Great Escape: Take Me Out to Factoryville

This weekend, baseball buffs and historians will want to check out a unique celebration dedicated to preserving the legacy of one of the original Major League Hall of Famers. The small community of Factoryville, Wyoming County, will pay tribute to its hometown hero Friday and Saturday, when the 16th annual Christy Mathewson Days are held in honor of the turn-of-the-century pitcher who is still considered one of baseball's "greats."

Born on Aug. 12, 1880 and raised in Factoryville, Mathewson was among the first five inductees to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1936 (his induction was posthumous since he had died in 1925). And while his name may not be as well remembered as others, in the minds of many baseball aficionados Mathewson continues to keep company with the likes of Babe Ruth, Honus Wagner, Ty Cobb and Walter Johnson--the other members of Cooperstown's "Class of '36."

"Christy Mathewson brought something to baseball no one else had ever given the game," wrote Grantland Rice, an early 20th century sportswriter and a contemporary of Mathewson's. "He handed the game a certain touch of class, an indefinable lift in culture, brains, and personality."

That's because back when Major League baseball players lived like rock stars--living and drinking hard--Mathewson was revered for his clean and sober lifestyle. He became a role model for fans, baseball players and the town of Factoryville, and even wrote a series of children’s books and served in World War I.

As a pitcher, Mathewson dominated the game, leading the league in wins four times and racking up 373 career wins, 79 shutouts, five strikeout titles and 10 complete games in World Series competition.

The festivities in Factoryville will include a Friday screening of the Christy Mathewson Day Documentary at Keystone College Theatre (8pm), a film in which the modern-day residents of Factoryville wax nostalgic about the history of their small town and Mathewson. Tickets, available at the door, will cost $3 for adults or $2 for children under 12. The screening will be followed by an ice cream social. 

On Saturday, an early-morning 6K Run/Walk will be held in honor of Mathewson’s nickname, "The Big 6," which he acquired after pitching three shutout games against the Philadelphia Athletics within six days during the 1905 World Series.

A parade from Keystone College to Factoryville's Christy Mathewson Park will inaugurate the day's festivities, which will include baseball, as well as raffles, food and games. The Coal Town Rounders, a "blacklung bluegrass" band from Scranton, will perform all afternoon, and Damian the Magician will wave his wand to the delight of all ages. No small-town summertime celebration would be complete without a pie-eating contest, of course, so don’t forget to bring your fork!

If you need a place to stay while you're in the area you should consider the Wiffy Bog Farm, just outside Factoryville in Clifford Township.

The comfortable bed and breakfast will provide you with a heaping helping of small-town hospitality and, according to owners Jim and Valerie Cole, kids are welcome, too. 

"We wanted to have nice relaxing rooms for our guests to enjoy after a day of skiing, hiking or sightseeing," Valerie Cole said. "We really enjoy having children stay with us and the game room is really for children of all ages!"

Room rates range from $100-$170 for double occupancy. For a little more leg room, a private bath and television, both the Summer Kitchen and Farm House suites sleep four for $205 per night. All rates include a full country breakfast and Wi-Fi access. Contact Valerie or Jim at 1-570-222-7777 for reservations and information.

So, if you're a fan of America's favorite pastime, put your baseball cap on and head to Factoryville this weekend to see why, after more than 100 years, baseball legend Christy Mathewson is still being celebrated not only for his extraordinary pitching, but also because of the extraordinary way in which he lived his life.