Baseball great jailed here in classic hoax

Baseball great Honus Wagner, the pride of the Pittsburgh Pirates, came to Marion in September 1915. His team was to play an exhibition game with the local All-Stars, the Marion Boosters.

The Pirates had finished fifth place in the National League after winning pennants in 1901, 1902, and 1903 and the World Series in 1909. Wagner's career was winding down, but his outstanding lifetime performance on the playing field and his popularity with fans would later earn him a place with Ty Cobb as the first inductees into the Baseball Hall of Fame

It was reported with great excitement that pitcher Al Mamaux would be on the mound here for the Pirates. Promoters assured local fans they would see "a real big pitcher in action."

Marion resident Victor Bournique, a friend of Honus Wagner, said he had received a telegram from the star player confirming he would be here and meet him at Goldthwaite Park before the event.

The game would take a back seat to the events they encountered upon their arrival in Marion. In bold headlines, the Leader Tribune informed its readers that Wagner and Pirates Erv Kahntneer were the victims of Marion's famous joke squad.

In a classic setup, the two players were invited by Marion residents Hal Smith, Ora Drischel, and Homer Grant to go to Matter Park to net fish. Lying in wait was Josiah Ferguson with his trusty shotgun, Deputy Sheriff Frank Tukey, and Burr Hamilton. Ferguson fired shots over the head of the terrified baseball players, sending them running toward the Highland Ave. bridge, where they were apprehended and taken to jail.

A special session of the Circuit Court was arranged. John R. Browne was the judge, Gus Condo was the prosecutor, and SL Srickler was the defense attorney.

The three locals who were involved in the joke were tried first. Browne found them guilty and sentenced them to 60 days in jail and $100 in fines.

The nervous Wagner and his teammate were then called to the bench. Kahntneer was punished like the Marion men. Browne then announced that the players' jail time would be suspended.

Wagner was called before the bench and given the same $100 fine and sentence suspended. Browne then informed the frightened Wagner that he was a victim of a gigantic hoax. After confessing that he was hoodwinked, Wagner gave in to calls for a speech. Pittsburgh manager Fred Clarke expressed his appreciation for the entertainment and his hope that the pirates would return next season to Marion. The locals involved in the prank were concerned the fame resulting from this sniping of Honus Wagner would make it difficult to get fresh material for the Joker Squad in the future.

Marion Leader Tribune 09.30.1915 “Wagner and Kanhntneer…”

Celebrate the Past “Baseball great jailed here in classic hoax” Bill Munn April 12, 2000