Hank Kaner’s Big Decision
By Kathy Laakso
Hank Kaner with his grandson Dean in 1956
Hank Kaner, loves baseball. No, it’s part of who he is. “I pitch because it takes me outta this life, takes me away from this life…I hear my breath, I hear my living – it’s quiet, it’s clear, it’s clean – it’s mine.” Henry Kaner, a native of Superior who played semi-pro as a pitcher for the Superior McNabs, was offered a contract to pitch for a major league but had to make a choice between his career and his faith. The Douglas County Historical Society’s History Theatre tells the story of his struggle in its 2015 fall production of Hardball September 10th – 20th at 1101 John Avenue in Superior.
The production kicked off with a fundraiser for History Theater on September 10th beginning at 6:30 with a VIP preview night and reception. Costumed actors received and chatted with the attendees before taking their places for the performance at 7:30. The reception threw a curve when it came to refreshments. Instead of the usual wine and hors d’oeuvres, beer and kosher hotdogs, popcorn and Cracker Jacks were served. The final two performances of Hardball are Saturday, September 19th at 7:30 pm and Sunday, September 20th at 2:00 pm. Tickets may be purchased at the door.
Note: Hank Kaner is shown in the photo above
Hardball was written by Kaner’s grandson, Dean Kaner, along with Michael Bettencourt and Robert E. Ozasky, and takes place in 1922 when Hank was offered a contract to pitch for the Cleveland Indians. Dean says Henry was raised in the strict tradition of the Jewish faith which forbids working on the Sabbath (Saturday) or other Jewish holidays and that the dilemma he had – to make a decision to keep his Jewish traditions as he was raised or play the game he loved – was a story that he felt should be told. “I wrote the play Hardball because it has a universal message. Would someone give up their beliefs for all the fame and money that life has to offer?”
Director, Kathy Laakso says she and the cast have sought help from the community. “We want to tell this story as truthfully as possible so I asked Sam Pomush to stop in during a rehearsal and tell us about some of the cultural traditions as well as how to correctly speak Yiddish words. Sam grew up in a Jewish household in the north end of Superior and was a cousin to Henry Kaner. He has been a delight to work with. We’re also working with Rabbi David Steinberg of Temple Israel in Duluth. The cast members, whose ages vary from high school and up, are so engaged and find that portraying a real person from this community is a learning experience and a fascinating journey. This is what History Theatre is about: education and entertainment.”
Created in 2010, the Douglas County History Society’s History Theatre produces original and published plays that identify and explore ideals, beliefs, issues and events of history, both local and national. The group is always looking for new playwrights to submit their scripts for future productions.
