Mick, I'll tell "ya" something. I don't know much about Irish politics or 'the troubles', but my goodness, there was a cauldron boiling at the turn of the century around "The Bostons". It was VERY political, threats were made and Huge sums of money were bet.

The New York Highlanders (England) and New York Giants (Ireland) also had their ties in the old country, as well.

There are great photos in "The Glory of their Times" of Boston's "Smokey Joe Wood" warming up with THOUSANDS of Irish fans (and organization members) standing right next to him! Oh what an atmosphere that would have been!! On the other side of the absolutely CHOKED field was "Matty" (The Christian Gentleman!!) throwing on the sideline.

I think their was a TON of betting goin on (possibly by "hall of Famers") but my guess is that MOST of it stopped when Judge Landis came in.

Rick