"One Day in September" uncovers the story of the first All Star Game, a hidden tale with Philly ties

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- A new book, "One Day in September," by author Scott Reich, says the first All-Star Game was not in 1933, but in 1917, played in honor of a baseball legend, who had Philadelphia ties.

Tim Murnane played for the Philadelphia A's and others, going on to be a scout, manager, and finally a beloved Boston Globe sportswriter.

"He advocated for changes that would make the game fairer and more competitive," says Reich. "He was somebody who was trusted by owners and players alike, and certainly readers."

Murnane died of a heart attack in February of 1917, leaving behind a widow, six kids, and little money.

Reich says the story of the likes of Ty Cobb, Shoeless Joe Jackson, and Philadelphia manager Connie Mack, who stepped up for a charity game.



"They took overnight trains on their own dime and wanted to pay it forward to help this guy's family," says Reich.

The crowd at Fenway Park raised enough to cover the cost of a house and more, a show of the power of sports we still see today, even in our divided times.

"There is nothing as powerful as standing shoulder to shoulder with somebody, cheering for the same thing, deciding to care about the same thing in the same place for a few hours. It's inherently uniting," says Reich

For more information on "One Day in September," CLICK HERE.