April 24-26, 1912, Notre Dame played Arkansas in a series of three baseball games. Notre Dame won the series 2-1 “in one of the most remarkable games ever played on Cartier Field” [see South Bend News clipping below]. The series was tied 1-1 and the third game was decided in the ninth inning nail-biter with Notre Dame winning 10-9.
Baseball Game Scene – ND vs. Arkansas, April 1912. Hinton of Arkansas coaching on first baseBaseball Game Scene – ND vs. Arkansas, April 1912. View of the field from the grandstand
After the wins, the Notre Dame students celebrated with a snake dance through campus. The student celebrations continued even after University President Rev. John W. Cavanaugh, CSC, “issued an order that there be no further demonstrations of any kind.” Cavanaugh stuck to his guns and expelled about twenty students for their continued celebrations.
The Snake Dance on campus after Notre Dame won the Baseball series vs. Arkansas, April 1912. “Dummy” Smith leading, Brussard second, Brennan third — the fellows expelled for the celebration demonstrationSouth Bend News clipping (04/29/1912) regarding the twenty or so students who were expelled from Notre Dame after celebrations of the victories of the baseball games vs. Arkansas
Baseball Game Scene – ND vs. Rose Poly, 1912. View of the empty grandstand and bleachers after a number of students were expelled for celebrating the previous series vs. Arkansas — the students refused to honor any athletics
