOW