1926 may seem like a long time in the past. However for Andrew Lilley, the legacy of events during the 1926 World Series have become a significant part of his families' history. Lilley is the great nephew of Johnny Sylvester. Sylvester is known throughout history as the ill young boy whom Babe Ruth promised to hit a home run for during game four of the 1926 World Series. Lilley decided to turn his great-uncle's story into a documentary.
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“This story has been a part of my family for years,” said Lilley. “It was the perfect story to make a film of because everyone knew Ruth promised to hit a home run for Johnny. However they don't know back story of the events and how it conceited with the 1926 World Series.”
Lilley's film, entitled “I’ll Knock a Homer for You: The Timeless Story of Johnny Sylvester and Babe Ruth,” aired on November 4, 2013 at 10:p.m. on NJTV. In the film, Lilley went into the real story about the Babes' relationship with Johnny Sylvester and the impact it had on the 1926 World Series.
“Many people don't realize Babe Ruth didn't hit just one home run in game four, but three home runs,” recalled Lilley. “Babe was the first man in World Series history to hit three home runs in one game.”
Lilley described the historical ramifications of his great-uncle's legacy. He stated Hollywood often portrayed the wrong story, citing the 1948 film “The Babe Ruth Story,” that Ruth hit the home run for Johnny during the 1932 World Series in order to coincide with the Babe's called shot. However Lilley reminds people that the home run for his great-uncle took place in 1926; six years prior to the Babe's called shot.
Lilley also revealed that Sylvester's miraculous recovery from osteomyelitis, a disease leading toward bone deterioration, was unexpected. Doctors at the time had no explanation for Johnny's recovery, believing he was going to die from the disease.
“I believe Babe Ruth's three home runs in game four was the reason Johnny recovered,” stated Lilley. “Could you imagine being a 10-year old boy being ill in the hospital and then all of a sudden meeting your hero who promised to hit you a home run and then hits three? It's pretty amazing.”
Sylvester would remain pen pals with Babe Ruth until Ruth's death in 1948. A few of the letters between Sylvester and Ruth will appear in the documentary. A get well baseball signed by former Yankees' captain Lou Gehrig will also appear in the film, as well as other significant historical items. Lilley said he “felt goosebumps,” holding these pieces of history.
“This documentary is a real piece of Americana and will be enjoyed by fans of all ages.”
Please be sure to check out Andrew Lilley's websites for more information on “I’ll Knock a Homer for You: The Timeless Story of Johnny Sylvester and Babe Ruth.”
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