Charlie Bennett from the Chronology

Apr 19, 1900 - On Opening Day in Detroit‚ Charlie Bennett throws out the first ball in the Detroit park named for him‚ but his presence fails to rouse the Tigers‚ who fall to the no-hit pitching of Buffalo's Morris "Doc" Amole‚ 8-0. In his 2-year NL career‚ which ended in 1898‚ Amole compiled a record of 4-10.

Apr 28, 1896 - In a mid-afternoon game against the Columbus Senators‚ the Detroit Tigers (Western League) open their new Bennett Park before an overflow crowd of 8‚000. Named after Charlie Bennett‚ a popular catcher of the '80's who lost his legs in a train accident in 1894‚ the park is the first at Michigan and Trumbull Avenues. Wayne County treasurer Alex McCloud throws out the first pitch‚ caught by the wheel-chair bound Bennett‚ who will catch or toss the ceremonial first pitch every year until his death in 1927. The Tigers‚ led by player-manager George Stallings‚ then trounce the Senators‚ 17-2. Stallings hits a deep fly ball that goes for a home run when CF Dick Butler runs into a spectator crossing the field.

Jan 9, 1894 - Boston's veteran C Charlie Bennett loses both legs in a horrific train accident. In 1900‚ Detroit‚ Bennett's first team‚ will name its ballpark Bennett Park in his honor.

Aug 12, 1890 - Charlie Bennett homers in the 12th inning off Philadelphia's Phenomenal Smith to give Boston a 1-0 victory.

Sep 1, 1885 - Detroit C Charlie Bennett hits a grand slam in the first inning‚ leading Detroit to an 8-3 victory over the NY Gothams. Only 2 other grand slams are hit this year‚ one by Dave Orr (NY) and one by Tom Brown (Pitt).

Nov 18, 1882 - The case of the Allegheny Club versus Charlie Bennett is won by Bennett. Prior to the 1882 season Allegheny signed Bennett to a $100 agreement which stated that he would sign an 1883 contract with Allegheny after the season. Instead‚ Bennett re-signed with Detroit. This case will later have bearing on the fight over the reserve rule during the Players' League War of 1889-90.

Apr 4, 1880 - "A very singular contest took place at New Orleans‚ La.‚ on April 4‚ 1880‚ when five Northern professionals succeeded in defeating the colored professional nine of that city by a score of 17 to 3." According to the account‚ reported 14 months later in the Chicago Tribune of July‚ 1881‚ Tim Keefe pitched‚ Charlie Bennett caught‚ John Sullivan played first base‚ and George Wood and George Creamer "were intrusted with the onerous task of filling the other six positions." Keefe played for Albany and Troy in 1880‚ while the other players were teammates at Worcester.

Jul 23, 1878 - Maybe they should change their name to the Cream Puffs. The Milwaukee Cream Citys loses its 14th straight game‚ the longest losing streak of the year‚ 5-4 to Providence. The winners steal 5 bases and score 5 runs in one inning as they run on C Charlie Bennett's sore arm.

Jun 26, 1878 - Milwaukee C Charlie Bennett‚ still trying to recover from a sore arm and his latest eye injury‚ breaks his nose when hit by a foul tip in an exhibition game in Waukesha.

Feb 19, 1877 - Fickle Charlie Bennett signs to play with the revived Athletics of Philadelphia‚ apparently for more money than Milwaukee offered. He'll play just one game in the spring before going to Milwaukee to honor his 1877 contract‚ but promises to play for the A's next year.