Charlie Keller and Snuffy Stirnweiss: 1948 Yankees On Deck Moment
The page from the September 1948 edition of Sportfolio showcases a moment involving New York Yankees players during a game. Charlie Keller is depicted in a crouched position on the diamond, with his knee planted on a towel held by the team's batboy, Harry. This act is tied to a lighthearted superstition associated with luck, hinting at the rituals players often engage in as part of their game-day routines. It is noted that while some Yankees players exhibit personal superstitions or peculiar habits, the team as a whole does not consider themselves particularly superstitious. The relationship depicted emphasizes the camaraderie and quirks of the team environment. At that time, the Yankees were a dominant force in Major League Baseball, having recently won the 1947 World Series and continuing to build a storied legacy throughout the late 1940s.