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Joe Engel pitched for the Washington
Senators, from 1912-15, and 1920, the
Cincinnati Reds in 1917, and the
Cleveland Indians in 1919. In 1951
Engel recruited the expertise of
Garnett Beck, and formed the
Joe Engle Bat Co. in Chattanooga,
Tennessee. He
became one of the most successful
scouts in history, a promoter and team
owner of the Chattanooga Lookouts
beginning in 1929, until his death in
1969.
Engel signed 17 year old female pitcher Jackie
Mitchell to throw against the New York
Yankees and she struck out Babe Ruth
and Lou Gehrig in a 1931 exhibition. In
1951 Engel came up with a knot hole
gang for girls, known as the Englettes.
The youngsters from 9 to 15 was
admitted to Chattanooga Engel Stadium,
four nights a week. Joe Engle is
credited with being a pioneer in the
development of the original knot hole
gang idea.
Sponsored by the Y.M.C.A., the Joe Engle Knot Hole Gang had 2,044 members
in 1930. By 1954 there were 6,595. Boys
qualifying were given passes to Lookout
games, issued during the last week of
school. Qualifications for membership
were (1) 98% annual school attendance
record; (2) regular religious school
attendance, and (3) clean speech, clean
sports, and clean habits.
This card was issued to a veteran member in 1951 giving admission to
Lookout games played at Engel Stadium
for the entire season. The ticket was
good after the close of city schools.
Lines are provided on the front of the
card for the date, Boy's name and
school. The back of the card lists the
Members Agreement:
1. I will attend no games against the wishes of my
parents or employer.
2. I will stand for clean speech, clean sports and clean
habits.
3. I will conduct myself in a sportsmanlike and
gentlemanly manner in and about the
ball park and will NOT DESTROY PROERTY.
4. I will be a regular attendant at my Sunday School.
5. I will not transfer this ticket to anyone.
At the bottom a line is provided for a parent or gaudian to sign, approval
of conditions.
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