One special team, one special spectator

1919 Harrisburg Tech football team

The vaunted Harrisburg Tech football team wins the legendary Walter Camp’s mythical national high school championship 105 years ago today in a 56-0 rout of Portland, Maine, on Harrisburg’s historic City Island.

The game completes Tech’s perfect 12-0 season in 1919, when the Maroons outscore opposing teams from Baltimore to Maine 701-0.

Yes, that’s a zero, not a typo.

Babe Ruth

In six straight games that season, halfback Carl Beck – back row of picture in the white shirt – scores the first time he touches the ball.

Oh, among those attending the 1919 championship game 105 years ago today in Harrisburg is Babe Ruth, the emerging star of professional baseball who takes in the game while visiting friends in nearby Lebanon, Pa.

Within a few weeks after watching this game, the Boston Red Sox sell Ruth to the New York Yankees, beginning baseball’s greatest dynasty.