Alex Kasaboski

Babe Kasaboski

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Alex Kasaboski
Larry "Babe" Kasaboski

Guest writer: Jennifer Kasaboski
Photos courtesy of Joanne Coupland

Alex Kasaboski

Alex and Larry began their careers at Renfrew Collegiate Institute, Alex while taking night classes, and Larry five years later while attending R.C.I. Alex moved to Toronto and a full time career of wrestling and Larry joined him later.

Alex, a born showman, loved to study people and mime their behavior. He tossed around the idea of becoming a boxer for a time before he decided on wrestling and at 15 years of age insisted on wrestling every hired man on the farm. His professional career began in Toronto where he wrestled out of the YMCA. He wrestled at Massey Hall, then he moved to the Arena Gardens in Detroit. He soon became a headliner on the big card all over the U.S. and Canada.

Jack Dempsey refereed a team match of Alex and Larry's in Oklahoma City. Alex took on the title of the Pitiless Pole, when the origional Pole(whom Alex greatly greatly admired) died. He kept in shape golfing and playing handball. He made his home in San Gadriel, California with his wife Gladys (since deceased) and children Larry and Nancy who still live there. His last Canadian match was in 1950 in North Bay. He died June 13, 1952 wrestling against doctor's orders. His family brought him home to Horton and he is buried in St. Francis Xavier Cemetery.

"About 8:30 the first two guests of honor, Mr. Kasaboski and Mr. Dick, arrived in the ring and were introduced by the referee, who was dressed in white from head to foot. Mr. Kasaboski was in a gown of burgundy with a blue crest on the back, which he shed, displaying simple royal bue shorts and a pair of shoes. The rest was nature. Mr. Dick chose a deep henna for his gown and was wearing black shorts and shoes. Mr. Kasaboski and Mr. Dick grabbed each other arond the neck and at arms' length began to prance. It looked like a game, but Mr. Kasaboski let go of Mr. Dick's neck and gave him a punch in the middle which would have killed a cow." (By Claire Wallace, Social Reporter, TORONTO DAILY STAR, November 20, 1931)
[This match, between Alex Kasaboski and Arthur Dick was the first pro wrestling bout at Maple Leaf Gardens -- November 19, 1931 -- a show featuring a main event between Jim Londos and Gino Garibaldi. --GW]

Babe Kasaboski

If Alex was a showman Larry preferred to be the producer. He began wrestling at age 12 and won the title in his division each yera at R.C.I., wrestling his way to the finals of the Canadian Empire trials, but lost out there. He decided to turn pro and join his brother.

Larry became known as "Babe," Alex's baby brother on the pro circuit, and living in the heart of John Dillinger's town. Coming from Horton, he felt like a babe. He team-wrestled with Alex and also as an individual. He remembered a bout at Uplands at which the famous Joe Louis refereed.

In his travels he enjoyed Mexico most, and loved to explore the old ruins and visit museums. His friendship with Frank Tunney led him to his interest in promoting. In 1949 he formed Northland Wrestling, presenting some of the famous wrestlers of the time, Edouard Carpentier, Whipper Billy Watson and Gene Kiniski.

In 1979 Larry retired to his farm in Horton where he lived with his wife Thelma until his death in 1985. He has one son Ronnie and two daughters, Kim and Karen and four grandchildren, several nieces and nephews and several great nephews and nieces for I am one of them all living in the area.

"The list of new mat stars would hardly be complete without the introduction of a Public Enemy No. 1, a man rated by everyone as the ace mat villain. He is Babe Kasaboski. Babe is a young man tipping the scales at 190 pounds, handsome, and a tricky wrestler. Known as the Polish Wizard, he specializes in all sorts of complex holds mixed with speed and plenty of head work." (From THE RING, December 1941)