Ace Bailey
A brilliant Toronto Maple Leafs scorer whose career was tragically cut short by an on-ice attack, leading to hockey's first retired jersey.
1903–1992 (age 89)·Canadian ice hockey player·Birthday: July 3·The Greatest Generation
Biography
Ace Bailey skated with a flash of brilliance that defined the early NHL's offensive explosion. Joining the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1926, the right-winger from Bracebridge, Ontario, was a pure scorer with slick hands and a knack for the net. His peak came in the 1928-29 season when he led the entire league in points, cementing his status as one of hockey's premier talents. His career, and nearly his life, ended on a December night in 1933. In a violent and infamous incident, Boston Bruins defenseman Eddie Shore, seeking retaliation for a hit, slammed Bailey from behind. Bailey crashed to the ice, fracturing his skull in two places. He hovered near death, underwent multiple surgeries, and never played again. In a moving gesture the following year, the Maple Leafs organized a benefit all-star game—the precursor to the NHL All-Star Game—and retired his number 6 sweater, the first such honor in professional sports, turning a tragedy into a lasting symbol of respect.
The Greatest Generation
1901–1927
Grew up during the Depression, fought World War II, and built the postwar economic boom. Defined by shared sacrifice, institutional trust, and a belief that hard work and loyalty would be rewarded.
Ace was born in 1903, placing them squarely in The Greatest Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Ace Was Born
The biggest hits of 1903
Ace's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1903Born
Wright brothers achieve first powered flight
President: Theodore Roosevelt
1908Started school
Ford Model T goes into production
President: Theodore Roosevelt
1916Became a teenager
The Battle of the Somme claims over a million casualties
President: Woodrow Wilson
1919Could drive
Treaty of Versailles signed; Prohibition ratified
President: Woodrow Wilson
1921Could vote
First commercial radio broadcasts
President: Warren G. Harding"My Man" — Fanny Brice
1924Turned 21
First Winter Olympics held in Chamonix, France
President: Calvin Coolidge"It Had to Be You" — Isham Jones
1933Turned 30
FDR's New Deal launches; Prohibition ends
Gas: $0.18/galPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Stormy Weather" — Ethel WatersBest Picture: Cavalcade
1943Turned 40
Allies invade Sicily; Battle of Stalingrad ends
Gas: $0.21/galHome: $3,290Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"I've Heard That Song Before" — Harry JamesBest Picture: Casablanca
1953Turned 50
DNA structure discovered by Watson and Crick
Gas: $0.27/galHome: $8,750Min wage: $0.75/hrPresident: Dwight D. Eisenhower"Song from Moulin Rouge" — Percy FaithBest Picture: From Here to Eternity
1963Turned 60
JFK assassinated in Dallas; Martin Luther King's 'I Have a Dream' speech
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $13,100Min wage: $1.25/hrPresident: Lyndon B. Johnson"Sugar Shack" — Jimmy Gilmer & The FireballsBest Picture: Tom Jones
1973Turned 70
US withdraws from Vietnam; Roe v. Wade decided
Gas: $0.39/galHome: $22,100Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Richard Nixon"Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree" — Tony Orlando & DawnBest Picture: The Sting
1983Turned 80
Internet adopts TCP/IP, creating the modern internet
Gas: $1.16/galHome: $57,700Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Every Breath You Take" — The PoliceBest Picture: Terms of Endearment
1992Died at 89
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
Key Achievements
- Won the NHL scoring title (the Art Ross Trophy before it was named) in the 1928-29 season with 32 points.
- Had his number 6 retired by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1934, the first jersey retirement in professional sports history.
- The 1934 Ace Bailey Benefit Game raised funds for him and is recognized as the first NHL All-Star Game.
Did You Know?
After his playing career ended, he worked for the Maple Leafs for decades as a timekeeper and goodwill ambassador.
He was originally discovered by Conn Smythe while playing for the Toronto Marlboros senior team.
The benefit game for him featured stars like Howie Morenz and King Clancy and was held at Maple Leaf Gardens.
“I just loved to carry that puck and make a play.”
