NAVY BEATS ARMY AT THE POLO GROUNDS
New York City (JFK+50) On November 26, 1921, the "greatest crowd in Polo Grounds* history" witnessed Navy defeat Army on an afternoon described by Grantland Rice** as "ideal for ducks, fish, seals, porpoises, umbrella manufacturers, bootleggers and pneumonia."
46,000 football fans saw both teams turn into "charging figures of mud and goo." The Navy's Steve Barchet scored the only touchdown of the match at the opening of the second period "by skidding over" the goal line.
*Polo Grounds (1880-1963) located in Upper Manhattan, NYC used for professional baseball & football games opened on April 18, 1880. The grounds were renovated in 1911 & expanded in 1923. Closing came on Dec 14, 1963 & demolition on Apr 10, 1964.
**Henry Grantland "Granny" Rice (1880-1954) was born in Murfreesboro, TN. HGR attended Vanderbilt University^ where he played baseball & football, graduating in 1901. He became a successful sportswriter known for his eloquent prose.
^JFK+50 Note: Vanderbilt is my alma mater's in-state rival. In fact, General Robert R. Neyland was hired specifically to beat the Commodores in football. Before RRN came to Knoxville in 1925, UT's record vs. Vandy was 2 wins, 2 ties & 18 losses. Although Neyland lost his first game vs. Vandy, he didn't lose again until 1935.
The Volunteers play the Commodores tomorrow at Neyland Stadium hoping to finish the season 7-5. GO VOLS!
SOURCES
"Navy Beats Army 7-0 in Sea of Mud," by Grantland Rice, The New York Tribune, November 27, 1921, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/
"Tennessee vs. Vanderbilt, The Historical: The Yankee Lawyer and the Captain From West Point," by C.J. Schexnayder, 2011, www.sbnation.com/
