A 1931 Walking Stick Presented to "King of Baseball" Connie Mack by Boston Mayor James Michael Curley Sourced Directly From McGillicuddy Family
Connie Mack, the longest-serving manager in baseball history, managed his final World Series in 1931, when his defending champion Philadelphia Athletics fell to the St. Louis Cardinals in seven games. Although he would go on to manage 19 additional seasons, that 1931 Series would be the last time Mack would lead a team to the Fall Classic. With his place in baseball lore secure, Mack received this elaborate rootwood walking stick from Boston mayor James M. Curley in October 1931 designating him "The King Of Baseball." Mack, a native of East Brookfield, Mass. held a special place in the heart of Boston as he signed the lease for the property that became the site of the Boston Red Sox’ first ballpark. The stick measures 35 inches and features an engraved plaque near the handle that states:
Presented To
Connie Mack
The King of Baseball
By The City of Boston
Hon. James M. Curley
Mayor
October 1931
Mack was so honored with the gift from the Boston mayor, he would use it frequently for the rest of his life. The treasure has remained with the McGillicuddy family, who now choose to share this important relic with those who admire the incomparable leadership and dignity of baseball's greatest manager.
Accompanied by the following letter from Mack's grandson, John McGillicuddy:
I loved going to the first floor family closet as a child and picking out the walking stick and showing it to my mother. I loved it so much that mom gave it to me out of the eight siblings. Mom told me it belonged to Pop Pop, my grandfather, Connie Mack. My dad is Connie Mack Jr. McGillicuddy is the family name shortened for Pop Pop as a player and manager.
Cornelious McGillicuddy is a very long name for a score card. Mack is ayypical Irish nick name because in Ireland it is spelt MacGillycuddy. He would visit us in Fort Myers, Florida where Mom and Dad and the eight siblings lived. Granddad brought the first professional baseball team for Spring training, the Philadelphia A's to Fort Myers where Boston Red Socks train now.
My brother, Senator Connie Mack was the one tasked with taking care of Pop Pop each morning he got up. The family love and revere him with such admiration. My hope is that someone who values his contribution to the history of major league baseball will truly treasure this enduring piece that came right out of the McGillicuddy home in Fort Myers, Florida.
The cane is a treasure of Boston history and politics due to Mayor James Michael Curley making the presentation.
John McGillicuddy,
Grandson of Connie Mack
This lot is located in Naples.
