A Prince at First: The Fictional Autobiography of Baseball’s Hal Chase

Nicknamed Prince Hal, first baseman Hal Chase was the first captain of the New York Yankees in the early years of the twentieth century (when the team was known as the Highlanders). Widely regarded as one of the most gifted first basemen ever to play the game, he may also be the most corrupt individual to play the game. Prince Hal’s charismatic personality, however, helped him overcome repeated accusations of throwing games, bribing players, betting against his own team and various other misbehaviors. At the time of the 1919 World Series fix – the so-called Black Sox scandal – he was thought to have been the mastermind and was banned from organized ball. He died penniless in a state hospital after World War II, the victim of beriberi brought on by years of alcoholism and poor diet. This fictional but carefully factual “autobiography,” based on extensive research, chronicles Chase’s many exploits. Even more revealing, it also traces the corruption of the man’s soul.

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