The is from Keith F. Howard of Kalamazoo, Michigan (copyright 1996-2002).
One of Kalamazoo's finest local teams at the time was managed by Ed Mayo, and sponsored by town clothier and politician, Sam Folz. The Folz ball club employed several of the area's top players, including members of Michigan's most famous baseball family, the legendary Ganzel Brothers.
Joseph Ganzel was the star first baseman for the Folz nine, and later went on to play several seasons of independent league ball all over the state.
His older brother, George Ganzel, began his career in 1887 with two seasons of independent play in Minneapolis, then six more with the majors, including teams in Winnipeg, Washington, Virginia and Pennsylvania. After retiring from the majors, George joined the Folz team as third baseman and catcher.
While still in his youth, the youngest brother, John, played short stop for Folz, but later went on to become a formidable first baseman for several major league teams. John would join the National League Pittsburgh Pirates in 1898, and later play for the Cubs, Giants, Yankees and Reds. He managed the Cincinnati Reds in 1908 and the Brooklyn Tip Tops in 1915, becoming baseball's highest paid minor league manager at the time.
John "Chick" Ganzel is also credited for hitting the New York Highlanders' (Yankees) first ever home run on May 22, 1903, twenty games into their inaugural season.
On occasion, a fourth brother, Charles "Charlie" Ganzel, also played with the Folz team whenever he was in town. In the spring of 1894, Charlie was entering his sixth season as catcher for the National League Boston Beaneaters (Braves), following three successful seasons before that with the Detroit Wolverines, including the famous 1887 World Series.
Charlie later had a son named Babe Ganzel, who played two years with the Washington Senators.
The eldest of the five brothers, Fred Ganzel, also played independent league ball for many years, though he never entered into the majors.
"Charlie Ganzel is one of the greatest catchers the world has ever produced." - Kalamazoo Gazette, June 24, 1906.
» Jodi Purdy-Quinlan is the Great-granddaughter of Charlie Ganzel and is the family genealogist, historian and archivist.
Also by Jodi Purdy-Quinlan
» Charlie Ganzel's Obituary
» More submissions
Copyright © 1996-2002 by Keith F. Howard. Posted September 23, 2002.
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