May 25, 1919 – There are hidden talents to many of the athletes we celebrate that go beyond what they do while playing their particular sport. Former right-fielder of the Pittsburgh Pirates, Casey Stengel caught the attention of not only those in attendance at the game at Ebbett’s Field in Brooklyn where the Pirates were the battling Stengel’s former club the Dodgers but the national media was dazzled too.
When this mighty Casey came up to bat in the seventh inning, the Brooklyn crowd cheered their former star. Stengel then stepped up near the plate and tipped his hat to the fans and as he did he released a sparrow from under his baseball cap that flew agitated into the New York sky. Apparently, the right fielder had caught the bird while out in the field during the bottom of the sixth.
To find more great daily sports history make sure to check out the Sports Jersey Dispatch and Pigskin Dispatch.
More From Sports History Network

Pro Quarterback Magazine: A Nostalgic Journey Through NFL History
Although it is difficult to get much information on when the first issue was

The Greatest NFL Quarterbacks of the 1970s
Well, I have refrained from discussing this topic, because I know that it will

How Sports Betting Has Shaped Kansas – A Historical Overview
Sports betting has a rich history in the United States, with each state contributing

1986 World Series Flashback: The Mets Triumph Over the Red Sox
The New York Mets franchise began with seven losing seasons in a row, 1962–1968.

From Peach Bowl Bets to Online Wagers – A Look at Georgia’s Gambling History
In spite of a noticeable uptick in calls for legalizing sports betting in Georgia over

What Builds A Football (Soccer) Player’s Ego?
Football (soccer), like many sports, is a game not only of skill but also

Cleveland Browns Dynasty (1946 thru 1973)
Most modern-day NFL football fans are familiar with the dynasty of the New England

A Canadian Invented One of America’s Top Sports: Basketball Origins
When you think of basketball, the initial thought would be that an American had