Judge Fuchs and the Boston Braves, 1923-1935

In late 1922, Judge Emil Fuchs purchased the woebegone Boston Braves–primarily to bring his ailing friend, Christy Mathewson, back into the game he loved so much. A true fan, Judge Fuchs poured his fortune into the team, intent on giving Boston’s long-suffering National League fans a winner. He introduced Ladies’ Days, contracted to have Braves games broadcast on radio, and successfully campaigned to allow Sunday baseball in Boston. Moreover, he gave the fans a competitive team, climaxed by the Braves’ dramatic pennant race with the New York Giants in 1933.

The Depression, however, weakened his financial position to the point where in 1935 Fuchs was forced to give up the team. Using Judge Fuchs’ unfinished autobiography, the memories of his son who worked in the organization, and extensive additional research, this story of an owner and an era is complete.