Tagged: 1940s

Kentucky Derby Diamond Jubilee – 1949

In 1949, Stubby attended the 75th Anniversary of the Kentucky Derby in Louisville in 1949. As Eric Crawford writes

The Kentucky Derby has always been a writer’s event. At the Derby, bloodlines come first, but story lines are a close second. Great writers, some of the best, William Faulkner, John Steinbeck, Hunter Thompson, took their turns penning descriptions of the great spectacle.

Let’s not get too carried away here comparing Stubby to these literary giants. But the ole man did attend and got him some killer sway.

A pair of Diamond Jubilee Commemorative Glasses

Kentucky Derby Diamond Jubilee Glassware

Yeah, mint julep!

and a cool souvenir book

1949 Kentucky Derby Book

They even personalized it for the ole Stubs!

And we’ll end with sage advice from Stubby himself from his Press Box column, May 3, 1936 …

Happy Horsing!

~Melissa

Bird dog for the Braves

Stubby Currence and the Boston Braves

“There’s one!” Spotting future Braves. Stubby the second from the right. Click for larger photo.

Since we’re in the dead heat of July, let’s continue with the boys of summer. In the 1940s, Stubby was a scout for the Boston Braves, and in 1948, he attended the World Series where the Cleveland Indians ultimately beat the Braves in the 6-game series. The Braves franchise moved to Milwaukee in 1953 and then to Atlanta in 1966.

Thanks to Larry: “Currence was a scout for the Braves when they were still in Boston and a keen judge of talent. He referred to the assignment as being a “bird dog” for the Braves in the decade before they moved to Milwaukee.”

Photo details: Holy publicity shot, batman! As a practitioner of the public relations arts, I can spot a staged photo at 10 paces. But I like this one. These guys are committed. Kudos on the acting job, fellas. My fav is the flag. It’s laminated to give it that perfect summer breeze stiffness. I’m not sure who else is in this photo. If you do, let me know in the comments.
~Melissa

P.S. I’m excited to be heading to the Reds vs. Diamondbacks game tonight. The Dad says baseball was Stubby’s favorite sport, as it is mine. I’d like to think if Grandpa Stubby was around, we knock back a few cold ones and he’d regale me with tales of the Bambino and the good ole days.

Breaking The Dad’s heart over Sam Snead

Nothing to Snead at. Golfing with Sam Snead (left), unknown and Stubby (right).

So I broke The Dad‘s heart today when I failed to recognize who was the gentleman on the left. “That’s Sam Snead,” he said, peering over his glasses at me.

“Uh, who’s that?”

I’m sure you know Slammin’ Sammy, because you know everything. He did some things and became the head pro at Greenbrier in 1944. I’m not sure exactly when and where (probably Greenbrier) this photo was taken, but Stubby is younger because he still has color to his hair.

Check out some more Currence Family Memories of Sam Snead. And if you know who the gentleman is in the middle, please let me know if the comments.

~Melissa