This Day In Norwood History-June 1, 1923-Marty Callaghan Holds World Baseball Record

New Englanders in the Big Leagues

Marty Callaghan – Chicago Cubs

June 1, 1923 – How many residents of Norwood realize that the town possesses in Martin F. Callaghan, of 97 Broadway, the joint holder of a world record in baseball?

Marty Callaghan achieved the distinction Aug 25 last while playing for the Chicago Cubs in a game against the Phillies at Chicago. Marty went to bat three times in the fourth inning, equaling the world’s record for number of times to face a pitcher in one inning. Twice he drove out safe hits and once he struck out.

The game itself was a hectic affair and witnessed the smashing or equaling of a number of existing marks. Chicago won the contest by a count of 26 to 23, and the 49 runs scored marked a new total for modern baseball games. In the fourth inning of the game Chicago players reached home plate 14 times, establishing another record for future generations to shoot at.

Last season was Callaghan’s first with the Cubs. He appeared in 74 games for the Chicago team and batted for .257, stealing two bases.

Marty Callaghan was born in Norwood June 9. 1901, the son of Mr and Mrs Martin Callaghan of 97 Broadway, where Marty continues to make his home in the off-season.

Marty as a youth showed marked baseball ability, and early decided to make the professional game his calling. Graduating from the grammar school, he entered Norwood High School, and before he left the latter institution he had earned a fine reputation for himself as a baseball player.

He did not confine his athletic endeavors entirely to the baseball diamond, however, and in football and basket ball he also made his mark. Marty was a left-handed pitcher in those days and many were the batters who paid tribute to his speed and cleverness by fanning the air.

Marty graduated from Norwood High School in 1918 and he continued his twirling as a member of the Norwood Knights of Columbus team, defeating many of the strongest independent nines in the field. In 1920 Callaghan went to Worcester to play for the Eastern League team of that city, shifting his activities to the outfield. In his first season in professional baseball he batted for .255, poled out one long home run and stole five bases.

The next season Marty pushed his batting average to within 10 points of the .300 mark, and he drove out five homers, also pilfering 13 sacks. As a fielder he stood fifth among the outer gardeners who took part in 100 or more games. His fielding average stood at .969.

His work with the Worcester club attracted the attention of big league owners and the Chicago team secured him from the Eastern Leaguers. He is a lefthander, both in batting and in throwing: is 5ft 10in tall, and tips the scales at 150 pounds.

Marty Callaghan is single. He has three sisters. He is fond of all athletics, and he has made a fine record in many branches of sports.

The Boston Globe