Boston University




From Aug. 18 (the official 100-year anniversary) to Sept. 26 (Alumni Weekend event at Nickerson), we will take a look back at one Braves/Nickerson Field moment each day.

Sept. 26, 1948
 Braves Clinch NL Title on the Arms of Spahn and Sain

Inspired by the 1948 National League pennant drive, Gerald V. Hern, then the sports editor of the Boston Post, wrote what is now an iconic poem referred to as Spahn, Sain and Pray for Rain.

Late in the season, the pitching rotation was especially thin and writers joked about praying for rain to give Spahn and Sain time to recover.

Published on Sept. 14, 1948, the poem called upon the Boston Braves' two ace pitchers, Johnny Sain and Warren Spahn, to carry the pitching burden. The Braves went on an eight-game win streak and later defeated the New York Giants, 3-2, on Sept. 26, 1948 on Bob Elliott's three-run homer to clinch the NL Title for the first time since 1914.

First we'll use Spahn
then we'll use Sain
Then an off day
followed by rain
Back will come Spahn
followed by Sain
And followed
we hope
by two days of rain.

In the World Series, the Braves fell to Cleveland in six games (4-2), the last of which was played on Braves Field.

braves-nickerson

Links

 http://www.baseball-almanac.com/box-scores/boxscore.php?boxid=194809260BS7

 http://www.billjamesonline.com/article1320/

 http://www.nytimes.com/2003/11/25/sports/baseball/25SPAH.html

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/11/08/AR2006110802284.html


June 6, 1954
 Harry Agganis Homers, Graduates on Same Day

Only one Boston University graduate has homered for the Boston Red Sox and received his diploma on the same afternoon, and that man is Harry Agganis. The Golden Greek turned this impressive double play on June 6, 1954. Starting at first base that afternoon at Fenway Park for the Red Sox, Agganis slugged a two-run home run to break a 4-4 tie in the fifth inning.

The Sox won that game, 7-4, but Agganis wasn't done yet. Following the victory, the former two-sport Terrier standout put on his cap and gown and rushed down Commonwealth Avenue to the Boston University Field, which the school purchased from the Braves in 1953. There, Agganis accepted his bachelor's of science degree from the School of Education.

Agganis completed his rookie season with the Red Sox in 1954 with 11 home runs and a .251 batting average. He was en route to a breakout 1955 campaign, hitting .313 for the Sox when tragedy struck. Agganis was stricken with pneumonia and died tragically of a pulmonary embolism on June 29, 1955.

msoc-nickerson

Links

 http://www.coachwyatt.com/harryagganis.htm

http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/agganha01.shtml

http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/BOS/BOS195406060.shtml


Nov. 13, 1994
 Unbeaten BU Claims NAC Title, No. 1 National Ranking 

It did not take long to figure out that the 1994 men's soccer team was special, as the Terriers opened the season with a stunning 3-2 victory against No. 1 Virginia and future U.S. National head coach Bruce Arenas in Charlottesville, Va. BU would advance to the NCAA tournament for the eighth time, register an overall mark of 19-1-1, and capture the number-one ranking in the final Intercollegiate Soccer Association of America national poll.

After posting a 16-0-1 regular-season mark, and standing as the nation's only undefeated team, the Terriers downed Maine and New Hampshire to capture their second of five consecutive North Atlantic Conference (now known as the America East) tournament crowns. The Wildcats earlier in the season recorded a 0-0 draw at Nickerson Field but were soundly defeated, 3-1, in the championship final. Despite the loss though, UNH joined BU in the 1994 NCAA tournament. 

The Terriers opened the NCAAs by posting a 2-0 victory at Harvard before falling at Brown, 3-2, in the second round of a heartbreaker. Trailing 2-0 at the half, BU staged a near-impossible second-half comeback while playing a man down and tied the game in the 84th minute of play. The Bears though regained the advantage in the 88th minute.

BU established seven team records, including marks for wins (19) and unbeaten streak (20), while senior goalie Robert Forde established the career shutout mark (31) and freshman Nick Bone equalled single-season marks for goals (18) and points (43). Forde and Ola Olsen received All-New England recognition for their impressive performances. Gisle Sorli was named the NAC tournament MVP.

msoc-nickerson




April 17, 1999
 Nation's Oldest Field Artillery Unit Helps ROTC Celebrate 80th Anniversary

Over the past 32 years, the three ROTC programs (Army, Navy and Air Force) operating on Boston University's campus have hosted the annual Joint Service Presidential Pass in Review. The event is a long-standing military tradition that began as a way for a newly assigned commander to inspect the troops. It is currently held at Nickerson Field in the fall (scheduled for Oct. 17, 2015) and includes the visiting officers and guest speakers reviewing the troops. 

On August 16, 1919, the U.S. War Department authorized the establishment of a Students' Army Training Corps at BU. The Army ROTC program left campus in 1970 due to the campus turbulence of the late 1960's and returned in September 1981. Air Force ROTC operated from 1950-70 and also returned in 1981. Navy ROTC (Marine ROTC is included) was established in the fall of 1982, allowing BU to become just one of a handful of campuses to offer all three ROTC programs. BU's ROTC graduates have served in every engagement dating back to World War I.

 In 1999 for the 16th Annual Pass in Review, The First Battalion of the 101st Field Artillery Unit fired an artillery salute to honor the 80th anniversary of the establishment of ROTC at BU. The 101st dates back to 1636 and was established in Massachusetts. 

Colonel John Warren Pershing (CAS'64), the grandson of the (World War I) General of the Armies John J. Pershing, helped make the ceremony more meaningful by previously providing a generous donation that continues to be used to support cadets in need of financial help. His support for Army ROTC at BU spurred others to donate during the campaign. A recipient of nineteen service medals, decorations and badges, he passed away two months after the celebration on June 23, 1999.

msoc-nickerson


Links

 https://www.bu.edu/bridge/archive/1999/04-16/features6.html

http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/jwpershing.htm

http://www.bu.edu/rotc/about/

http://dailyfreepress.com/2004/04/26/rotc-holds-annual-end-of-year-review/



Sept. 22, 1930
 Hack Wilson Adds to Record RBI Total at Braves Field

Only 2,500 fans attended the Braves' final home game of the 1930 season, as the team limped to a 70-84 record. However, those who were in the crowd saw Chicago Cubs slugger Hack Wilson continue to add to his record RBI total that still stands today.

Wilson, who had already broken Lou Gehrig's single-season record of 175 runs batted in, knocked in three more runs to lift the Cubs to a 6-2 victory, bringing his RBI sum to 182 with three games left to play. The diminutive power hitter amazingly recorded nine RBI in his final three games to finish with 191 runs batted in; only Gehrig (184) and Hank Greenberg (183) have totaled more than 180.

In 11 games at the Wigwam in 1930, Wilson was responsible for eight RBI. Despite their dismal season, the Braves were one of only two teams that year to hold Wilson without an RBI during a four-game series.

fb-nickerson

Links

 http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.cgi?id=wilsoha01&t=b&year=1930

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hack_Wilson


Sept. 21, 1952
 Boston Falls to Brooklyn in Final Braves Field Game

The Boston Braves played their final home game at Braves Field on Sept. 21, 1952, losing to the Brooklyn Dodgers, 8-2, in front of 8,822 fans. Thirty-seven years earlier, 46,000 fans watched the first-ever Braves Field game. 

The Braves left town after a disastrous 1952 season in which they had an average home attendance of 3,653. As recently as 1946, the Braves attracted one million fans to Braves Field and two years later, in 1948, won the National League Pennant and played in the World Series, losing to the Cleveland Indians. But by the early 1950s, attendance decreased dramatically, as the Braves struggled on the field.

Just weeks before the start of the 1953 season, Braves owner Lou Perini announced that the club was moving to County Stadium in Milwaukee.

Several months after the Braves moved, Boston University purchased Braves Field for $430,000.

fb-nickerson

Links

 http://bostonbaseballhistory.com/the-sad-last-spring-of-bostons-braves/

http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/BSN/BSN195209210.shtml

http://www.bu.edu/today/2012/braves-field-remembering-the-wigwam-2/


May 28, 2006
 Nickerson Field Welcomes Record Attendance to NCAA Women's Lacrosse Title Game

BU had the opportunity to host the 2006 NCAA Women's Lacrosse semifinals and finals at Nickerson Field. Defending champion Northwestern edged Duke in an overtime thriller, 11-10, to advance to the title game against Dartmouth, who had triumphed over Notre Dame, 14-8. 

In front of a crowd of 5,684 fans, a record for a NCAA women's lacrosse championship, Northwestern successfully defended its crown with a 7-4 victory over Dartmouth in the national title game on Sunday, May 28, at Nickerson Field.

 Besides hosting the final three contests of the tournament, BU also hosted the 25th anniversary celebration of the Division I Women's Lacrosse Championship on May 25 at Agganis Arena. The evening's celebration commemorated the history of the championship and showcased former and current collegiate women's lacrosse student-athletes, coaches and key moments.

fb-nickerson

Links

 http://www.bu.edu/today/2006/bu-hosts-ncaa-women%E2%80%99s-lacrosse-championship/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006_NCAA_Division_I_Women%27s_Lacrosse_Championship


Dec. 5, 1992
 Brockton Edges Xaverian, 18-17, in MIAA Super Bowl Clash

Nickerson field has not only played host to professional and college athletics; it also hosted many memorable high school football games. Beginning in 1972 and throughout the 1990s, Nickerson was home to first the Massachusetts Secondary School Principals Association Championship and then the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association's (MIAA) "Super Bowl" Championships in football.

Brockton (Div. 1) and Greater Lowell (Div. 5) had the most victories in MIAA Super Bowl games played at Nickerson with four apiece. Everett (Div. 1), North Attleboro (Div. 3), Whitman Hanson (Div. 3), West Roxbury (Div. 5) and Xaverian (Div. 1) each won three apiece.

Several future NFL players competed for high school Super Bowl championships on Nickerson. On Dec. 5, 1992, quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, who went on to play for the Seattle Seahawks, and running back Greg Comella, later of the New York Giants, both suited up for Xaverian High School in the Div. 1 Super Bowl against Brockton. The dynamic backfield was not enough for Xaverian to pull off a victory, however, as they fell to powerhouse Brockton in a heartbreaker, 18-17. Brockton trailed 17-0 after allowing 219 yards in the first half but limited Xaverian to just seven in the second half. A 24-yard field goal with 28 seconds sealed the thrilling come-from-behind win.

Matt's younger brother Tim, who went on to play for the Buffalo Bills and Philadelphia Eagles, had better luck at Nickerson while playing at Xaverian. The younger Hasselbeck defeated Arlington in the 1995 Div. 1 Super Bowl, 36-12.

For a full list of High School Super Bowls played at Nickerson Field, click here. 

fb-nickerson

Links

 http://www.boston.com/sports/schools/football/articles/1992/12/06/bercys_field_goal_wins_it_for_brockton/

 http://www.boston.com/sports/articles/2006/02/05/well_schooled_in_super_bowl_lessons/?page=full


Sept. 21, 1968
 BU Hosts New England's First-Ever College Football Game on AstroTurf

Nickerson Field has had many surfaces over the years. From 1915 to 1955, Braves Field was of course a natural grass baseball diamond. After Boston University purchased the field in 1953, the field underwent several major renovations. In 1968, Nickerson Field became the second college field in the United States to install "AstroTurf".

When the Harold C. Case Center was built, BU lost its only practice field. The Director of Athletics Dr. Robert R. Peck spent a year traveling the country trying to find a solution to the University's need for a surface that could handle diverse and intensified use. After visiting the Astrodome, Indiana State University and the Seattle Memorial Stadium, he found AstroTurf to be the answer.

"One thing BU lacks is playing fields," he said in the BU-Colgate football program. "I've always felt it was an expensive luxury to limit one field to four to six usages by the football squad, with the exception of a little workout the day before each game. Artificial grass seemed an obvious solution to increase the use of our available real estate. Our new field will be for the total use of the University and not just for the varsity teams."

The following year, the Boston Patriots began renting the field to prepare for away games that utilized the artificial surface. BU refurbished the field in 1973, 1986 and 1995.

In 2000, "AstroTurf" was replaced with a newer, revolutionary artificial surface called "FieldTurf" as part of a deal with the Women's United Soccer Association to host the Boston Breakers games. With a professional soccer team playing at Nickerson, the football lines, which had remained on the field even though BU no longer had a football program, were not repainted. Following the installation, Nickerson Field became the first-ever FIFA certified facility in the world.

The field was resurfaced again in the summer of 2008 when the field was expanded. In 2015, Nickerson received its current surface, a new product called GreenFields MX Trimension, the latest generation of artificial turf.

Nickerson Surface

Links

 http://www.goterriers.com/genrel/081015aaa.html

 http://www.goterriers.com/sports/m-soccer/spec-rel/022601aad.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AstroTurf


Nov. 12, 2011
 Women's Soccer Hosts First NCAA Tournament Game

The Boston University women's soccer team hosted an NCAA Tournament game for the first time in 2011, which the Terriers won to advance to the second round at Wake Forest.

BU blanked Harvard, 3-0, in the team's first-ever NCAA victory, which set the program's win-streak record at 14 games, out-doing the previous mark, 13, which was set in 2010.

The win also marked the 19th of the season, which still stands as the most in a season for Terrier women's soccer.

1985 team

Links

 NCAA First Round vs. Harvard Game Recap


April 18, 1950
 Sam Jethroe Breaks Boston Color Barrier

Jackie Robinson broke the Major League Baseball color barrier in 1947, and three years later Sam Jethroe became the first black athlete to play for a major league franchise in Boston when he signed with the Braves.

Jethroe debuted on April 18, 1950, and made an immediate impact. He went 2-for-4 with a homer and two RBI as the Braves defeated the New York Giants, 11-4, at Polo Grounds. The 32-year-old became the oldest player to ever win the Rookie of the Year award after leading the National League with 35 stolen bases. Jethroe also hit .273 with 53 RBI and 18 home runs.

Nicknamed "The Jet," Jethroe followed his impressive rookie campaign with similar numbers the next year, including a league-leading 35 stolen bases. His career only lasted four seasons, with Jethroe finishing his big league stint as a .261 hitter with 460 hits, 49 home runs, 280 runs, 181 RBI and 98 stolen bases in 442 games.

1985 team

Links

 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sam_Jethroe

http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/NY1/NY1195004180.shtml

http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/j/jethrsa01.shtml


May 11, 2008
 Women's Lacrosse Sets Program's Longest Win-Streak with NCAA First Round Victory

The Boston University women's lacrosse team culminated a 15-game win streak, the longest in program history, with a 16-8 win over New Hampshire in the NCAA First Round on Nickerson Field, the team's second all-time NCAA win.

The streak began on March 19, 2008 with a win against Yale on Nickerson and continued until May 11, 2008 with the win over UNH. In all, the Terriers finished the year with a program-high 18 wins, the second time BU has reached that benchmark.

Boston University first collected 18 wins in 2005 when the Terriers won its first-ever NCAA game, which also took place on Nickerson Field. That season the team had 14 uninterrupted wins.

1985 team

Links

 NCAA First Round vs. UNH Game Recap


May 5, 2001
 WUSA's Boston Breakers Face Atlanta in First Home Game at Nickerson Field

Formed in 2000, the Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA) became the world's first women's soccer league in which all of the players were paid as professionals. One of the eight franchises was placed in Boston and took on the Breakers as the official nickname, matching the USFL football team that played on Nickerson Field in 1983. The Breakers were led by two-time World Cup champion and 1996 Olympic gold medalist Kristine Lilly along with Maren Meinart, who appeared in three Wrold Cup Finals with Germany.

The Breakers made their first home appearance on May 5, 2001 and dropped a 1-0 decision to the Atlanta Beat in front of more than 11,000 fans. They went 8-10-3 their first season and finished atop the league standings in 2003 at 10-4-7. Their success would not translate into a title though, as they fell to Mia Hamm and the Washington Freedom in a shootout during the semifinals at Nickerson Field.

Following the 2003 season, the WUSA would fold. The Breakers returned in 2009 as a member of the Women's Professional Soccer (WPS) league and currently compete in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) in Allston.   

1985 team

Links

 http://www.bostonbreakerssoccer.com/ABOUT/HISTORY/index_E.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women%27s_United_Soccer_Association


Oct. 2, 1932
 Boston Braves of NFL Play First Home Game at Braves Field

The current NFL franchise that calls Washington, D.C., its home was once known as the Boston Braves and began play in 1932 at Braves Field. Boston was awarded an NFL franchise prior to the 1932 season, and the new team took the name of its landlords.

The NFL version of the Braves hosted their first-ever game on Oct. 2, 1932, under the leadership of coach Lud Wray, against the Brooklyn Dodgers, to whom they lost 14-0. The Braves earned their first win a week later, a 14-6 home victory over the New York Giants.

Boston finished 4-4-2 in 1932, including a 2-3-1 record at Braves Field. The Braves were renamed in the team's current fashion in 1933 after moving to Fenway Park, and the franchise remained in Boston until 1937, when the former Braves moved to Washington.

1985 team

Links

 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1932_Boston_Braves_(NFL)_season


Nov. 17, 1985
 Field Hockey Tops UNH to Advance to NCAA Final Four

Through its first two seasons of play in Division I, the BU field hockey team amassed just a 15-18-3 mark. However, head coach Sally Starr and the 1985 Terriers, riding a nine-game winning streak, stormed into the NCAA tournament for the first time in the program's history. 

Receiving a first-round home match against Massachusetts, the Terriers got a first-half goal from senior Terry Geldart and some brilliant play from junior keeper Mary Linehan to claim a 1-0 victory. The following afternoon (Nov. 17), BU hosted New Hampshire, which had received a first-round bye and had defeated the Terriers, 1-0, earlier in the season.

After a scoreless regulation, Alison Caito found the net at 1:04 of overtime to give the Terriers the 1-0 upset win. Advancing to the NCAA final four in Norfolk, Va., the Terriers drew Connecticut, and jumped to a 1-0 lead when Geldart converted a penalty corner just 3:20 into the match. However, the Huskies responded five minutes later, snapping Linehan's school-record shutout string at 759 minutes. A Connecticut second-half goal sealed the victory.

This is the lone squad in program history to reach the national semifinals. BU will honor the 30th anniversary of this oustanding team's accomplishments at this year's home game against American on Oct. 3

1985 team


Nov. 27, 1993
 Unbeaten BU Eliminates Northern Iowa and Future Super Bowl MVP Quarterback in NCAA I-AA Playoffs

After going 3-8 the previous season, the 1993 Boston University football team was picked to finish 11th in the 12-team Yankee Conference. Head coach Dan Allen's Terriers had other ideas. In a magical season that featured many upsets and come-from-behind victories, BU went undefeated (11-0) to win the conference crown and earn an NCAA I-AA home playoff game at Nickerson Field vs. the Northern Iowa Panthers.

The `93 Terriers were lead by junior transfer quarterback Robert Doherty. The Visalia, Calif. native completed 212-of-386 passes for 2,875 yards, 18 TDs and would be named ECAC I-AA Player of the Year. Northern Iowa was lead by a star QB of their own, Kurt Warner, who would go on to win two NFL MVP awards and be named Super Bowl MVP in 2001.

In a wild game, BU trailed 21-6 in the second half but cut the lead to 21-13 when defensive end John Schaefer recovered a fumble and raced 48 yards for a TD. Late in the contest, Doherty drove the Terriers 92 yards and scrambled into the end zone himself on the final play to make it 21-19. He then hit wide receiver Jason Andrade in the corner of the end zone for the two-point conversion that tied the score and sent the game to overtime.

In the first overtime, BU's season continued when Panthers' kicker Scott Obermeir rang a 20-yard game-winning field goal attempt off the upright to keep the Terriers' hopes alive. In double overtime, BU kicker Mike Morello attempted a game-winning filed goal but the kick was blocked. During the ensuing scramble for the loose ball, Northern Iowa was called for a blatant face mask penalty, giving BU 15 yards and a fresh set of downs. Senior running back Zack Burwell then sealed the deal with a four--yard touchdown run to give the Terriers the 27-21 victory.

The Terriers' magical season finally ended the following week when the Terriers traveled to Moscow, Idaho to face the Idaho Vandals in the I-AA quarterfinals. Doherty left the game in the first half with a separated right shoulder and was soon followed to the sidelines by second string QB Greg Moore, who also injured his shoulder. Despite trailing 21-0 with under one minute to play, BU would not go down without a fight.

BU's third-string QB Chris Pincince threw two touchdowns in 26 seconds to cut the Idaho lead to 21-14. The Terriers almost recovered a second onside kick with seconds to go but Idaho came out of the pile with the ball and took a final knee to end what seconds earlier looked like an easy victory.

Football

Links

http://www.nytimes.com/1993/11/28/sports/college-football-boston-university-needs-both-rally-and-overtime.html

https://youtu.be/T4KkOYskbzA

https://youtu.be/0lDTYxp6kXQ

https://youtu.be/i4f7qKv2PJ8

https://youtu.be/q8TwI9IvJtA

https://youtu.be/YCG4g6m88Tk


Sept. 9, 1960
 Patriots Kick Off Inaugural Season at Nickerson Field

The first-ever American Football League game was hosted on Nickerson Field 55 years ago on Sept. 9, 1960. It also marked the first game for the Patriots organization, which opted to play on a Friday night to avoid competition from Harvard and Boston College on Saturday and the Giants, then-New England favorites, on Sunday.

The Patriots lost to the Broncos 13-10 that night but went on to post a 3-4 record on Nickerson that season. They called Nickerson Field home for the next two seasons before relocating to Fenway Park, BC's Alumni Stadium, Harvard Stadium and finally its current home in Foxboro, Mass.

Patriots

Links

http://www.remembertheafl.com/AFLhistory1960.htm

https://youtu.be/iEjh2EVLD-s

http://www.foxsports.com/buzzer/story/fan-runs-on-the-field-joins-patriots-defense-080714

 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_England_Patriots


Feb. 15, 2014
 Men's Lacrosse Makes Nickerson Field Debut

Boston University announced it was adding men's lacrosse as a varsity sport on Feb. 14, 2012, and exactly two years and one day later, Nickerson Field hosted the program's inaugural home game against Canisius. 

It was just the second-ever Division I game for BU, which lost that snowy contest, 9-3. Three different Terriers scored, including Cal Dearth, who became an All-Patriot League player in 2015. Despite winning just two games in the first season, head coach Ryan Polley's charges were competitive all season in a strong Patriot League.

That first season helped build the foundation for a much-improved 2015 campaign. The Terriers began the season 6-2 and became the first team in over a decade to earn a national ranking in its second season in Division I. BU won its first game at Nickerson Field against Canisius on Feb. 14, one of four home victories in 2015. The Terriers also defeated then-No. 18 and eventual Patriot League champion Colgate to earn the program's first win over a nationally ranked opponent.


Boxing



Sept. 8, 1930
 Braves Field Hosts Legendary "Old-Timers" Game

Three years before the first official MLB All-Star Game, the Boston Post sponsored in 1930 an "All-Star" Old-Timers game at Braves Field with proceeds being given to the Children's Hospital of Boston and the Professional Baseball Players of America Charity Fund. More than 22,000 were in attendance to watch 17 future Hall of Famers from the 1880s to the 1920s compete against each other.

Ford Sawyer of the Boston Globe wrote that "probably never again will lovers of baseball see a more illustrious assemblage of diamond heroes." Due to the historic significance, the exhibition game was broadcasted on CBS radio.

Honus Wagner, Cy Young and Ty Cobb were just three of the legends to take the field well after retirement. Patsy Donovan, who had played for Boston in 1890, got a pinch-hit single at the age of 65 and would later coach the future President George H.W. Bush at Phillips Academy in Andover, Mass.

Boxing



July 10, 1950
 Rocky Marciano, Tony DeMarco Headline Fight Card

Braves Field hosted many boxing events throughout its existence. Heavyweight champions James J. Braddock (Cinderella Man) and James Sharkey fought at the Wigwam as did featherweight champ Willie Pep. Arguably though the most memorable night of bouts at Braves Field was when two local sons and future world champions, the North End's Tony DeMarco and Brockton's Rocky Marciano, fought on the same card on July 10, 1950.

DeMarco (11-2) fought on the undercard against Fall River's Roger Ringuette (11-9) in a bout scheduled for four rounds. DeMarco beat his opponent easily, knocking him down three times in the first round. The referee stopped the fight and gave young DeMarco a technical knockout. Five years later, DeMarco would win the world welterweight championship over Johnny Saxton at the Boston Garden just steps away from his home in the North End. The fight, and raucous celebration in the streets after, is considered by many to be one of the greatest sporting events in Boston history.

The main event of the evening was between up and coming Brockton heavyweight Rocky Marciano vs. Italy's Gino Buovino. The night was very rainy and the boxing ring used at Braves Field was very old, small and tilted. Marciano later remembered that it felt like he was "fighting up hill all night".

The future champion knocked Buonvino down in the first round with his famous left hook. Buonvino fought back but by the 10th round had nothing left, as the referee stopped the fight giving Marciano a technical knockout and his 28th career victory.

On Sept. 23rd, 1952, Marciano became the Heavyweight Champion of the World, knocking out an over-the-hill Jersey Joe Walcott in the 13th round. He retired undefeated with a record of 49-0.

Boxing

Links

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rocky_Marciano

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_DeMarco


Oct. 11-12, 1915
 Red Sox Win Games 3 & 4 of World Series at Braves Field

Braves Field hosted a World Series in its first year of existence, though it wasn't for its permanent tenant. The Boston Red Sox, whose home, Fenway Park, hosted the 1914 World Series won by the Braves, played the Philadelphia Phillies in the 1915 Fall Classic at Braves Field.

The Red Sox wanted to take advantage of the spacious seating at the newly constructed ballpark, which sat over 40,000 fans and allowed for increased revenue. Braves Field also proved to be an advantage for the Sox thanks to its expansive dimensions. The Sox won the series, 4-1, taking Games 3 and 4 in Boston by identical 2-1 scores. The deep outfield especially impacted Game 3, as a sure home run or extra-base hit off the bat of Philadelphia's Gavvy Cravath was turned into a harmless fly out.

The Sox repeated as World Series champions in 1916, also playing their home games at Braves Field. A then-record crowd of 42,620 was on hand for the clinching contest as the Sox defeated the Brooklyn Robins in five games. Babe Ruth was the winning pitcher in Game 2 against Brooklyn, helping the Sox claim the first two tilts of the series in Boston.

Track & Field tour

Links

http://www.baseball-reference.com/postseason/1915_WS.shtml

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1915_World_Series

http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/history/postseason/mlb_ws_recaps.jsp?feature=1915

http://www.baseball-reference.com/postseason/1916_WS.shtml

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1916_World_Series


June 13, 1975
 Nickerson Hosts Professional Track & Field Event

Showing off its versatility as a venue for hosting sporting events, Nickerson Field welcomed the International Track Association (ITA) for an evening of competition with multiple Olympians in attendance. The city of Boston represented the 13th of 15 scheduled stops for 1975 with London and Edinburgh up next.

Launched on Oct. 25, 1972, the ITA initially attracted many of the big track and field stars of the day to run in its meets and initially garnered much attention for its meets. However, a lack of television money and the inability to attract new stars after the 1976 Olympics led to its downfall. The aim of the ITA was to have a series of meets involving about 50 top athletes forming a track and field tour similar to those existing in golf and tennis but faced plenty of hostility from the Olympic organizers and other organizations due to the offering of prize money.

Featured athletes included shot put world record holder Ben Oldfield (pictured below), pole vault record holder Steve Smith and 1968 Olympic steeplechase silver medalist Ben Jipcho, who raced in both the mile and two-mile at Nickerson Field.

Track & Field tour

Links

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Track_Association https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2519&dat=19750613&id=lf1dAAAAIBAJ&sjid=NV8NAAAAIBAJ&pg=979,2590530&hl=en http://brianoldfield.com/Articles/Rise%20and%20Fall%20of%20ITA.pdf


May 6, 2000
 Women's Lacrosse Claims First Conference Title against Hofstra, 18-8

The Boston University women's lacrosse team won its first-ever conference championship on Nickerson Field in 2000, defeating Hofstra to take the America East Crown at home on May 6, 2000.

The Terriers used a perfect AE record, the program's first-ever clean slate in conference play, to earn hosting duties for the tournament. BU defeated New Hampshire in the semifinal contest three days prior to earn a spot in the championship game. Most Outstanding Player and sophomore midfielder Kristin Abruzzese scored five goals against Hofstra, while sophomore attacker Kyle Rutkowski added four goals and two assists.

BU Hall of Famer Chrissy Lombard led the team that season with 67 points on 44 goals and 23 assists to help the Terriers reach their first NCAA tournament. She also led the team with 37 caused turnovers.

BU Women's Lacrosse

Links

http://www.goterriers.com/sports/w-lacros/spec-rel/050600aab.html


April 16, 1935
 Ruth Homers for Braves on Opening Day

Babe Ruth began his career as a member of the Boston Red Sox in 1914 and played his final season as a member of the Boston Braves in 1935. In an attempt to make his dream come true to manage in the majors, Babe Ruth signed with the Braves in February 1935 at the age of 40. He was hired as vice president and assistant manager, and team owner Emil Fuchs promised Ruth a share of team profits.

On Opening Day, April 16, 1935 vs. the New York Giants at Braves Field, Ruth crushed a 430-foot homer and also singled off ace Carl Hubbell for a 4-2 Boston win. Unfortunately, that's as good as it got for the Braves and Ruth in 1935. Although he had a fairly decent season in 1934, Ruth was only a shadow of his former self in 1935. He couldn't run, and his fielding was so terrible that three of the Braves' pitchers threatened to go on strike if Ruth was in the lineup.

Seeing a team in utter collapse and realizing he was finished even as a part-time player, Ruth retired on June 1, six days after he had had what remains one of the most memorable afternoons in baseball history. He clouted what turned out to be the last three home runs of his career in a game at Forbes Field while playing against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The 1935 Boston Braves season saw the Braves finish with the worst record in the National League and the majors, with a record of 38 wins and 115 losses.

Ruth would return one more time to Braves field as a coach for the Brooklyn Dodgers during the 1938 season.

Pelemania

Links

https://youtu.be/xF1coE0gIPI

https://youtu.be/ImTM8bslglg

http://www.thisgreatgame.com/1935-baseball-history.html

http://m.mlb.com/cutfour/2015/02/26/110463230/80-years-ago-today-babe-ruth-signed-with-the-boston-braves


June 20, 1975
 Pele-Mania Hits Nickerson Field

In what will arguably go down as the craziest moment to take place on Braves/Nickerson Field, one of the world's most famous athletes Pele was swarmed by overzealous fans during the middle of a professional soccer game after scoring what appeared to be a game-tying goal.

Before there was Major League Soccer (MLS), the North American Soccer League (NASL) operated as the top professional league from 1968-1984. The Boston Minutemen started as an expansion team in 1974 at Boston College and won the northern division before moving to Nickerson Field in 1975. Their matchup against the New York Cosmos was hyped because Boston had recently signed Portuguese legend Eusebio, while New York had also just signed Pele. The two famous athletes would be meeting on the field for the first time since Portugal beat Brazil in the 1966 World Cup.

The game was oversold with more than 18,000 fans on hand and many of them standing just off the field, including behind both nets. Eusebio scored the game's first goal on a 27-yard free kick. When Pele scored what appeared to be the equalizer (goal was waved off by the ref due to a perceived push-off by Pele near the net) with 11:33 remaining, he did his patented dance and prompted up to 1,000 fans to charge toward him on the field. He immediately fell to the ground and waited for staff and police to escort him by stretcher to the locker room. After the field was cleared, the Cosmos tied the game but managed to fall in overtime, 2-1.

The Cosmos later protested the result due to the fans, and the league made them replay the game later in the season. The Minutemen only played at Nickerson Field for one year and would disband after the 1976 season. Nickerson Field also hosted three other professional men's soccer clubs - the Boston Astros (ASL, 1974-75), the New England Tea Men (NASL, 1979) and the Boston Bolts (ASL, 1988-90).

Pelemania

Links

https://youtu.be/I5gg6TWqQHM

http://www.funwhileitlasted.net/?s=boston+minutemen

http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/eusebio-and-pele-pose-together-at-nickerson-field-at-boston-news-photo/495311881

https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1913&dat=19750621&id=V6QgAAAAIBAJ&sjid=gmgFAAAAIBAJ&pg=2884,2685007&hl=en

https://monkfromhavana.wordpress.com/2010/08/30/boston-minutemen/

 https://youtu.be/GYj1NADVdaY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_q1m_ZJpGFs


May 30, 1947
 Jackie Robinson Makes Braves Field Debut

Jackie Robinson of the Brooklyn Dodgers became the first black Major League Baseball player to ever play in Boston when he faced the Braves on May 30, 1947, in the first game of a doubleheader.

Robinson had famously broken the baseball color barrier in Brooklyn six weeks earlier when the Dodgers started him at first base against the Braves on April 15, 1947, ending racial segregation that had relegated black players to the Negro leagues since the 1880s.

The two Boston franchises would not sign their own African American players until years later. The first black Braves player was Sam "Jet" Jethroe in 1950. The Red Sox would remain all white until Pumpsie Green played for them in 1959, making them the last pre-expansion major league club to integrate.

Robinson had an remarkable 10-year baseball career. He won the inaugural MLB Rookie of the Year Award in 1947, was an All-Star for six consecutive seasons from 1949 through 1954, and won the National League Most Valuable Player Award in 1949--the first black player so honored. Robinson played in six World Series and was a major contributor to the Dodgers' 1955 World Series championship. In 1997, MLB "universally" retired his uniform number, 42, across all major league teams.

Jackie Robinson

Links

http://baseballhall.org/hof/robinson-jackie

http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/BSN/BSN194705301.shtml


Nov. 11, 1990
 Horton Hat Trick Sinks BC in NCAA First Round

The Boston University men's soccer team opened the new decade by earning its fifth NCAA tournament bid in the last 11 years. Led by goalkeepers Jeff Hooper and Brad Rubin and defensive anchors Jeff Schultz and Phil Dunn, the Terriers never allowed more than two goals in a game, and recorded seven shutouts. Offensively, Tim Horton (pictured on the left below), Emma Okonkwo and Christophe Verhaegen were the top goal scorers, while seven players registered 10 or more points.

Tim Horton had a magical performance to give the Terriers a first-round victory. The junior tallied three goals within 15 minutes in the second half for the hat trick to lead the Terriers to a miraculous 3-2 come-from-behind victory over Boston College in the Terriers' first-ever home NCAA tournament match.

Traveling to meet top-ranked Evansville in the second round, BU battled the Purple Aces through 90 scoreless minutes before the hosts scored the golden goal at 102:17.

USFL


May 29, 1983
 Fans Storm Nickerson Following Last-Second Breakers Victory

The Boston Breakers of the expansion professional football league the USFL played their first and only season on Nickerson Field in 1983. They finished the year with a record of 11-7, narrowly missing the playoffs.

The Breakers had their most memorable victory at Nickerson against the Philadelphia Stars in a game broadcast nationally on ABC and called by Hall of Fame announcer Keith Jackson. Trailing 17-14 as time expired, Boston QB Johnnie Walton threw to WR Charlie Smith in the end zone from 14 yards out. The pass bounced off Smith's hand and fluttered into the hands of Boston's Frank Lockett, giving the Breakers a thrilling 21-17 victory. The win was punctuated by a raucous Nickerson Field crowd storming the field, much to the chagrin of Philadelphia head coach and future NFL head coach Jim Mora ("Playoffs?").

The USFL is historically significant in part for the level of talent that played in the league. The league was noteworthy for signing three consecutive Heisman Trophy winners away from the NFL - Georgia running back Herschel Walker, Boston College quarterback Doug Flutie and Nebraska running back Mike Rozier. Future Pro Football Hall of Fame Reggie White, Gary Zimmerman, Jim Kelly and Steve Young all began their professional careers with the USFL.

The Boston Breakers moved to New Orleans following the 1983 season for financial reasons, and the USFL folded its tents for good following the 1985 season.

USFL

Links

 http://www.oursportscentral.com/usfl/usflgame.php?game_id=74

https://youtu.be/toc5jdEwKCc (entire broadcast)

http://www.usfl.info/breakers/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Football_League


June 19, 1942
 Paul Waner Collects 3,000th Hit at Braves Field

The 3,000 hit club is a notable one. Baseball fans know its significance and it is one of the crowning achievements for a great hitter. However, when Paul Waner collected his 3,000th hit, he also helped make that milestone mean something.

Waner was just the seventh player in Major League history to achieve that feat, doing so in front of the home crowd at Braves Field on June 19, 1942, against his longtime former team, the Pittsburgh Pirates. He was also the first player to reach 3,000 hits in nearly 20 years, and not until Stan Musial in 1958 did anyone join the exclusive group.

The record-setting single was Waner's lone hit of the game, which the Pirates won, 7-6. Waner played two more seasons with the Dodgers and the Yankees before retiring in 1945. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1952

Paul Waner

Links

 http://www.hardballtimes.com/tht-live/70th-anniversary-paul-waners-3000th-hit/

 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Waner

http://exhibits.baseballhalloffame.org/3000_hit_club/waner_paul.htm

http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/BSN/BSN194206190.shtml


Sept. 1, 2007
 Terrier Tailgate Kicks Off with Record Crowd

As we celebrate the 100 years of Nickerson Field and approach Monday's (Aug. 31) ninth annual Terrier Tailgate featuring BU men's soccer and Boston College, it's only appropriate to look back to the first event. 

Terrier Tailgate has proven to be a hit on campus as a way for students to kick off the new year together at Nickerson Field. An hour before game time each year, they arrive in the plaza to take advantage of the free food, games and prizes, highlighted by the dunk tank. The dance team, the cheerleading squad and the band are always on hand along with Rhett to help get the crowd pumped.

In 2007, a then-school record 5,111 fans watched BC escape with a 1-0 win over the Terriers. The attendance proved to be the eighth largest of the season in the NCAA.

One year later, BU set a school and State of Massachusetts record for a collegiate soccer game when 5,935 watched the men face off against UMass. The women hosted the next two editions with 4,963 fans (collegiate women's soccer record in New England) attending the 2009 matchup against the Minutewomen.

men's soccer Terrier Tailgate

Links

 https://youtu.be/EQO7qgG8DEw

http://www.goterriers.com/ot/TerrierTailgate.html

http://www.goterriers.com/sports/m-soccer/spec-rel/090208aab.html

http://www.goterriers.com/sports/w-soccer/recaps/083009aaa.html

https://youtu.be/NQdm35hs62w



Nov. 14, 1991
 Heywood Backstops BUFHA to NCAA Quarterfinals

In 1991, the Boston University field hockey team won its final 10 home games, capped by 3-0 NCAA First Round victory over Harvard on Nov. 14 to advance to the national quarterfinals. Goalkeeper Lori Heywood was remarkable down the stretch, putting together a 616:14 shutout streak that came to an end in the quarterfinals at Penn State.

Despite a season-opening four-game losing streak, BU won 14 of its last 18 contests and captured its first-ever conference title. Part of the 10-game win streak at Nickerson Field included the title run, as the Terriers dispatched Northeastern in the North Atlantic Conference championship game by a score of 3-0. Senior Lisa Barone set a then-BU record for career points in the conference semifinals against Vermont, tallying a goal and an assist.

In the opening round of the NCAA tournament against Harvard, senior Meredith Jennings netted the game-winner just 15 minutes into the match. Sophomore Robin Smith and Barone added one goal each, while Heywood extended her string of shutout minutes to 588. In the quarterfinals, the Terriers traveled to Penn State to face the second-ranked Lady Lions. The game was scoreless through the first 28 minutes before Penn State scored to end Heywood's shutout string.

1991 Field Hockey team photo


May 21, 1989
 World Leaders Speak at 150th Commencement

Boston University celebrated its 150th anniversary in grand fashion, as President of the United States George H.W. Bush and Francois Mitterrand, president of the French Republic, delivered speeches at the event. In addition to their addresses, both men received honorary degrees, as did First Lady Barbara Bush.

The sesquicentennial commencement required extra planning, including the construction of a platform that remained at the field until 2008. There was also extra security at the event, with the stage being protected by bulletproof glass. The world leaders drew a considerable crowd aside from the over 5,000 graduates. Close to 30,000 family, friends, alumni, and other spectators packed Nickerson for the historic event.

Tickets were at a premium for the event, with students having a limited number to give to family. There were also reports of scalpers charging as much as $50 outside of Nickerson. Those that got in or watched on closed circuit television at the BU Armory heard the two world leaders speak about foreign policy as well as recent demonstrations in China.


Braves Field


Links

http://www.c-span.org/video/?7658-1/eastwest-relations

http://www.apnewsarchive.com/1989/Bush-Mitterrand-A-Mixed-Blessing-for-BU-Graduates-With-PM-Bush-China-Bjt/id-8bc50a7653e5aafd74b8b1c7001e7083

http://www.nytimes.com/1989/05/22/world/bush-warns-allies-on-complacency.html

http://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1989/05/22/bush-urges-students-to-stand-up-for-what-you-believe-in-but-shun-violence/55b8aa05-d6bd-423c-a6ad-7b50b1a1cccc/

http://www.nbcuniversalarchives.com/nbcuni/clip/5112542492_007.do


July 7, 1936
 Braves Field Hosts 4th Annual MLB All-Star Game

Braves Field, not Fenway Park, has the distinction of being the first venue in the city of Boston to host the MLB All-Star Game. On July 7, 1936 the Boston Braves had nearly two dozen future Hall-of-Famers participate in the fourth-annual Midsummer Classic, which was a historic one for both good and bad reasons.

First, the game marked the first-ever victory for the National League, which held off a late rally for a 4-3 win. The Cubs' Frank Demaree led off the second against the Red Sox's Lefty Grove with a single and scored on a triple from fellow Chicago teammate Gaby Hartnett. Following a sacrifice fly, the NL extended the lead to 4-0 in the bottom of the fifth on Augie Galan's (Cubs) solo shot and Joe Medweck's (Cardinals) RBI single against Detroit's Schoolboy Rowe.

Cardinals starter Dizzy Dean pitched three innings without a walk to earn the win but almost had a no-decision, as the Yankees' Lou Gehrig went yard in the top of the seventh against the Cubs' Curt Davis. The White Sox's Luke Appling later followed with a two-RBI single to cut the deficit to one. The AL would not get any closer though, as the Cubs' Lon Warnake pitched the final 2.1 innings to collect the save.

The All-Star Game is also notable for then-rookie Joe DiMaggio making his first career appearance. He went 0-for-5 and was the final out of the game on a fly ball. Other memorable players who took to the field include Mel Ott, Jimmie Foxx and Leo Durocher, who would later go on to have a distinguished managerial career. Unfortunately, on the downside due to miscommunication between team management and the local media, Braves Field holds the record for the lowest attendance at 25,534. Fenway Park would not get its first try at hosting until 1946.


Braves Field


Links

 http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/NLS/NLS193607070.shtml

https://youtu.be/Yn0QxsO8VLA

https://youtu.be/jRl6OPT3SAs



Aug. 24, 2014
 Terriers Claim First Home Win over Ranked Opponent with 2-1 Victory against No. 19 BC

In the 2014 Boston University women's soccer opening weekend, the Terriers took down their first ranked opponent while playing on Nickerson Field, coming back to claim a 2-1 victory over then-No. 19 BC on August 24, 2014. BU  had upset ranked teams on the road, including mostly recently No. 8 Portland in 2011 and No. 22 William & Mary in 2010, but had yet to find the same success at home until the win against the Eagles. 

Trailing by one goal at halftime, 2014 leading scorer Jenna Fisher netted the equalizer eight minutes into the second stanza. Both teams pressured on offense throughout the second half with the Eagles taking nine shots including four on net. Then-sophomore Bridget Conway saved all four to secure her first collegiate win in just her second career appearance.

Freshman Christina Wakefield (pictured below) will go down as the hero of this story, netting the game-winner in the 79th minute when she sped down the right side of the field to meet Rachel Blauner's perfect cross at the right post and send it in to ultimately make BU history.


Braves Field


Links

 http://www.goterriers.com/sports/w-soccer/recaps/082414aaa.html

http://www.goterriers.com/allaccess/?media=461477

http://livestream.com/bostonuniversity/BUwsoccer/videos/60314605



May 1, 1920
 Braves Play Longest Game in MLB History (26 inn.)

History was made on May 1, 1920, when the Boston Braves and the Brooklyn Robins played the longest game in Major League Baseball history. After a record 26 innings, the teams were unable to break a 1-1 deadlock before the game was suspended due to darkness. The tilt began at 3 p.m., and at 6:50, umpire Bill McCormick called it, despite the pleas of the players for one more inning - if the teams went to the 27th, they would have played three full games in one day.

Even more amazing than the fact that both teams breezed through 26 innings in just three hours and 50 minutes is that both starting pitchers went the distance. Brooklyn's Leon Cadore and Boston's Joe Oeschger (pictured below left side) faced 96 and 90 batters, respectively, with neither pitcher wanting to be pulled. Cadore later said he couldn't raise his arm for three days to comb his hair after his epic outing.

The Robins went ahead in the fifth frame before the Braves answered in the bottom of the sixth. The closest either team came to claiming the contest in extra innings was in the top of the 17th, when Brooklyn loaded the bases with nobody out. The next batter grounded to Oeschger, who threw home for the force. The catcher, Hank Gowdy, threw to first to complete the double play, but the ball was in the dirt. However, when Ed Konetchy tried to score from third, Gowdy got the ball back and made a diving tag to preserve the tie.

Braves Field


Links

http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/BSN/BSN192005010.shtml

http://espn.go.com/blog/sweetspot/post/_/id/35687/the-day-the-pitchers-went-26-innings


Aug. 22, 2004
 Nickerson Field Hosts MLL Championship Game

Nickerson Field has been home to both Terrier lacrosse programs, but the Boston Cannons of Major League Lacrosse also called it home from 2004-06. The Cannons nearly made history in their first year at Nickerson, but they fell short in the 2004 MLL Championship, suffering a 13-11 setback to the Philadelphia Barrage on Aug. 22, 2004.

The Cannons advanced to the 2005 MLL semifinals, also hosted at Nickerson Field, but despite a 10-2 regular-season record, Boston fell to Long Island one win shy of the title tilt. In 2006, Nickerson Field was the site of the MLL All-Star Game, which featured Team USA against the MLL All-Stars. Team USA emerged victorious with an 18-11 victory.

Boston finished 26-10 over its three seasons at Nickerson Field. The Cannons moved to Harvard Stadium beginning in 2007 before eventually moving to Gillette Stadium for the 2015 campaign.

Braves Field


Links

http://www.bostoncannons.com/history/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gM8RpXfW0dc  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qVhhQOXSu8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfQpsaXMvMk


Oct. 6, 1948
 Braves Field Hosts First Nationally Televised World Series Game

The Braves had made their local television debut on June 15, 1948, when they defeated the Chicago Cubs, 6-3. However, that was not the last time they appeared on TV that season. The 1948 World Series between the Braves and the Cleveland Indians was the first to be nationally televised. The Braves hosted Game One and came away with a 1-0 victory in front of over 40,000 fans at Braves Field and many more around the country.

Prior to 1948, there was no cable or satellite network to connect TV stations across the country, meaning that only fans in the New England region could watch the Boston-based games while the games in Cleveland would only be shown in that region.

Westinghouse and the Glenn L. Martin aviation company (predecessor to Lockheed Martin) jointly devised an experimental relay system called Stratovision, according to James Walker, co-author of Center Field Shot: A History of Baseball on Television with Duquesne professor Rob Bellamy. A retrofitted B-29 bomber flew at 20,000 feet over western Pennsylvania to advance the TV signal 250 miles in either direction, connecting the two networks.

Despite there being interference in Cleveland, fans in Chicago gathered at the Tribune Tower to watch the games. Red Barber was among the broadcasters who handled the play-by-play duties for the series, which was won by Cleveland in six games.

Braves Field

Links

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ip6lvQ-NfFo&feature=youtu.be

http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/playoffs/2008-10-26-1948-world-series_N.htm


Nov. 3, 1984
 Record Crowd Watches BU Stun No. 2 Holy Cross, 16-12

It was a Homecoming to remember on Nov. 3, 1984, when BU knocked off No. 2 and previously unbeaten Holy Cross, 16-12, at Nickerson Field. The game was played in front of 14,750 noisy fans, the largest crowd to see a BU home game in 22 years. It was also a record crowd for a Homecoming weekend.

The Terriers snapped the Crusaders' 18-game win streak against Division I-AA opponents, and BU did it thanks primarily to the play of its defense. Fifth-year senior Bruce Foucart finished with 11 solo tackles, assisted on nine others and also had three sacks. The Terriers combined for eight sacks; Holy Cross had allowed just seven all season.

BU led 7-3 at the half and added to the lead in the third quarter when Paul Lewis, who went on to be named a First-Team All-American by both the AP and the Coaches for the second straight season, capped a 65-yard drive with a six-yard touchdown. The Crusaders came within two points early in the fourth quarter, but Foucart forced a safety and the defense held on during a final Holy Cross drive to seal the historic win.

In addition to the impressive crowd at the stadium, fans were also able to watch on NESN, which made its debut in March of 1984. The regional network was in its infancy, and the BU-Holy Cross contest is believed to be the first collegiate telecast in NESN's brief history.

Braves Field



Links

http://www.upi.com/Archives/1984/11/03/Tailback-Paul-Lewis-ran-for-145-yards-and-one/6189468306000/


May 23, 1948
 Einar "Jimmy" Gustafson Attends Braves-Cubs DH

While Braves Field is known primarily for the athletic accomplishments it hosted, it has also played a vital role within the community. On May 22, 1948, The Jimmy Fund, a collaboration by the Boston Braves and the Variety Children's Charity of New England, was started. The two organizations came together to help a 12-year-old cancer patient who was dubbed "Jimmy." Millions of radio listeners heard Jimmy meet with members of the Braves at the hospital, and many donated money to help Jimmy buy a television set, which allowed him to watch the Braves.

"Jimmy" also got to see his beloved Braves play in person the next day on May 23. Boston swept the Chicago Cubs in a doubleheader, including a 12-4 win in the second game. The boy, whose real name was Einar Gustafson, beat cancer and grew up to be a father of three and a grandfather of six.

In addition to the Braves' work with the Jimmy Fund, Nickerson Field has also been home to several charitable endeavors. Walk MS uses Nickerson as its starting and finishing points, while the Massachusetts Special Olympics holds its annual opening ceremonies there. In addition, the annual Travis Roy Wiffle Ball Challenge started at Nickerson in 2011.

Braves Field



Links

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Jimmy_Fund

http://www.jimmyfund.org/about-us/about-the-jimmy-fund/history-of-the-jimmy-fund/

http://www.nytimes.com/2001/01/24/sports/einar-gustafson-65-jimmy-of-child-cancer-fund-dies.html

http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/einar-gustafson-right-holds-the-boston-braves-uniform-he-news-photo/455532992

Original Jimmy Fund Radio Broadcast


August 18, 1915
 Braves Field Opens to Record Crowd

Braves Field officially opened on August 18, 1915, when the Boston Braves defeated the St. Louis Cardinals, 3-1. The stadium was the first ballpark in America to hold 40,000 seats, which was the official capacity until 1927. However, a record 46,000 fans were on hand for the opener, which was won by the reigning World Series champions in a mere one hour and 41 minutes. A reported 6,000 fans were turned away at the gate.

Catcher Hank Gowdy was the hero of the afternoon, knocking in two runs. Gowdy later became the first active major leaguer to enlist for service in World War I. Dick Rudolph was the winning pitcher and Hall of Fame umpire Bill Klem worked home plate. Another Hall of Famer, then-Washington Senators manager Clark Griffith, threw out the first pitch.

The immense new stadium was well-received upon its opening, dubbed by then-National League president John Tener as the "last word in baseball parks." The distance to the deepest part of center field was 542 feet, with the left field wall 402 feet away from home plate.

Braves Field



Links

http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/BSN/BSN191508180.shtml

http://sabr.org/research/braves-field-imperfect-history-perfect-ballpark

http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/atl/history/ballparks.jsp

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/stadium/st_brave.shtml

http://www.ballparksofbaseball.com/past/BravesField.htm