Staten Island Stapletons

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July 27, 1929—The Staten Island Stapletons/Stapes franchise formed as the Brooklyn franchise and then was transferred to Staten Island. According to an article in the Professional Football Researchers Association publication Coffin Corner, a 1985 article by Joe Horrigan, the Stapletons started their gridiron existence in 1915, a full five years before the NFL was created as the APFA.

A talented halfback and a native of the working-class neighborhood known as Stapleton, Dan Blaine and three other players formed the team to play other semi-pro squads from New York and New Jersey. It wasn't a career for the players, as the Stapes played more for fun than money. The crowds were small, according to Horrigan, as salaries averaged $10 per game.

The team acquired better players through various means and eventually, in 1929, as an independent team, achieved a record of 10-1-1. The next year, they were permitted to join the National Football League. The Stapletons would never have a winning season in the NFL and would eventually fade into obscurity. I encourage you to read more about the Stapletons in the 1985 Coffin Corner article, including how Tim Marra, owner and founder of the New York Giants, helped the Stapes co-exist with his team in the Big Apple.

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Hinkey Haines was different from your typical athlete. He carved a unique path in the early 20th century, excelling in football and baseball at the highest levels. This study explores his journey across two sports, highlighting his achievements and impact on the gridiron and the diamond.

Only one athlete has played on a team that won the World Series and the NFL championship. The legendary Hinkey Haines is a talented athlete who contributed significantly to both pro sports titles.

-Early Promise: A Star is Born

Henry Luther "Hinkey" Haines was born in Red Lion on December 23, 1898, the oldest of five children of Harry and Cora Ness Haines. Hinkey's father, Harry, was a successful businessman in Red Lion. He started his career in the thriving local cigar industry, working his Way up from factory helper to salesman and eventually owning his factory. Harry's civic involvement was just as impressive. He served as Red Lion's chief burgess, or mayor, for most of the 1920s and later went on to represent Pennsylvania in the U.S. Congress for five terms, from 1931 to 1939 and again from 1941 to 1943.

A big question is how he earned the moniker he is most well known by. Hinkey is a silly boyhood creation by boarding school buddies.

Young Henry displayed athletic prowess from a young age. He starred in football and baseball at Red Lion High School, showcasing his versatility and talent. He then continued his athletic pursuits at Lebanon Valley College, where he significantly contributed to the development of the football program. However, his collegiate career was interrupted by World War I, during which time he served his country.

-Gridiron Heroics: Halfback Havoc with the Giants

After serving in World War I, he enrolled at Penn State University in 1919. He earned varsity letters in baseball, football, and basketball. The Nittany Lions could find outstanding rushers even a century ago. They unleashed Harry Robb, Pia Way, Glenn Killinger, Joe Lightner, "Light Horse Harry" Wilson, and Haines in just three seasons. Killinger and Way made Walter Camp All­-American teams and various qualified selectors all prominently recognized the others. They all had legendary plays long remembered by State College faithful, but by far, the most spectacular was by Haines. On October 30, 1920, Hinkey broke loose for two 90-yard touchdown runs against arch-rival Penn in a 28-7 State victory.

Hinkey's resume boasts a unique double championship in professional sports. However, some might argue it could be even more impressive if we could credit him with a collegiate national championship. While Penn State's 1920 team went undefeated, two ties blemish their perfect record. Since there was no official system to crown a national champion in college football before 1936, the University of California (with their perfect 10-0 record and Rose Bowl victory) and their star player, Brick Muller, are more frequently recognized as the unofficial "1920 national champions."

Despite all that, Hinkey was considered an even more promising baseball prospect, being recognized as a two-time college All-American on the diamond.

-Baseball Brilliance: A Diamond Gem

Hinkey was a gifted baseball player, and in his youth, the concentration on hardball was more prevalent. However, Haines' talents were more impressive on the gridiron. While football was his primary focus, he carved out a successful career in the minor leagues for teams like the Harrisburg Senators and the Newark Bears after the War. He consistently displayed impressive batting averages and showcased his well-rounded skills, including strong defense and base-stealing prowess. Eventually, he reached the major leagues briefly in the Sun as his minor accomplishments solidified his reputation as a multi-sport athlete of exceptional ability.

In 1923, Haines was on the New York Yankees roster alongside Babe Ruth, Wally Pippin, Waite Hoyt, Bob Meusel, and another rookie named Lou Gehrig. Hinkey played in 28 games that season, mainly as a pinch hitter for the Yanks. His MLB career stands officially at four hits on 25 at-bats for a .276 On-Base percentage, 3 RBIs, and three stolen bases.

The Yankees faced the cross-town New York Giants of baseball in the 1923 World Series. In game 2, Haines scored a run in his one at-bat to help the Yanks win 4-2 and even the Series. The Bronx Nine took the World Series 4-2 over their rivals.

- Football Glory Calls

After baseball, he took off again on the Eastern PA gridiron. In late 1921, Haines played at least six games for the Philadelphia Quakers, scoring two touchdowns against the visiting Canton Bulldogs in a December exhibition. In 1923, he helped the Frankford Yellow Jackets win several games, and in 1924, he played regularly with Shenandoah in the Anthracite League.

The brand of football on that side of the Keystone State during that era is considered to be superior to the NFL play of the same time. This competition was a brilliant training ground for Hinkey, as his speed and agility in the open field were lethal for opponents.

-New York Comes Calling for a Leader

When Tim Mara had Harry March assemble a roster of players to compete in the Giant's inaugural season of 1925, Hinkey signed on and quickly established himself as a star halfback.

The early season was rough on the first-year team, but on November 1, the Giants won their first NFL game, a 19-0 victory over Cleveland. Haines scored twice, once on a rare pass-receiving play. They lost only twice more that year, both to the Chicago Bears and their new toy Red Grange.

One of the victories was due to intelligent football played by Hinkey. New York's win over the Providence Steamroller was primarily due to Haines deliberately taking a safety and setting up a free kick to preserve a Giant narrow lead.

Hinkey Haines was a legendary running back for the New York Giants, renowned for his blazing speed. His coach, Bob Folwell, considered him the fastest player he had ever seen in his two decades of coaching. Haines' talents would be even more appreciated in the modern pass-heavy NFL, where his speed would likely make him a star wide receiver. Even in his era, Haines excelled at receiving touchdowns and was a dangerous threat on punt and kickoff returns.

-Haines 1926 Giants Campaign

1926 was a breakout year for Haines. He led the Giants to several critical victories with impressive passing and rushing performances. Despite his efforts, the Giants fell short of the championship due to a rough start to the season.

-He passed for the winning touchdown in one game and was responsible for three touchdowns in another versus Providence.

-Against the Duluth Eskimos, Ernie Nevers' two T.D.s against the Giants were canceled out by Haines' 30-yard dash for the end zone, which gave New York the game.

-Against the Chicago Cardinals, scampered 75 yards out running defenders in a race for the goal line and later 40 yards with a pass to give the Giants a pair of scores to lead them to victory.

Despite these fears by Haines, New York fell short of the best NFL record and the title that went with it.

-Road to the Title

1927 was the year everything came together, with the climax being a critical November game against the Chicago Bears. It was a scoreless tie at the Intermission, but the Bears were pressing and had momentum. The following excerpt comes from the PFRA Coffin Corner post in 1982 titled Hinkey Haines by C.C. Staph.

Steve Owen described it thus: "Haines called one of the most brilliant plays I ever seen to win for us. He stage-managed it perfectly.

"The Bears had plodded downfield to our one-yard line, where we held them. Haines signaled for punt formation. The Bears dropped two men back to mid-field and jammed nine on the line.

"We called signals in the open in those days, and Haines yelled to Mule Wilson, our punter, to be careful not to step beyond the end line for safety. He asked that a towel be brought out to wipe the ball because there was a patch of mud here and there on the field.

Haines completely fooled the Bears. When the ball was snapped, he dropped back a few yards to receive it. He threw over the line to Chuck Corgan, an end who used to play second base for the Dodgers, and Chuck went to the Bears' 40-yard line.

In the second half, the Giants scored twice for a 13-7 victory.

A week later, Hinkey ran 80 yards for a touchdown to lead a wrap-up win over Red Grange and his Yankee team, giving N.Y. a lock on the best record in the League and within the NFL Championship.

His elusiveness and playmaking ability made him a fan favorite and vital to the Giants' game's iconic 1927 season.

His football skills caught the attention of the New York Giants, a professional team in the nascent National Football League (NFL). Haines joined the Giants in 1925 and quickly became a star halfback. He was known for his speed, agility, and elusiveness, becoming a fan favorite and a key contributor to the team's success.

During his time with the Giants, Haines also served as their offensive coach, demonstrating his understanding of the game and leadership potential.

Later Years: Legacy and Impact

After retiring from professional sports, Haines remained connected to athletics. He became an NFL official, ensuring fair play on the field he once dominated. He also transitioned into acting and directing for the Little Theater in the Philadelphia area, displaying his artistic talents and leadership qualities beyond sports. Hinkey Haines passed away in 1979, leaving a legacy as a multi-sport star. His achievements in both football and baseball showcase the dedication and athleticism required to excel at the highest levels. He serves as a reminder of a bygone era in sports where multi-sport athletes were more common and exceptional talent could flourish across multiple disciplines.