Second “Big Apple” explanation: December 1, 1926

Above, the header from the February 18, 1924 New York (NY) Morning Telegraph newspaper column of John J. Fitz Gerald. Click to see a portion of the column which includes his use of "Big Apple." Part of a December 1, 1926 column is also available. The 1924 column is discussed here.

Track writer John J. Fitz Gerald (1892-1963) explained the phrase "the Big Apple" to readers in a New York (NY) Morning Telegraph column on February 18, 1924. Then, he explained what he called "his phrase" --"Big Apple" -- once again in a column on December 1, 1926.

Some minor details and phrasing disagree, but it is presented similarly and with greater detail in 1926. Fitz Gerald again says that he was at the New Orleans Fair Grounds, and that he had picked up "Big Apple" after overhearing stable hands (he had previously called them "dusky," or black) discussing where a winning horse would be shipped. The "Big Apple" meant the big time in racing, in contrast to the "bull ring" (small time). Fitz Gerald states that he was with Jake Byer, and it was reported in the New York (NY) Morning Telegraph on January 15, 1920 that he had sold the horse Dunsandel to Jake Byer, making January 1920 the probable date of the "Big Apple" conversation.

From "In the Paddock" with John J. Fitz Gerald in the New York Morning Telegraph, December 1, 1926, page, 11, column 8:

So many people have asked the writer about the derivation of his phrase, "the big apple," that he is forced to make another explanation. New Orleans has called it to his mind again.

A number of years back, when racing a few horses at the Fair Grounds with Jake Byer, he was watching a couple of stable hands cool out a pair of "hots" in a circle outside the stable.

A boy from an adjoining barn called over. "Where you shipping after the meeting?"

To this one of the lads replied, "Why we ain't no bull-ring stable, we's goin' to 'the big apple.'"

The reply was bright and snappy.

"Boy, I don't know what you're goin' to that apple with those hides for. All you'll get is the rind."