Sandlot games list series#

Imagine a lineup with names like Joe Torre, Ron Santo, Al Kaline, Whitey Ford, Richie Ashburn, Billy Pierce, Bill Freehan, Dick Groat and Tony Kubek: they all got their start, and some were noticed for the first time, at The Esquire's Game, Brooklyn Against the World, and the Hearst Sandlot Classic. Another stage was in Brooklyn, NY, where the Brooklyn Eagle sponsored 'Brooklyn Against the World' from 1946 through 1950, with 10 players, including another four All-Stars and another Hall of Famer, advancing to the big leagues. 17 players, including four All-Stars, one who made it to the Hall of Fame, played in those Esquire's Games. In 19, the games were held in New York, and in 1946, the game was held in Chicago, IL. In 1944, The Esquire's All-American Baseball Game was first contested, bringing in players from all over the country.

The Hearst Classic was not the only stage for youth baseball. Those who did not make it to the majors did quite often go on to very successful lives outside of baseball, but for one moment, they had the adventure of their lives, traveling to the big city for the most memorable week of their still young lives. Of course, more than a couple had just the proverbial cup of coffee. There were All-Stars, MVPs, Cy Young Award winners and batting champions. Over the years, 88 of those who participated in these games advanced to the major leagues. They were matched up against the New York Journal-American All-Stars, a team selected from tryouts in the city's sandlot program.

Hearst newspapers in 12 cities from Boston, MA to San Francisco, CA selected players for the United States All-Stars.

Sandlot games list series#

It was originally known as the Hearst Diamond Pennant Series The Hearst Sandlot Classic was a youth All-Star game (age 16-18) played annually in New York City from 1946 through 1965.