Coley O’Brien McAvoy, the younger of our two sons, has lived in California since his graduation from Attleboro High more than 20 years ago. No parents could ask for a better son; never has he given us a moment of disappointment. When he called a while back to tell us that he was marrying Wendy Crawford of Colorado, his girlfriend of several years, we couldn’t have been more pleased. We have gotten to know Wendy, and she is a beautiful woman inside and out. When my son continued by saying that he would like me to serve as his best man, as one may expect, I was honored beyond measure.
My wife Patti and I flew to San Diego on Monday, so I will not be in town for the next 10 days. As a result of having so many chores to get out of the way, today and next Tuesday I’m offering up several selections from the late Attleboro Police Lt. John Hardt’s collection of memorabilia, these from the June 1928 Blue Owl, whose editor-in-chief as it happens, was the late Valentine King, a standup guy who was stepfather to my late cousins Donald O’Brien and Jean (O’Brien) Cronin and my cousin Danny King. They seem to reflect the tenor of the times, a slower time and place.
There are many different sorts of confidence, about which much can be written and talked. The one kind that brings disastrous results is the much discussed one, overconfidence. This kind lowers all leaders into a trap; it turns victory into defeat. Confidence, if it is to be classed successfully at all, should be combined with the spirit of “fight to the finish.” This spirit is necessary if wars are to be won, if leaders are to be successful. This spirit determines the difference between victory and defeat. Overconfidence has crushed many certain victories, mental and physical. So long as it is followed by the “fight to the finish” spirit, however, it may become morally successful.
A striking example of overconfidence need be traced back only a day. Our baseball team had practically clinched an easy game yesterday at the expense of the supposed no-good New Bedford team. “It has taken only a third of the game to win,” was the feeling of every player. But it takes a whole game to make the victory, and this was sadly realized when the final outcome was pitifully reviewed. After the fourth inning the whole team began to celebrate and enjoy their victory. Overconfidence, it seized everyone and the “fight to the finish” spirit was lacking. Thus the opponents rose out of the ruts and overcame the comfortable lead that Attleboro had enjoyed for six innings.
Real confident sons fighting spirit can be injected into one organization or individual successfully without an unsuccessful example such as the one above. However, it is hoped that such an example will be a lesson to all those who tend towards overconfidence and black that spirit of “fight to the finish.”
Written by John W. Hardt 1928
Baseball, our national pastime has improved greatly during the last 30 years and we can now regard the game with pride. It is proven to be a success financially and while there may be a few old timers who regard present-day baseball with disdain, they cannot deny its increase in popularity. These old-timers are evident everywhere and it is no uncommon thing to hear their pessimistic predictions concerning baseball’s future. They claim it’s becoming too much of a gentleman’s game, and they contemptuously called the present-day ballplayers “hand shakers.” Their opinions are of little importance, however, and as most people become cynical as they grow older the shortcomings of the old-timers will pass quietly
Baseball in the olden days was a battle; a battle on and off the field, and most of the encounters were not verbal. A man held his position as much by the use of his fists as his ability. As a result rowdy-ism was prevalent in the daily professional games, and in many cases the life of the umpire was in danger. I recruit breaking into the big leagues had to have an overdose of fighting spirit; he received no help from a veteran — a position meant money.
A change took place with the coming of Ban Johnson. Johnson, directing the destiny of the American league, proved to be baseball’s salvation. He hated rowdyism; it is hardly necessary to state that he drove rowdyism out.
As a result, attendance increased, fans no longer feared riots and they flocked to the ballparks. College players came into the big leagues, and needless to say they proved to be a calming influence over their companions. Veterans no longer refuse to help aspiring recruits; they willingly took them in hand and aided them by imparting the knowledge that they had gained with experience.
Written by Melvin Candelet, 1928
Congratulations are extended to the members of the newly inducted charter class of the Attleboro Basketball Hall of Fame.
I recently received an inquiry (and not the first) from an anonymous writer asking the whereabouts of longtime local gadabout and good friend Paul Jedediah Brennan. People who have been concerned over his absence from the usual haunts may rest easy. I am told by another straight shooter, Jim “Killer” Kane, that the late Mayor Brennan’s son is in public housing on South Avenue and doing well.
We wish a rapid recovery to City Treasurer Ethel Sandbach from the broken wrist she suffered in a fall on the ice, which seems to be everywhere. Just as long as you can sign those checks, Ethel.
Please be good to one another out there and help your brother and sister whenever possible; please remember the less fortunate and strengthen your community by getting to know your neighbors.
Thomas McAvoy’s commentaries appear in this space on Tuesdays.
