Connie Mack and the Hunchback of Philadelphia

Many people think that there is way too much political correctness nowadays. For instance, it’s not correct to say “midget” or dwarf.” “Little people” is the accepted term. But in 1915 everyone called Hughie McLoon a “hunchback dwarf” and nobody thought it was offensive.

Even more insensitive, Connie Mack hired little Hughie to be the mascot of the Philadelphia Athletics. Players actually rubbed his deformed back for good luck before stepping into the batter’s box.

Apparently gnomish Hughie brought the As very little luck. His two-year stint with the club, 1915-17, were among the team’s worst years.

Also, the teenager was a bit of a wise guy. However, his gig with the team made him a well-known character around town. During prohibition he hung around with some of the city’s bootleggers and gangsters.

Because he was so well-known it was front-page news when little Hughie was shot dead in Center City in 1928.

Perhaps, he couldn’t keep his mouth shut, but the murder seemed to spark more gangland killings.

Imagine what it would be like if the Philly Phanatic was gunned down in Center City, one writer penned. Well, Hughie was not as beloved as the furry Phanatic , but his murder did shock the city.