Hackenschmidt Tours St. Louis in 1905
The May 9, 1905 edition of the St. Louis Republic’s sport section contained a story about an upcoming match between local wrestler George Baptiste and the touring World Wrestling Champion, George Hackenschmidt. The paper did not give Baptiste a chance against Hackenschmidt, who just beat Tom Jenkins for the World Championship. If the editor knew “Hack’s” condition at the time, he may have given Baptiste more of a chance.
Article about Hack’s Tour from the May 9, 1905 edition of the St. Louis Republic
Hackenschmidt revealed in his life story published in The Way to Live in Health and Strength that he contracted malaria prior to the tour of St. Louis. He was experiencing a temperature of 103+ and let the promoters know he would have to cancel.
The promoters begged “Hack” to go on with the bout. If they had to cancel, the promoters would be wiped out financially. Realizing the delicate situation the promoter was in, “Hack” agreed to go on with the bout.
When he arrived at the arena, he was still feeling the effects of the illness. However, he heard the promoters urging Baptiste to go on with the bout. He was so scared of “Hack” he was threatening to walk out.
The promoters brought “Hack” in to speak with Baptiste. After “Hack” assured him that he would be gentle, Baptiste agreed to go out for the match. The whole episode amused “Hack” so much “The Russian Lion” began to feel like his old self.
When he entered the ring, he felt his strength come back to him. He easily dispatched Baptiste and another wrestler, the “Terrible Turk”, Ali Murulah. “Hack” said he never heard of “the Terrible Turk” before or since. The St. Louis Republic’s correspondent described him as the formidable Ali Murulah, so he may have been a well-regarded local.
Hackenschmidt respected the muscular strength and technique of the smaller Baptiste, who “Hack” pinned 3 time in eleven minutes 47 seconds.
He and Murulah fought for one fall. “Hack” pinned him after 6 minutes 6 seconds. Even though it took longer, “Hack” did think much of Murulah. He fought Murulah second, so his illness might have drug this bout out a bit.
George Hackenschmidt was undefeated from 1901 to 1908, when he lost his title to the great Frank Gotch. His winning streak was over 3000 victories.
The Coliseum was full that night to see the great Hackenschmidt not to see a competitive contest. Fans would have seen Muhammad Ali in his prime for the same reason.
After his retirement, “Hack” continued to be a force in physical culture circles. The Hack Squat, a leg exercise, is named after him.
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Gotch vs. Hackenschmidt: The Matches That Made and Destroyed Legitimate American Professional Wrestling is available on Amazon in hardcover, paperback and e-book.
Gotch vs. Hackenschmidt is available at Amazon in paperback and on e-book.
