Local HIstory: Bauer's Baseball

This baseball signed by George Bauer from the collection of the Millburn-Short Hills Historical Society is often referred to as the "best" item in the historical society museum when scouts or school groups visit.

The next two questions are invariably: "Whose name is that?" "Who is George Bauer?"

Most residents have heard of the Bauer Community Center at Taylor Park, but they may not know George Bauer, recreation director from 1942 to the early 1980s, played semi-pro baseball with an Ohio team and was offered a contract with the St. Louis Cardinals.

According to Bauer's daughter, resident Jane Drew, her father helped to start the town pool, the Par 3 Golf Course and the Old Guard group. Before the pool was built, Drew remembers swimming in Taylor Park pond until it was thought to be contaminated.

In honor of his many contributions to the community, Bauer also was asked to be the grand marshall of Millburn Township's 1976 bicentennial celebration parade. Marian Meisner's history of the township (online at the library website) further states: "Mr. Bauer had been a member of the Fourth of July Committee since its beginning 40 years ago. Mr. Bauer has held various offices, including president, and has performed every job required by the committee."