Hearst Sandlot Classic

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

Hearst newspapers in 12 cities from Boston, MA to San Francisco, CA selected players for the United States All-Stars. They were matched up against the New York Journal-American All-Stars, a team selected from tryouts in the city's sandlot program.

Over the years, 88 of those who participated in these games advanced to the major leagues. There were All-Stars, MVPs, Cy Young Award winners and batting champions. Of course, more than a couple had just the proverbial cup of coffee. 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.

The Hearst Classic was not the only stage for youth baseball. In 1944, The Esquire's All-American Baseball Game was first contested, bringing in players from all over the country. In 1944 and 1945, the games were held in New York, and in 1946, the game was held in Chicago, IL. 17 players, including four All-Stars, one who made it to the Hall of Fame, played in those Esquire's Games. 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.

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.

Further Reading

• Alan Cohen: "The Hearst Sandlot Classic: More Than a Doorway to the Big Leagues," The Baseball Research Journal, SABR, Fall 2013, pp. 21-29.
• Alan Cohen: "When They Were Boys: Chicago and Youth Baseball Take Center Stage," in Stuart Shea, ed.: "North Side, South Side, All Around the Town: Baseball in Chicago," The National Pastime, SABR, 2015, pp. 74-77.
• Alan Cohen: "Bats, Balls, Boys, Dreams, and Unforgettable Experiences: Youth All-Star Games In New York, 1944-1965," in Cecilia M. Tan, ed.: "New York, New York: Baseball in the Big Apple", The National Pastime, SABR, 2017, pp. 85-88.
• Alan Cohen: "From Sandlot to Center Stage: Pittsburgh Youth All-Star Games 1944-59," in Cecilia M. Tan, ed.: Steel City Stories, The National Pastime, SABR, 2018, pp. 60-63.