The Cincinnati Baseball Historical Review: No. 9 The Bidding War For A Mascot

The Story Of Reds Mascot Brownie Burke

In late July of 1909, Reds owner Garry Herrmann, a prominent member of the Elks Lodge, was attending a national convention in Los Angeles. Herrmann of course drew much attention as the owner of Reds, and often would entertain folks who knew or had seen a can’t miss prospect. This stay out west was no different.

But it wasn’t a prospective player that Herrmann signed on this trip.

Enter a 4-foot tall, 16 year old bellhop from Helena, Montana.

Frank James “Brownie” Burke.

Burke was at the Elks convention as an actor, performing for the group at a dinner. Someone at Herrmann’s table suggested that he sign Brownie, not to play, but as the team mascot.

The Reds owner was intrigued, and after a meeting with Burke, was impressed with his enthusiasm and demeanor.

The next day, Herrmann had a contract drawn up. Brownie accepted, and packed his bags for the Queen City. On Aug 8, 1909, Brownie made his debut and was an immediate hit with players and fans alike. Mascots of the time would be considered batboys today, but Burke took his role seriously and his charm added a uniqueness at the ballpark.

Over the next five years, Brownie Burke spent his summers with the Reds and his popularity extended to other clubs as well. He was so popular in fact, that another baseball club wished to obtain his services.

Enter Washington manager Clark Griffith.

Griffith, who owned a ranch in Helena, and was the Reds manager from 1909-1911, ran into Burke in 1912. Griffith stated that if Burke ever wished to move on from Cincy, he had a mascot job waiting for him in Washington. When Burke told Griffith his salary, the Senators boss offered $25 more. Brownie, ever the clever businessman, responded by telling Griffith that perhaps he could buy his services from the Reds since he was under contract with them.

Griffith wasted no time and sent a telegram to Herrmann, stating that he was willing to buy Burke’s release.

Herrmann didn’t respond.

A few days later, the Washington manager wired Herrmann once more.

This time, Herrmann replied back:

“If you would like to purchase the Cincinnati club, Brownie will be included in the sale, otherwise I am not interested.”

A few hours later, Brownie received a telegram from Herrmann:

“Your salary will be going up next year. Please pay no attention to Mr. Griffith.”

Brownie left his mascoting duties in 1915. He became an actor, appearing throughout the country, and at the start of WW1, desperately desired to serve his country. Unfortunately, there was a height requirement of 5 feet for the Army. But his friends on a Helena draft board helped his cause. On June 1, 1918 he was enlisted into the 90th Infantry Division.

After being discharged in 1919, he returned to acting and worked odd jobs before falling on hard times during the late 1920s. He passed away penniless on Nov. 7, 1931.

Although he is mostly forgotten, Brownie Burke was the first person from Montana to ever appear in “uniform” in the major leagues.