Interview with Max Patkin, August 5, 1984

Interview Summary

Max Patkin played briefly in the Minor Leagues, though his career as a pitcher was cut short due to an injury. He is also a well-known comedian and was the third person to be named the "Clown Prince of Baseball." He coached for a brief period with the Cleveland Indians before barnstorming around the United States and Canada. He did not miss an appearance between 1944 and 1993.

In this interview, he talks about his early career in baseball, his military service in World War II, his developing a reputation as a comedian, a famous game that he pitched against Joe DiMaggio while in the military, the injury that curtailed his career as a player, his first thoughts of pursuing a career in comedy, and his being hired by the Cleveland Indians as a comedian. He also talks about Bill Veeck, other baseball comedians, some of his (Patkin's) comedic routines, traveling for performances, being thrown out of games, and getting to meet actor Gene Autry.

Interview Keyword

Albert Benjamin "Happy" Chandler Baseball Baseball Commissioner

Interview LC Subject

Baseball Baseball--United States Chandler, Happy, 1898-1991 Patkin, Max Patkin, Max--Interviews

Interview Rights

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Interview Usage

Interviews may be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, Special Collections, University of Kentucky Libraries.