BASEBALL: De Wolf HOPPER recites "Casey at the Bat" (1909)

[65domer]

Very creative intro to Casey at the Bat by Hopper. I have a 1950s vinyl recording of Hopper reciting classic baseball poem.(RCA LCT 112) It may be a recording of the 1909 reading?

[Voodooday2]

this is very cool thanks for posting!

[dewolfm]

Interesting guy, DeWolf Hopper. Related to the Rhode Island DeWolfs, I think. Could be the offspring of a DeWolf female who ran off to marry a traveling "drummer" (I think that's a salesman).

[mayatatyana1]

Thank you, Doug. This is wonderful! Maya

[bitgreeny]

Great! His is the best read. Great quality on this record too.

[dabsy1]

Does anyone know if DeW H made a recording back in 1888?

[CurzonRoad]

Although the technology was very much in place in 1888, can't say I know that DeWolf Hopper actually recorded this that far back.

[COOKIESHEPARD]

The first recorded version of "Casey at the Bat" was narrated by Russell Hunting in 1893; and again on wax cylinder in 1898. DeWolf Hopper's more famous recorded recitation was released in October 1906. Walt Disneys animated cartoon adaptation narrated by Jerry Colonna was released in the late 1940s.

[CurzonRoad]

Thanks very much for this information...

... Jerry Colonna ?!

Tidings from snowbound DC!

Doug --

[deepseadirt]

yes Hopper originally performed this in 1888. This recording is 21 years later in 1909. Thus the recording is 100 years old. His voice is phenomenal for an acoustical recording

[CurzonRoad]

My understanding is De Wolf Hopper (who was married to Hollywood gossip columnist Hedda Hopper) recorded this to disc on four (4) different occasions across three decades. Thank you for this new information!

[victrolaman]

@CurzonRoad you are correct. This is done with a much speeded up delivery compared to the 1906 Version. I have both versions, and the comparison is notable. Still a great record though.

[deepseadirt]

Hopper did this reading on a 1922 experimental sound movie. It's preserved a t the Library of Congress

[greymattersblog]

Happy 121st birthday, Casey at the Bat! It was originally published on June 3, 1888 in the San Francisco Examiner.

[CurzonRoad]

Hello: And thanks VERY MUCH for the 121st birthday greeting to Casey! Cheers, etc. ALL BEST. Doug --

[CurzonRoad]

Why not have a go at this yourself, Henry?

Cheers, etc. Doug --

[CurzonRoad]

Wow... thanks so much! All Best.

[fuzzbear6240]

CurzonRoad, Perfection!

Regards, J.