The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-10-25
NICK ENGEL DEAD.
Patron of the Giants and known All
All Over the Country.

NEW YORK, Oct. 24-Nick Engel is
dead, and that announcement carries with
it the fact that the world has lost one of
the kindliest of human beings. He died
suddenly Friday afternoon at his home, No.
14S west Ninety-second street Heart fail
ure is assigned as the cause of DEATH which
was entirely unexpected, although he had
been feeling unwell for two weeks past. Mr..
Engel was at his restaurant, No. 16 West
Twenty-seventh street, Thursday after
noon, but went home early, complaining of
illness. He leaves widow and six children
three sons and three daughters-and a
brother.
The death of Nick Engel will be a severe
shock to the Theatrical profession and the
sporting fraternity The 'Home Plate"
which was the name of his resort on Twen-
ty-seventh street, was popular place Of
rendezvous for actors, ball players, racing
men and all interested in sport. 1t was also
headquarters for the Elks, of which Mr..
Engel was a prominent member, and many
in portant conferences of that order We're
held in snug corners of his resort.
Engel was the originator of the Beefsteak
Club idea, and he. personally organized
clubs in many of the large cities of the
United States. 1t was his delight to act
as chief of the frequently recurring din
ners of the various organizations, and no
enc who has sat at those feasts Will be
apt tc forget them.
1t was as baseball rooter that Nick
Engel shone. He had taken the thirty
third degree as shouter for the national
game, and no one went further IN encour-
aging and shouting for the Giants: So in
tenSely interested was Engel in the sport
that he would follow the home team about
the country, urging them on with voice and
gesture There is not a ball player in
America but knew Uncle Nick, and all Ma
tional League players have called at the
Home Plate Hanging on its walls are
photographs of players in their prime,
when the national game was in It's infancy,
and also the experts of the present day.
One full-length picture is that of the late
King Kelly and tucked in a corner of the
frame is telegram from the player TO
Engel, announcing victory in certain I'M
portant game
His gallery of phi lographs of theatrical
people was varied and complete, and most
of the pictures bore the autographs or the
donors. During the baseball season play
ers, managers and magnates always made
a point of spending a few hours each even
ing at the Home Plate, and many a base
conflict between the National League and
Players League in 1890, the latter organi-
zation made Engels its headquarters, ana
the conferences there were exciting and I'M
portant in those stirring times.
Engel was thorough enthusiast on base
ball and could always be found in the
front row. At the close OF 1894 ne was tne
public reception to the Giants, who had
Just finished second in the league race ana
won the Temple cup. Inc reception TOOK
splendid tribute to the victorious players.
Engels predominant trait was JoViallty.
lie had an invariable smile and cheery sa,
lutte for his friends ana acqualntanceS, anu
none was more ready than he with SYM
pathy for those in trouble His svmnathv
frequently took the shape of substantial
anv one will ever know and his death will
be sincerely mourned by all who knew him.