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Babe Pratt - Hockey HOF Champion Defenseman
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Babe Pratt - Hockey HOF Champion Defenseman

Born January 7, 1916, in Stony Mountain, Manitoba, was Hockey Hall of Fame Defenseman Babe Pratt. This legend was a two-time NHL All-Star, won the Hart Memorial Trophy, and helped two teams he played on win the Stanley Cup Championship. Pratt skated for the New York Rangers, Toronto Maple Leafs, and the Boston Bruins during his remarkable twelve-year career in the NHL.

From Stony Mountain to the Hockey Hall of Fame

Born in the frosty Canadian town of Stony Mountain, Manitoba, Walter Peter "Babe" Pratt was destined for the ice. His journey from rural Saskatchewan to the pinnacle of professional hockey is a testament to grit, talent, and unwavering determination.

Pratt's career began in the rough-and-tumble world of senior leagues, where his versatility shone. He could seamlessly switch between defense and left wing, a rare skill that caught the eye of the New York Rangers in 1935. He quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with, known for his booming slap shot and bone-crushing checks.

His impact was immediate. Pratt was instrumental in the Rangers' 1940 Stanley Cup victory, solidifying his reputation as a clutch performer. He later joined the Toronto Maple Leafs and was a key player in their 1945 championship run. His leadership and defensive prowess earned him the coveted Hart Memorial Trophy in 1944, a mark of individual excellence rarely achieved by defensemen.

However, Pratt's career wasn't without controversy. In 1946, he was suspended for betting on hockey games, a scandal that threatened to derail his legacy. His heartfelt apology and a promise to quit gambling led to his reinstatement, and he finished his career with the Boston Bruins, showcasing his unwavering passion for the game.

Beyond trophies and statistics, Babe Pratt's legacy lies in his influence on the game itself. He pioneered the two-way defenseman, excelling both offensively and defensively. His booming slapshot inspired a generation of blueliners to unleash their offensive power.

2024-05-03

May 3 Numbers

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Sports history is made every day of the year. We will preserve at least a small sampling from some great athletes every day based on the uniform number they wore. 9 - 5 - 12 - 21 - 44 - 6 - 8 - 16 - 23 May 3, 1936 - A big event in New York Yankee history occurred. Number 9, Joe DiMaggio ...

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2024-05-02

May 2 Numbers

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Sports history is made every day of the year. We will preserve at least a small sampling from some great athletes every day based on the uniform number they wore. 4 May 2, 1876 - Second baseman for the Chicago White Stockings, Ross Barnes hit the first home run in National League history...

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2024-05-01

May 1 Numbers

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Sports history is made every day of the year. We will preserve at least a small sampling from some great athletes every day based on the uniform number they wore. 3 - 23 - 1 - 4 May 1, 1884 - The Toledo Blue Stockings made history by signing catcher Moses Fleetwood Walker. It doesn't...

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2024-04-30

April 30 Numbers

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Sports history is made every day of the year. We will preserve at least a small sampling from some great athletes every day based on the uniform number they wore. 4 - 17 - 6 - 22 - 33 - 1 April 30, 1922 - Chicago White Sox pitcher Charlie Robertson,  threw a perfect game as the...

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2024-04-29

April 29 Numbers

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Sports history is made every day of the year. We will preserve at least a small sampling from some great athletes every day based on the uniform number they wore. 14 - 9 April 29, 1892 - Charlie Reilly of the Philadelphia Phillies becomes Major League Baseball's first pinch hitt...

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2024-04-28

April 28 Numbers

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Sports history is made every day of the year. We will preserve at least a small sampling from some great athletes every day based on the uniform number they wore. 20 - 21 - 1 April 28, 1901 - Cleveland Blue's pitcher Bock Baker had a really bad day on the mound. The left hander gave&...

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Bears versus Cardinals: The NFL's Oldest Rivalry
Author Joe Ziemba the master historian of football in Chicago has released another beauty. It is titled Bears versus Cardinals: The NFL's Oldest Rivalry. _________________________

Hut! Hut! Hike! Book
Historian Timothy P. Brown has released another excellent book to help fill our football minds with knowledge. His latest is called Hut! Hut! Hike!: A History of Football Terminology.

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