There was a baseball game at the Parade Ground in Prospect Park to celebrate the publication of Andrew Mele’s book “The Boys of Brooklyn” (Author House), which chronicles the history of baseball in the spot. Per a release about Field of Dreams Day from Eugene Patron:
Mele and members of the The Old Boys of Summer, a group of former minor league baseball players (ages 50s – 70s) who get together regularly to practice and play ball, enjoyed a game against the front office staff of the Brooklyn Cyclones. It was a friendly but serious rematch, with the Cyclones staff – who the Old Boys beat last time they met for a game – out to avenge their previous loss. The Cyclones staff won today’s game, but the Old Boys are already calling for a new rematch! Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz came to the baseball diamond to greet the players and present them with a proclamation honoring all the generations of great Brooklyn Baseball players…2008 is also the 125th anniversary of the only professional game ever played at the Parade Ground. OnMay 9, 1883 the Brooklyn team then known as the Grays took on the team from Harrisburg, Pa. in an official league contest. Brooklyn came away with the victory, 7-1.
Looks like a fun afternoon in the park.
13 responses so far ↓
1 Fran // Aug 7, 2008 at 3:42 pm
I lived across the street from the parade grounds and heard you guys play every Saturday morning. You taught me to love baseball — thanks! Where can I buy your book?
2 larry trapani // Aug 8, 2008 at 12:25 pm
in reading the article i did not get the impression that all the players were former minor leaguers, is the game restricted to former minor leaguers or old timers that played in leagues in the parade grounnds, what are the rules for eligeability.
l.t
3 Joe from Buffalo // Aug 17, 2008 at 8:33 pm
Great to hear about your group. I play with a group called the Delaware Park Old Tymers for the past 28 years. We take fielding and batting practice every Saturday and Sunday for the past 60-70 years. Our group hits fungos during the winter months (November through March) in the snow!! Maybe we could play you some time?
4 frank kelly // Nov 13, 2008 at 10:27 am
i played at the parade grounds 1945 46 for the bucaneers diamond 1 and 19 were the two show case diamonds what memories
5 Walter Cronk // Jan 28, 2009 at 12:30 pm
Hey Guys,
Kid from the streets of Crown Heights here in Atlanata. I was “almost famous” Played couple years for Frank Tep, who coached the Cummings Bros., post American Legion baseball team. I was in infielder along with some guy whose name was Willie Randolph. Well I found a girlfriend and other distractions that got me thrown off the team, But Willlie did not. I will never forget the first time he and I started coach said Cronk and Randolph you guys are starting today. We also had a dude whose name was Al Lyon an All City player on our team. Anyone out here remember any of this. I played briefly for the Boney Boys team and my HS Nazereth
6 Walter Cronk // Jan 28, 2009 at 12:32 pm
Hey Guys,
Kid from the streets of Crown Heights here in Atlanta. I was “almost famous” Played couple years for Frank Tep, who coached the Cummings Bros., post American Legion baseball team. I was in infielder along with some guy whose name was Willie Randolph. Well I found a girlfriend and other distractions that got me thrown off the team, But Willlie did not. I will never forget the first time he and I started coach said Cronk and Randolph you guys are starting today. We also had a dude whose name was Al Lyons an All City player on our team. Anyone out here remember any of this. I played briefly for the Bonnie Boys team and my HS Nazereth
7 mike viehl // Feb 3, 2009 at 4:23 pm
i played with beverly boys and bonnies and holy innocents,i lived on caton and it was my backyard,many memories.
miss it,i saw the new fields and wish i played on those
8 Walter Cronk // Feb 3, 2009 at 8:58 pm
Let me get the spelling of my HS correct. Where is the spell check when I need it. Proud to say Nazareth , Ave. D and E. 57 st.
9 ed // Apr 3, 2009 at 7:03 pm
i paayed in 1945 and up, with the panthers mickey whites,cards, ty cobbs played every game 1/2 at catching and third base, still remember breaking up a no hitter, team that jerry casale playe on, he wasnt the pitcher, he played second base that game, and also a sad one that hit the brooklyn eagle ,,DUNN NO HITS WHITES,dont rember the pitcher, but he was good,good memories from playing at the parade grounds and red hook
10 John Murphy // Apr 30, 2009 at 5:54 pm
I played ball in the Parade Grounds for many years. 1963 – 1968. I played Baseball for Frank Tepedino’s Cummings Brothers post, and for The Brooklyn Cadets. I would walk to the Parade Grounds from Nostrand and Beverly Road, to play pepper, practice, hit fungo, and watch the older guys. I went away to play, but my pitching coach in Florida told me I had to change my delivery, and the next thing I know, my arm is frozen, and I have no strength left in it. I looked for Frank Tepedino or anyone from his family, but have been unsuccessful, thusfar.
11 John Murphy // Apr 30, 2009 at 6:02 pm
A few other names I am thinking of, since finding the above story are Randy Tepedino, Rich Tepedino, Joe Trotter, Chris Flahrety, Chris Devine, George Kirk, Kirby Campanella, Vinnie Adamondo, Kenny Schacter, and so many others. I remember a couple of guys on the Bonnies who were very good players. One’s name was Mario. Joe Bonnie was the coach. I remember beating the Staten Island Cedricks with Cummings Brothers, and they were really upset. They thought they were unbeatable. I no-hit them, including Lambert, Donovan, etc.
12 Walter Cronk // May 3, 2009 at 6:49 pm
Hey guys I can’t give you script and verse as to when I played with Cummings Bros. but I played 2 years with Willie Randolph before Frank threw me off the team. Not proud of that moment
13 marty schwam // Nov 11, 2009 at 6:12 am
I KNOW WHERE FRANK TEPEDINO IS.
I PLAYED AGAINST JOE TORRE,RICO PETROCELLI AND OTHERS.
PLAYED FOR THE RAVENS,TRIPLE NICKEL
MARTY