Tragedy in Atlanta
Terry W. Sloope
p4
There was considerable controversy – and misinformation - surrounding Henke’s death, due mostly to inherent weaknesses in accepted journalistic practices of the day. A dispatch apparently was sent to the Cincinnati Enquirer – by whom nobody seemed to know, except that it allegedly was sent by someone in Atlanta - claiming that the incident in which Henke was injured was the result of a deliberate act on the part of Marr, Nashville’s first baseman, due to “bad feelings” between the two clubs.(9) This account was then was picked up by other papers around the country, including papers in Philadelphia, St. Louis and Denver. The Baltimore American, without having a first-hand account of the incident and relying only on accounts supplied by other papers it culled for news items, chose to take advantage of this tragedy to opine with great disgust:
“The killing of Henke…by first baseman Marr…seems to be the result of a malicious intention to inflict a hurt. There was very bitter feelings between the two clubs that shadowed itself in the audiences. The game at times shadowed symptoms of violence….This is an extreme exhibition of a spirit that has been frequently shown on the ball field this year and in which audiences have participated. Ruffianly manners have disgraced many games during the present season….The hooting and hissing at umpires, and even threats of violence on the part of audiences, tend to demoralize this beautiful game and deliver it over to rowdies….(t)he fair-play chivalry that belongs to real games tends to disappear in the struggle for records. Some of the beauties of the game disappear also.”(10)
Atlanta officials were quick to deny the allegations of dirty play on the part of Nashville and Atlanta: “…Nothing could be more unjust. Henke’s injuries were purely accidental, and were so recognized by himself, by every member of both teams and by the audience.”(11) Marr himself was a native of Cincinnati; he and Henke had played together on the Clippers and were good friends. Lefty Marr had no reason to hurt Henke, and all indications were that he was greatly distressed by what had happened.
Gus Schmelz
Many platitudes – typical in these types of situations - directed towards Henke’s character and ability were forthcoming upon word of his injury. On the morning after the incident, before he was aware that Henke’s injury was mortal, manager Gus Schmelz had reacted to the prospect of losing his first baseman for any extended period of time: “I regard him as one of my most valuable men. In addition to this he is one of the best fellows in the world….(I)t would certainly be a severe loss to the team”(12) and, after Henke had passed “He was one of the most promising players in the country. He played first base this season, a position entirely new to him, and gave promise of heading the Southern League this season.” (13)
Notes:
(9) "The Dead Player," Atlanta Constitution, August 17, 1885, p7.
(10) "Death and Base Ball," Baltimore American, as reprinted in the Newnan Herald
(11) "For the Benefit of Henke's Family," Atlanta Constitution, August 18, 1885, p5.
(12) "Mr. Henke's Condition," Atlanta Daily Journal, August 15, 1885, p4.
(13) "Base Ball Notes," Meriden (CT) Daily Republic, August 17, 1885, p4.