RETIRED MEN'S ASSOCIATION OF GREENWICH, Inc. (RMA)
Invites you to its meeting, June 24, 2026, at 11 am at Christ Church, Parish Hall, 254 East Putnam Ave., Greenwich. The program will also be shown on Zoom (click herefor live feed), and on local cable channels 24 (Verizon) and 79 (Optimum)
Michael F. Batcheller
“’ Forging the Triple Crown: The Early History of Horse Racing’s Signature Series, 1918-1948”
Horse racing's Triple Crown, much like the World Series, Indianapolis 500, and the Super Bowl, stands as one of the pinnacle achievements of American sports. In this presentation Michael Batcheller will trace The Triple Crown between 1918 and 1948, highlighting some of the outstanding thoroughbreds of that era leading up to the present day state of Triple Crown racing. The interwound narratives of human contributions and equine accomplishments between 1918 and 1948 illuminate the remarkable evolution of horse racing.
Michael F. Batcheller is an American author best known for his historical study Forging the Triple Crown: The Early History of Horse Racing’s Signature Series, 1918-1948, published in July 2025 by McFarland & Co. The book examines how the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes evolved from three independent races into one of America’s most revered sporting achievements, highlighting the horses, owners, journalists, and cultural forces that shaped the Triple Crown’s early identity.
Before turning to authorship, Batcheller spent approximately forty years in public education as a teacher and administrator. His career included service as a Peace Corps volunteer in Tunisia and later work with the Greenwich Public Schools in Connecticut. He resides in Greenwich.
Our next presentation, on July 1, is John Blankley, “Reflections on the 250th Anniversary of the Founding of the Republic”
The Greenwich Retired Men’s Association offers a free program every Wednesday that is open to the public, both men and women; no reservations are required. Our social break starts at 10:40 am followed promptly by our presentation at 11:00. For additional information, including parking, see www.greenwichrma.org/upcoming-speakers.
