A Tribute to John Scalzi

No, not me. There was a John Scalzi back in the 1920s and 30s who was quite the sportsman, playing baseball, football and basketball, and who made it all the way into the pro leagues in the first of these, with the Boston Braves, although apparently an arm injury made his tenure very short. He went on to be the president of a minor league for a few years and eventually had a park named for him in his hometown in Stamford, Connecticut. In terms of notable John Scalzis, he’s right up there with the late John B. Scalzi, in his life the nation’s most pre-eminent masonry scientist (the highest award in masonry science is the Scalzi Award, don’t you know). And you know, I don’t have a park named after me anywhere, so maybe he’s the most famous John Scalzi after all.

The Stamford Historical Society has unearthed “A Tribute to John Scalzi,” dating back to 1963, so if you’re at all curious about this athletic triple-threat who just happens to share my name (we’re not related, as far as I know), here’s the link. Enjoy.

7 Comments on “A Tribute to John Scalzi”

  1. John —

    I’ve actually been to said park to shoot a movie on their baseball field around about the time of the whole Aussie Scalzi Incident (“ASI”). It made me laugh but nice to hear the story of the dude.

    I’m not sure if this counts in various “Six Degrees” games — but if so, you are now exactly two degrees away from Tony Soprano (via Michael Imperioli, who shot the movie in your park)….

    Feel free to intimidate your friends, because you now Know A Guy.

  2. I grew up in Stamford CT and am quite familiar with the area, though it’s been years since I’ve been there. (I now live in the UK). I’m sure it’s changed quite a bit since I saw it last.

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