Motorcycle Polo: The Camden Motorcycle Sporting Club
The Camden Motorcycle Sporting Club — William Raube, 7th player from left, on motorcycle
Introduction
Motorcycles arrived in Camden about the same time automobiles did, and were quite popular. By 1919 there were dealerships in the city. In the 1910s William Heckenhorn operated a Harley-Davidson dealership at 1246 Haddon Avenue. One of his employees was Frank DeViney, who in 1923 opened a Harley dealership of his own, the successor to William Heckenhorn’s operation. DeViney located his shop at 1124–1126 Kaighn Avenue, where he had a sales, parts, and service operation. He sold motorcycles to the general public and to local police departments.
One of DeViney’s first acts upon opening his business was to found the Camden Motorcycle Sporting Club, which engaged in touring, racing, and hill-climbing events throughout South Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania. The club also fielded a team in the Eastern Motorpolo League, which competed in the sport of motorcycle polo, also known as motoball.
Considering the helmet technology of the late 1920s and early 1930s could not have been all that hot, it seems amazing that such a sport would be able to retain healthy riders, let alone become popular or attract a fan base, but it apparently did for a few years. Besides the Camden club, the league featured teams from Millville, Atlantic City, Trenton, Metuchen, Jamesburg, Philadelphia and Reading PA. There was another Camden team also, known as the Red Hearts.
Besides DeViney, the Camden Motorcycle Sporting Club’s team included Bill Gommel, Walter Norris, William Raube, Bruce Saunders, Lou Ellis, Charley Ellis, Clayton Albertson, Freddy Gagliardi, Walt Norris, C. Wentzel, Freddie Gomba, and men only known by their last names: Altesleben, Falone, Lombardo, Garriardi, Sherttuck, Oilinger, L. Lewis, and Ostrow.
While motorcycle polo basically died out in these parts, the sport has remained popular in Europe, and is played to this day.
Photos
Left to right: Bill Gommel, Frank DeViney, unknown, unknown — Photo dates most likely from 1928–1931
Camden Courier-Post — 1928
Camden Poloists Tie Philadelphia Rivals — October 29, 1928
In one of the most thrilling motorcycle games ever played in this locality, the Camden Motorcycle Club’s polo five battled through four periods to tie Philadelphia, 6-6, yesterday at Watsontown.
Camden was forced to come from behind to deadlock the score as the invaders got away to a commanding lead by shooting the ball through the Camden goal posts twice in the opening period. The Philadelphians added one more in the third, while Camden scored once in each of the last three periods.
Wollin and Wolverton starred for the invaders, while L. Ellis and Gummel did the best work for Camden.
Camden Trips Philly in Motorcycle Match — December 3, 1928
Camden defeated Philadelphia in a motorcycle polo match yesterday afternoon on the Silver Lake grounds, White Horse pike, an extra period being necessary to decide the issue.
With the score tie at two goals apiece, the Camden cyclers got busy and scored two more points in the overtime session to cop the honors.
Next Sunday, Camden meets the Red Harts, also a Camden team, on the Silver Lake field. The Camden team has only been defeated twice since its organization in 1923.
Camden Courier-Post — April 7, 1929
Camden Trips Philly in Motorcycle Match — December 3, 1928
Camden defeated Philadelphia in a motorcycle polo match yesterday afternoon on the Silver Lake grounds, White Horse pike, an extra period being necessary to decide the issue.
With the score tie at two goals apiece, the Camden cyclers got busy and scored two more points in the overtime session to cop the honors.
Next Sunday, Camden meets the Red Harts, also a Camden team, on the Silver Lake field. The Camden team has only been defeated twice since its organization in 1923.
Camden Courier-Post — May 29, 1929
Alcyon Park Opens for Season Memorial Day — May 29, 1929
Alcyon Park, South Jersey’s famous picnic ground, will open for the season tomorrow, Memorial Day, Thursday, May 30, with “Wash” Carr again in charge for the company.
A feature of the afternoon program will be the Motorcycle Polo Game between Camden and Philadelphia at 3:30. The line-ups of the two teams: Philadelphia Motorcycle Sporting Club—L. Ellis, C. Ellis, W. Gummel, F. Gumba, W. Norris, L. Sanders. Camden Red Heart Motorcycle Club—H. Bowker, J. Williams, A. Williams, R. Cox, R. Rauba, G. Kirchner.
If the weather permits, a big crowd is expected to witness this thrilling game for the small admission price of 25c. Children under 12, free. Game called at 3:30 P. M.
Information on the Game
Motorcycle polo is played with five players on each side. The game is played in four fifteen-minute quarters with a five-minute rest between quarters and ten minutes between the half. The object of each team is to kick the ball through their opposing side goal posts, thereby scoring a field goal. Only one player on each team is permitted to touch the ball with his hands and then only when the ball is in the goal circle which is a 35-ft. semi-circle at the goal posts—these players are called Goal Tenders. When the ball is cornered or tied in the field it is the duty of the referee to put the ball in play but within the goal circle the referee must let the players fight it out among themselves. When the ball is kicked out of bounds it is again put in play by the linemen who are stationed on the side lines. A foul is called when a player touches the ball with his hands or a player should carry the ball. A foul allows the opposing team a free kick—if the ball passes between the goal posts it scores one point. A goal scores two points.
New Game in East
The Philadelphia Evening Bulletin on May 22, commenting on Motorcycle Polo in the East, says: “A new game for this part of the country is gripping New Jersey. It is motorcycle polo, and the men who ride the iron horses must be regular boys with sinews of steel. For sixty minutes there is action and also a roar that increases proportionately with the speed of the motorcycles. A league has been formed and Philadelphia is represented by two teams, the Ramblers and the Motor Cycle Club. Camden also has two teams, the Motorcycle Sporting Club and the Red Hearts. Trenton, Princeton, Atlantic City and Baltimore complete the league.”
Promoted Games
Robt. M. Fisher, of this borough, is promoting this first Motorcycle Game in Gloucester County at Alcyon Park on Memorial Day, and is said to have promoted the first automobile race in the State of New Jersey at Alcyon Park on October 22, 1910.
Camden Courier-Post — June 8, 1929
Information on the Game
Motorcycle polo is played with five players on each side.
The game is played in four fifteen-minute quarters with a five-minute rest between quarters and ten minutes between the half.
The object of each team is to kick the ball through their opposing side goal posts, thereby scoring a field goal.
Only one player on each team is permitted to touch the ball with his hands and then only when the ball is in the goal circle which is a 35-ft. semi-circle at the goal posts—these players are called Goal Tenders.
When the ball is cornered or tied in the field it is the duty of the referee to put the ball in play but within the goal circle the referee must let the players fight it out among themselves.
When the ball is kicked out of bounds it is again put in play by the linemen who are stationed on the side lines.
A foul is called when a player touches the ball with his hands or a player should carry the ball. A foul allows the opposing team a free kick—if the ball passes between the goal posts it scores one point. A goal scores two points.
Camden Courier-Post — June 30, 1929
At Alcyon Park — June 30, 1929
Big plans have been made for the celebration of July Fourth at Alcyon Park. All amusements will be free from 10:30 to 11:15 A. M. for children 15 and under. A feature of the afternoon program is the motorcycle polo game, Philadelphia vs. Camden, at 2:30. Mule race immediately after the game. Admission to all, 25c; grandstand, 15c.
Mr. Robert M. Fisher, promoter of these race events at Alcyon Park, has received a number of letters congratulating the park management for booking a motorcycle game on July 4th. The following letter from President W. H. Norris, of the Camden Motorcycle Sporting Club, gives the lineups of the two teams participating in the game:
Camden, N. J., June 29, 1929. Mr. Fisher:—In regards to polo game to be played at Alcyon Park on July 4th, I would like to state it will be the fastest and best game ever played in South Jersey. The Philadelphia Motorcycle Club is one of the best polo teams in the league. Any team playing the Philadelphia Polo Team has to be up to the minute at all times.
The Philadelphia team will have such stars as Capt. Al. Higgins, Dixie Wolin, Bill Gardner, Sam. Pedrick, Jules Horkey, Ike Peters, Bill Mills. Motorcycle Sporting Club will have the strongest team it has ever placed on a polo field. They will be led by Capt. L. Ellis, who will use such players as Bill Gummel, L. Sanders, C. Ellis, Freddie Gomba, R. Rauba, Walt Norris, with their star coal tender, C. Wentzel.
Wentzel has the name of being the best goal-tender playing polo today. I feel sure that the public attending this game on July 4th, at Alcyon Park, will see one of the best games ever played on a polo field, as both teams are out to win.
W. H. Norris, President Motorcycle Sporting Club of Camden
Camden Courier-Post — August 1929
Four-Day Grange Fair at Alcyon Park, August 21 to 24
The Granges of Gloucester county will hold their thirty-sixth annual fair at Alcyon Park for four days, from Wednesday, August 21, to Saturday, August 24, inclusive. The committee, of which Chas. H. Brown is chairman, and E. Arlington Jones, secretary, has announced a special program and a number of new features for the entire fair.
There will be exhibits of poultry, cattle, swine, farm produce, woman’s work, machinery, manual training work, trucks, heaters, tractors, automobiles, radios, electrical devices of various kinds, etc. Other features will include twilight vaudeville in front of the grandstand on Thursday and Friday.
Motorcycle polo game will take place on Thursday, when Camden will meet the Philadelphia team. On Saturday the motorcycle polo attraction will be Camden vs. Red Hearts.
Camden Courier-Post — September 1929
Keep Your Eye on Alcyon Park — Labor Day, September 2, 1929
Big Program for Labor Day Monday, September 2, 1929. All Amusements FREE from 10 to 11 A. M.
Motorcycle Polo, 2:30 P. M. — Camden vs. Millville. Admission 25c—Autos Free. Grand Display of Fireworks at 10 O’Clock Sharp.
Camden Courier-Post — October 6, 1929
Cyclists in Polo Battle at Watsontown Today — October 6, 1929
Two thousand persons are expected to attend the motorcycle polo contest between the Camden Motorcycle Sporting Club and Atlantic City at Watsontown this afternoon.
The contest will be a championship game of District No. 6, League of the American Motorcycle Association, with Camden seeking to avenge a defeat from the shore aggregation last Spring.
The Camden team includes Charles and Lewis Ellis, William Gommel, Harry Raub, Lewis Saunders and Walter Norris.
Camden Courier-Post — October 7, 1929
Camden Cyclists Defeat Shore Five — October 7, 1929
Camden Motorcycle Sporting Club defeated Atlantic City, 10-5, yesterday when the teams clashed in an Eastern League motorcycle polo match at Watsontown. Camden clinched the match by a comfortable margin by scoring another quartet of goals in the final period. Atlantic City was awarded a point in the third when Camden committed a foul.
Lou Saunders and Charley Ellis each accounted for four of Camden’s markers, while Harry Raub netted the ball twice. Bill Lafferty was the invaders’ star. Tony Rajau, who played a brilliant defensive game for Atlantic City, was knocked unconscious in the second period when he collided with one of the Camden players, but resumed play.
The victory enabled Camden to tie Atlantic City for the league lead. Each club now has won six games and lost one.
Camden Courier-Post — October 21, 1929
Camden Polo Club Defeats Ramblers — October 21, 1929
Before a crowd of about 3000 motorcycle polo enthusiasts, the Camden Motorcycle Polo Club defeated the Philadelphia Ramblers, 8-7, in a thrilling District No. 6 match yesterday at Watsontown. It was the third victory in four starts for Camden and enabled the local cyclists to remain in a deadlock for the league lead along with Atlantic City. Both teams now show a record of three wins against a single loss.
Yesterday’s contest was a bitterly fought struggle and was featured by exceptionally daring riding and frequent spills. However, Camden showed a slight edge in every department and held the lead throughout. Lou Saunders was the outstanding offensive star for Camden, scoring in both the second and fourth quarters. Bill Gommel tallied Camden’s first goal in the opening period, and Charlie Ellis added another in the third period.
Tom Linsley was particularly brilliant for the Ramblers, accounting for all of the invaders’ seven points.
Camden Courier-Post — December 2, 1929
Local Cycle Team Cinches Polo Title — December 2, 1929
Camden Motorcycle Sporting Club’s polo team virtually clinched the championship of District No. 6, American Polo League, yesterday, when it nosed out Philadelphia Motorcycle Club, 4-2, in an overtime match played on the Watsontown field.
It was the ninth victory in ten starts for the locals. Lou Saunders’ daring riding produced the winning goal in the extra period, the Camden ace scoring after the teams had finished the regulation period of play at 2-all. He also accounted for Camden’s goal in the second quarter, while Pedrick scored Philadelphia’s lone tally in the same period.
The game was featured by hard, fast riding and frequent spills. Saunders was the outstanding star for the locals, while Pedrick stood out for the visitors.
Camden Courier-Post — April 5–21, 1930
Camden Motor Poloists Open Season Tomorrow — April 5, 1930
Motorcycle Polo Club of Camden, 1929 champions of District No. 6, Eastern League, will prepare for the opening league season next Sunday by playing an exhibition game with Millville Motorcycle Club tomorrow on the Watsontown field. The game is scheduled to start at 3 p. m. The locals, who won nine out of ten games to win the championship of this district last season, open the 1930 campaign next Sunday in opposition to Philadelphia.
Rain Fails to Halt Motor Polo Scrap — April 7, 1930
Rain did not dampen the ardor of the members of the Camden Motorcycle Sporting Club’s polo team to open the season yesterday on the Watsontown field. Despite the fact that the field was a sea of mud, the Camden cyclists insisted upon going through with their scheduled exhibition game with Millville and demonstrated that they were just as proficient as they are on a dry field by defeating the Cumberland County five by a score of 11-3.
Camden Is Winner of Motor Polo Tilt — April 14, 1930
Camden Motorcycle Sporting Club opened the 1930 season in impressive fashion yesterday on the Watsontown field by booting its way to an 8-4 victory over Philadelphia in an extra period game. Field goals by Bill Gommell and “Gumba” Garlardi in the extra period accounted for the locals’ triumph as the clubs finished the regulation period of play on even terms at four points each.
Camden Downs Trenton in Motor Polo Tussle — April 21, 1930
Camden Motorcycle Sporting Club’s polo team traveled to Trenton yesterday to down the capital city booters in an exhibition game by a score of 4-2. It was the third win in as many starts for Camden.
Camden Courier-Post — April 28, 1930
Rodeo Meet Is Slated for Motorcycle League — April 28, 1930
At a meeting of the District No. 6 Eastern Motorcycle Polo League last night it was decided that members of the circuit will combine forces in staging a motorcycle rodeo meet which will be held on June 15 at Buena, N. J. The events listed for the meet are: surprise event; polo kicking; polo kicking for distance; pony express ride using three machines; relay races including four men to a team; package deliver race; tilting contest for side cars; trick and fancy riding; plank ride; balloon busting contest and pursuit race.
Camden Beats Trenton Motorpolo Scrap — April 28, 1930
Camden Motorcycle continued to retain its slate in District No. 6, Motorpolo League, by defeating Trenton, 7-0, on the Watsontown field. Trenton held the locals to one goal in the first half, but Camden came on in the final half to score two in the third period and two in the fourth chukker.
Camden Courier-Post — May 1930
Local Cycle Club Keeps Slate Clean — May 5, 1930
The Motorcycle Sporting Club of Camden kept their slate clean yesterday and at the same time maintained its hold on first place in the circuit comprised of teams representing the sixth district of the American Motorcycle Association when it easily defeated the Metuchen Club by the score of 14 to 2. Walt Norris was Camden’s star by kicking two field goals and one foul goal for a total of five points, while Bill Raube was a close second with four points on a pair of field goals.
Camden Cyclists Continue Streak — May 12, 1930
Camden Motorcycle Sporting Club’s motorpolo team continued its unbroken string of victories by defeating Trenton, 6-5, on the Watsontown field, yesterday. It was the fourth straight victory for the locals and enabled them to clamber into first place in District No. 6, Eastern Polo League. The regulation period ended with the score knotted at 4-all, but Bill Gommell iced the fuss for Camden by booting a field goal in the extra-period.
Camden Takes Lead in Motorpolo Loop — May 26, 1930
Showing its best form of the year, Camden Motorcycle Sporting Club’s polo team administered a sound trouncing to the Philadelphia Ramblers on the Watsontown field yesterday to take undisputed possession of first place in the Eastern Motorpolo League, District No. 6. The final score was 10-5. Prior to the start of the game, the clubs were tied for first place, each having won four and lost one.
Camden Courier-Post — June–November 1930
Millville Loses to Local Cyclists — June 2, 1930
Camden Motorcycle Club’s polo team finished the first half season schedule of the Eastern Motorpolo League, District No. 6, with a clean record, winning its eighth straight game by downing Millville, 8-3, on the Watsontown field, yesterday.
Camden Wins Again — June 4, 1930
Camden won again at the Alcyon Park polo grounds on Decoration Day. Score: Camden, 10; Millville, 5. The Camden Sporting Club and Motorcycle Polo Club are champions of the U. S.
Pitman Plans Big Fourth of July Celebration — July 4, 1930
Alcyon Park announces a feature of the afternoon program is the motorcycle polo game, Camden vs. Trenton, at 3 o’clock. Camden will meet the capital city polo team of Trenton. This will be one of the best games of polo ever played at the park. Camden played Trenton a league game, which was won by Camden 6-5, after playing five quarters.
Camden Motor Poloists Wallop Phila. Foe, 9 to 1 — November 17, 1930
Watsontown, Nov. 17.—The Camden motorcycle polo team came through with flying colors yesterday afternoon on a muddy field by trouncing the Philadelphia riders by the score of 9 to 0 [sic].
Camden Courier-Post — May 25, 1931
Local Cycle Riders Score Fifth Victory — May 25, 1931
The Motorcycle Sporting Club, of Camden, chalked up its fifth straight victory in as many starts this season by defeating Reading in a hard fought game on the Ludington Sports Field. The score was 4 to 1.
Camden: Gommell R.F., Albertson L.F., L. Ellis G., Alteslaber R.G., L. Saunders L.G. Reading: Marks, Wolverton, Fritz, Peters, Johnson. Referee—Parker. Scorer—Lister.
Camden Courier-Post — June 27–29, 1931
Local Motorcycle Club in Polo Tilt Tomorrow — June 27, 1931
The Camden Motorcycle club will take on as an exhibition contest the Jamesburg cyclists in a polo match tomorrow afternoon at the Ludington Sport field. The contest is scheduled to start promptly at 2:30 o’clock.
Camden Cops 2d Half Motor Polo Loop Flag — June 29, 1931
The Camden Motorcycle Club copped the second half championship of the Eastern Motorcycle Polo League when it defeated the Jamesburg club by the score of 6 to 2 yesterday afternoon at the Ludington sport field. It marked the eighth straight victory in as many starts for the local squad.
Camden: C. Ellis right forward, Sunder left forward, L. Ellis centre, Albertson right guard, Norris left guard. Field goals—MacPherson, 2; Norris, 1; Sanders, 2.
Camden Courier-Post — October 31, 1931
Local Motorcycle Club to Battle Jamesburg — October 31, 1931
The Camden Motorcycle Sporting Club will play its second game of the season, under A. M. A. Sanction, tomorrow, when it meets Jamesburg at Garden Lake. Field is located on the Chews Landing to Clementon road near Clementon.
The Jamesburg team consists of a number of that city’s motorcycle police officers. The captain of the team being a former state policeman and is now chief of police of Jamesburg.
The Camden boys have been doing some recognized fast playing in the past and under their able Manager Nelson Hubbs, who was president of the Polo League last season, they should make a good showing.
Camden Poloists Meet Trenton at Runnemede
Camden Courier-Post —
Camden Tigers motorcycle polo team will meet the strong Trenton outfit, 1930, ’31 and ’32 champions of the Eastern Polo League, Sunday afternoon, at the Runnemede field. The Tigers will have to do some fast, hard riding.
The Lineups:
| Camden Tigers | Position | Trenton |
|---|---|---|
| F. Gagliardi | center | J. Darling |
| Alteslaben | rear guard | Fulmer |
| Ostrow | left guard | Latony |
| Falone | forward | McPherson |
| Lombard | goal | J.E. Brown |
Camden Courier-Post — May 3, 1934
While the sport of motorcycle polo passed from public popularity, motorcycles and the Harley-Davidson obviously have not. Frank DeViney remained in business on Kaighn Avenue into the mid-1930s. By 1947 he had moved from Camden, eventually settling in Forked River NJ.
Motoball
While Motorcycle Polo passed from public fancy in the United States, it has a strong following in Europe, especially in Germany. Kenny Houben from the Netherlands wrote the following description of the game in Europe, which is known as Motoball.
Motoball
What is Motoball? Motoball is, like the name says, playing football [soccer] on motorcycles. The bikes can have maximum 250cc and they need some assimilation like being closer to the ground etc. The ball is 45 cm across. The rules are fundamentally the same like in a soccer game. A team exists of 4 players on motorcycles and one pedestrian [dismounted] goalkeeper. This sport is quite popular in the East European countries like Belarus, Russia etc. Every summer we have a European Championship. The countries who take place [part] are Germany, Holland, France, Belarus, Ukraine, Russia and Lithuania.
European Motoball