Evening star., 1953-01-01
Guuzzu
Continued from Page C-1)

feef, TOO, out lNe IlrSC record OF
his diamond activity was at the
age of IA when he played with
and managed the Shappirio Ath-
letic Club team. 1t represented a
sports goods store with which he
soon became identified. The team
for five years was success in the
Commercial Unlimited League.
In 1910, as an employe of the
old Walford Sporting Goods Co.,
Vic was playing manage, of is
team, also in the Commercial
League. On one of tie other
teams was Joe Engel. later a
pitcher with the Washington club
and now president of the Chatta-
nooga Lookouts.
In 1912, Gauzza promoted his
first league. the Capit9l City, and
his team, the National Athletic
Club. for which he pitched and
played the indeld, won the city
title in 1912-13-15-16.
Mohawk Team Outstanding.
Vic was to manage many other
winning teams. but the most note
worthy was the Mohawk Athletic
Club, which shone during the early
l920's. Helping the Mohawks to
capture sundry titles were severa,
players who moved into the major
leagues-Walter Beall, pitcher, TO
the Yankees; Denny Sorhern, out
fielder, to the PhillieS and later
with the Pirates and Dodgers,
Frank Watt, pitcher. to the Phil
lies, and Monk Fraser to John
McGrawS Giants. Other Mo-
hawks played minor league ball.
In 1928, the club swept the Sun
day independent, weekday lnde-
pendent and city-wide titles.
Of nostalgia memory to veteran
sandlot fairs are the names OF
other Mohawks who played under
the direction of Gauzza - Al
Schneider. Finney Kelly, Freddie
Moore, Frank Hudson, Lefty Wine
garden, Speed Mallet. Joe Mccoy.
Bernie FITZGERALD. Joe Tucci. Ed
Sley, Mac Mccarthy, Dick Will
liams, Squirrel Charles, Joe Nc
Cam. Bottle Cox and Tony Jarvis.
Only once did Gauzza try his
hard in professional sports. In
1881 he managed the Vic Sport
Shop baseball team representing
his own store) which lost to the
Skinker Bros Eagles. to 3. in
a memorable series for the Dis
'rict title. Vic's players were Joe
Sweeney, Dick Streeks, Jake Cold
hlatt. Tubba Farrell. Walter Mot
ris and Les nehemiah.
Notable among his football
teams was the 140-pound National
A. c., which ruled its division here
during 1925. 1t was coachd
by John CHip, Dugan. himself an
immortal in Washington Sandlot
annals who later was sports edi-
tor of the Herald, then the Post.
This team included Rooney
Vhnstein, Tommy Degnan, Chick
Davis, Bobby Grace. Skull Hunt,
Johnny Healy, Biff Johnson, Ho-
hey OMeara, Tony Gardella, Bob
Murphy, Ed Reilly, Lugie Thor
nett, Cliff Bittender, Eddie Upton
Bus Hager, Johnny Babbington,
Little" Mcdonald, Boots Wal
ters, Piggy Cockerill. Doggy Ham
ilton. Ray Towers and Eddie Car
roll.
Praised by Atlas.
Gauzza sold sports goods for q
number of firms, but long associa-
ton made his name synonymous
with Atlas, whom he Joined in
1922 and thus became perma
nently attached to a family which
had given him his start when Vic
was just out of short pants.
In 1946 Ollie Atlas took Vic into
the firm as secretary.
IT have never known a man.
Ollie said today. who was so sin
cere in his effort to promote the
welfare of others. The writer
WlSIlGS W dOd dil col LCSb e1A4ACA "
that. He was among the many
who. on innumerable occasions
received a helping hand from the
strong little leader.
Among his priced possessions
were a television set. watch anc
trophy presented to him in 194s
on Vic GauzZa Day at Griffith
Stadium when the sports fans oi
the city paid him tribute.
Vic was born in New York City
coming to Washington with hi:
parents when a small boy. He j.
survived by his widow. Lucy, pres.
ident of the Women's Democratic
Club of Arlington; the two sons
three grandchildren, two brothers
Joseph P. and Steve, and three
sisters, Mrs. Patrick ]. Torrillo
Mrs. Salvatore Ronsisvalle arle