The Legacy of Buckeley Stadium: Where Babe Ruth Took His Final Swing
Have you ever driven past a quiet intersection or a disused lot and wondered what history took place right beneath your feet? If you stand near the intersection of Hanmer Street and George Street in the South End of Hartford, Connecticut—just off Franklin Avenue—you might only see overgrown grass and former healthcare facilities. But decades ago, this very ground shook with the roar of thousands of sports fans witnessing iconic American legends.
Go on a journey to the former site of Buckeley Stadium, and discover how this New England venue hosted some of the greatest athletes in sports history—and became the backdrop for Babe Ruth’s final game.
From Clarkin Field to Buckeley Stadium
The stadium’s origins trace back to 1921, when it opened as Clarkin Field under the ownership of Mr. Clarkin, who also owned the Hartford Senators baseball team. Celebrated as one of the premier sports sites in New England, Clarkin Field featured modern amenities, excellent locker rooms, and state-of-the-art facilities.
However, in 1927, a devastating fire gutted the stadium. Rebuilt from the ground up, the facility was officially renamed Buckeley Stadium in honor of Morgan G. Buckeley (Morgan G. Bulkeley). Buckeley’s résumé was legendary in its own right: he served as President of Aetna insurance, Mayor of Hartford, Governor of Connecticut, U.S. Senator, and the very first President of National League Baseball.
A Multi-Sport Cathedral for Legends
Buckeley Stadium was far more than just a neighborhood ballpark; it was a multi-sport arena that hosted baseball, professional football, boxing matches, and oval-track auto racing.
Over its storied lifespan, the stadium welcomed an astounding array of sports royalty:
- Baseball Greats: Hall of Famers like Lou Gehrig (who played his very first professional season in Hartford under an assumed name to circumvent eligibility rules), Ted Williams (who hit a home run here), Ty Cobb, Cy Young, and multisport star Jim Thorpe all graced the diamond.
- Major League Teams: Major league clubs regularly played exhibition games at Buckeley Stadium, including the Boston Red Sox, Boston Braves, Pittsburgh Pirates, St. Louis Cardinals, and Philadelphia/Kansas City Athletics.
- NFL Football: In the 1920s, Hartford boasted its own NFL franchise, the Hartford Blues, who battled powerhouses like the New York Giants. Three members of Notre Dame’s legendary “Four Horsemen” were recruited to play for the Blues, alongside future New York Giants head coach and Hall of Famer Steve Owen.
- Boxing Royalty: Ring legend Willie Pep—the lightweight champion who compiled a staggering record of 229 wins and only 11 losses—boxed right here at Buckley Stadium.
The Sultan of Swat’s Final Bow
Among all the historic moments recorded at Buckeley Stadium, one stands above the rest: it was the site of Babe Ruth’s last baseball game ever.
Contrary to popular belief, the “Sultan of Swat” did not play his final game at Yankee Stadium or Fenway Park. At age 50, playing for a team called the Savitt Gems against a squad from nearby New Britain, Ruth put on a show for the Hartford crowd. During pre-game batting practice, the home run king treated fans to a thrilling display, launching balls far out of the park.
When the game began, Ruth came in as a pinch hitter near the final innings and grounded out to the pitcher. Reflecting on his performance after the game with reporters, Ruth famously remarked:
“Listen… some days the pitches look like watermelons, other days they look like peanuts.”
On that day in Hartford, the pitch looked like a peanut. Shortly after the game, Ruth fell ill, his health declined rapidly, and he never played organized baseball again.
Demolition and What Remains Today
The decline of Buckeley Stadium began in 1952 when the Boston Braves relocated to Milwaukee. As part of the move, the franchise took its minor league farm team, the Hartford Chiefs, with them. Left without a primary tenant and showing signs of age, the stadium was eventually demolished in 1960.
The property later housed the Buckeley Convalescent Home and eventually the Ellis Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, both of which have since close.
Today, physical remnants of the legendary stadium are sparse, but if you look closely, history still lingers:
- The Third-Base Fence: A small section of the original third-base fence still runs along the perimeter.
- The Granite Home Plate: A granite home plate marker remains near the former entrance, though it is often obscured by deep grass.
- Hartford Yard Goats Mural: When minor league baseball returned to Hartford in 2016 at Dunkin’ Donuts Park, organizers installed a massive photo mural of the Connecticut Senators, bridging the gap back to the era of Clarkin Field and Buckeley Stadium.
The Leadership Takeaway: Build a Legacy That Lasts
Reflecting during my tour, the true value of Buckeley Stadium extends beyond baseball statistics and architectural ruins.
The primary leadership takeaway from Buckley Stadium is to build something that outlasts you and leaves a lasting legacy. Though concrete walls and grandstands eventually crumble, the inspiring stories, community memories, and historical achievements endure for generations. Every day, we drive past sites packed with extraordinary history—reminding us to make our own contributions count.
Key Takeaways for Travelers & History Buffs
- Location: South End of Hartford, CT (Near Franklin Ave, Hammer St, and George St).
- Must-See Nearby: Visit Dunkin’ Donuts Park in downtown Hartford to see the historical Connecticut Senators mural.
Uncovering History. Inspiring Leadership. The Travel in Time Show is where travel, history, and leadership intermingle with history teacher, author, and speaker Dan Blanchard
*Check out Dan’s book, “Travel in Time in Connecticut: https://www.amazon.com/Travel-Time-Co…
*Watch Dan’s YouTube video on this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4bLmhm1_ZE&list=PL_-39bUXJitzYA54GokEq0Cou2IfAPdnJ&index=1
*Listen to Dan’s podcast on this episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2TJXlGtYuSWFytN96ut2qC?si=NZA1dtrYQUqKwjM6JTDykA
*See Dan’s interview with Morgan G. Buckeley: (Coming soon)
*Learn more about Dan: https://granddaddyssecrets.com/
Travel in Time with Dan – Mixing Travel, History, and Leadership with me, Dan Blanchard!