Max Patkin
| Birthdate | 1/10/1920 |
| Death Date | 10/30/1999 |
| Debut Year | 1941 |
| Year of Induction | |
| Teams | MiLB, MLB |
| Position | Clown Prince of Baseball |
Max Patkin gave up a Joe DiMaggio HR in WWII Hawaii & followed him around the bases in mock anger; soon he became the Clown Prince of Baseball.
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Max Patkin performed as the Clown Prince of Baseball for more than a half-century
Max Patkin performed as the Clown Prince of Baseball for more than a half-century
Max Patkin was made more than 4,000 appearances as the Clown Prince of Baseball. A natural performer, he worked in big league stadiums and minor league parks across the game. Many recall Patkin in Kevin Costner’s Bull Durham.
A minor league pitcher for three different teams during the 40s, Patkin got his start as a performer during World War II. Pitching for a service team in Hawaii, Patkin gave up a dinger to Joltin’ Joe DiMaggio. As the Yankee Clipper circled the bases Patkin smashed his glove to the ground in mock anger. Then he followed Joe around the bases, mimicking his trot as the fans cheered.
It was then that Patkin realized his future in the game.
Bill Veeck soon heard of Patkin’s performances and singed him to a contract for $650 per week. Max coached first base for the first two innings of every game. Fans took notice; Patkin’s fame grew. He stayed with Cleveland until Veeck sold the team in 1949.
In the next decade Patkin refined his character. Adorned in a baggy uniform with a question mark instead of a number, Patkin wore his cap sideways. A master at contorting his face and slapstick humor, he was beloved by ballpark crowds.
Opposing players and managers did not always appreciate his antics. Some saw him as an unwanted sideshow to the game itself.
In most years, Patkin performed 80+ dates per season. In the decades before the San Diego Chicken and Phillie Phanatic, Patkin was a unique entertainer who drew crowds wherever he went.
As he approached his 50th year in the game, Patkin was inducted into the Clown Hall of Fame. Soon after he received the Lifetime of Laughter Achievement Award from that organization.
Patkin continued to entertain at ballparks until health issues prohibited him from continuing at age 73. Six years later he passed away from an aortic aneurysm. Fans who saw Max Patkin perform forever remembered him.
In the collection is this advertisement for Patkin, complete with his contact information. The Clown Prince of Baseball has signed the bottom left near his feet.
