SHSBulldog00
03-23-2012, 12:59 PM
St. Louis Browns owner Bill Veeck was always known for his publicity stunts and outside-the-box approach to putting fans in the stands, but his festivities on August 19th, 1951 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the American League contained perhaps his best-known stunt.
Prior to the game, Gaedel signed 3'7" performer Eddie Gaedel to join the team, and between games of the double-header he jumped out of a papier-mache cake wearing a jersey with number "1/8" on the back.
It didn't end there, though, as Gaedel was inserted into the game as a pinch-hitter to lead off the bottom of the first inning. After the opposing team's manager and umpire confirmed he was in fact part of the active roster, he stepped into the batter's box and drew a four-pitch walk in what would be his only big-league plate appearance.
http://img827.imageshack.us/img827/3451/eddiegaedel.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/827/eddiegaedel.jpg/)
Prior to the game, Gaedel signed 3'7" performer Eddie Gaedel to join the team, and between games of the double-header he jumped out of a papier-mache cake wearing a jersey with number "1/8" on the back.
It didn't end there, though, as Gaedel was inserted into the game as a pinch-hitter to lead off the bottom of the first inning. After the opposing team's manager and umpire confirmed he was in fact part of the active roster, he stepped into the batter's box and drew a four-pitch walk in what would be his only big-league plate appearance.
http://img827.imageshack.us/img827/3451/eddiegaedel.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/827/eddiegaedel.jpg/)