WILLIAM BENDIX

When he was fifteen, WILLIAM BENDIX was a batboy for the New York Giants, who at that time, shared the Polo Grounds with the Yankees. With access to the clubhouse, the teenager was able to meet his idol, Babe Ruth, and became his gofer. Eager to please, the impressionable youth shined the baseball star’s shoes, ran his errands and delivered his food. On one occasion, Ruth had Bendix bring him a dozen hot dogs and two quarts of soda.

After consuming the entire order, the Babe collapsed with stomach pains and was rushed to the hospital. Word on the street was that Ruth was seriously ill, but it turned out to be a bad case of indigestion. After an investigation by the Yankees’ front office, the Giants fired Bendix. Later in his life Bendix would play Ruth in a biopic of his life.