A weekly introspective of the members of the Providence Angels
Volume 1 Issue 2
Edwin “Bad News” Badcoe: The Legend of Turkey Creek
In the heart of Tennessee, where the waters of Turkey Creek flow lazily by, a legend was born. Edwin Badcoe emerged into the world on March 1st, 1891, in the quaint town of Farragut. From his earliest days, Edwin’s life was intertwined with the rhythms of nature, his family home nestled snugly along the banks of the creek. But it wasn’t long before another force captured his heart – the game of baseball.
At the tender age of 13, Edwin’s love affair with baseball began, eclipsing even his passion for the great outdoors. Blessed with remarkable size and strength, he quickly established himself as a dominant force on the diamond. High school saw him emerge as a star, his towering presence in right field striking fear into the hearts of opposing batters.
But it was his enrollment in the prestigious Gulf Academy at the age of 15 that truly set Edwin on the path to greatness. As a member of the Gulf Academy Blues baseball team, he wasted no time in making his mark. It was a fateful day on April 22nd, 1907, that would cement his legacy and earn him his enduring nickname – “Bad News.”
Facing off against the New England Academy Blues, Edwin unleashed a barrage of power, smashing three home runs and driving in six runs in a display of sheer dominance. But it was his confrontation with New England’s star pitcher, Dennis “The Golden God” Reynolds, that would go down in infamy.
During his first at-bat the following day, Edwin found himself on the receiving end of a vicious beanball, a fastball from Reynolds aimed squarely at his head. But Edwin was not one to back down from a challenge. With a steely resolve, he charged the mound, unleashing a fury upon Reynolds that left the pitcher battered and broken. From that day forward, Edwin “Bad News” Badcoe was born, a moniker that struck fear into the hearts of his opponents.
Despite the incident, Edwin’s amateur career continued to flourish, drawing the attention of scouts from across the country. In 1908, he was drafted in the second round of the Legacy Baseball League rookie draft by the Brooklyn Whales, marking the beginning of his professional journey.
Over the next three years, Edwin’s star continued to rise, his prodigious talent propelling him to the upper echelons of the league. His power at the plate and cannon-like arm in the outfield made him one of the most feared players in the game. But it was his intensity and unyielding determination that truly set him apart, earning him the respect of teammates and opponents alike.
In 1911, Edwin’s career took a dramatic turn when he was traded to the Providence Angels in exchange for pitcher “Sycamore” Lee. General manager Charles Spencer saw in Edwin a much-needed infusion of grit and tenacity, qualities he believed were essential for the Angels’ success.
As the 1912 season dawned, all eyes were on Edwin “Bad News” Badcoe as he prepared to make his major league debut for the Providence Angels. On May 13th, 1912, he took to the turf of Cartwright Field, a towering figure of determination and resolve, ready to leave his mark on the game. His opponent, the Brooklyn Whales. The same team that just a year ago, traded his brawn and might for the soft hands of a pitching diva.
As the crowd roared and the sun dipped below the horizon, Edwin stood tall in right field, a symbol of strength and perseverance. And as he prepared to unleash his fury upon the diamond once more, there was no doubt that the legend of Turkey Creek would live on for generations to come.