Bert Patenaude
His three goals in a 1930 World Cup match were the tournament's first hat-trick, a feat officially recognized by FIFA decades later.
1909–1974 (age 65)·American soccer player·Birthday: November 4·The Greatest Generation
Biography
Bert Patenaude was a New England-born striker whose moment of immortality arrived in the sweltering heat of Montevideo, Uruguay, in 1930. Playing for the United States in the inaugural World Cup, the 20-year-old forward netted three times against Paraguay, a scoring burst that would later be confirmed as the first hat-trick in the competition's history. His career, however, was a brief flash. He played professionally for the Fall River Marksmen and other early American Soccer League clubs, known for his speed and finishing. After his playing days, he faded from the sport's spotlight, working as a machinist. For nearly 70 years, his achievement was incorrectly attributed, until meticulous research by historians prompted FIFA to finally credit him in 2006, cementing his place in soccer lore long after his death.
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.
Bert was born in 1909, 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 Bert Was Born
The biggest hits of 1909
Bert's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1909Born
Robert Peary claims to reach the North Pole
President: William Howard Taft
1914Started school
World War I begins
President: Woodrow Wilson
1922Became a teenager
King Tut's tomb discovered in Egypt
President: Warren G. Harding"April Showers" — Al Jolson
1925Could drive
The Scopes Trial debates evolution in schools
Home: $4,366President: Calvin Coolidge"Sweet Georgia Brown" — Ben Bernie
1927Could vote
Lindbergh flies solo across the Atlantic; The Jazz Singer premieres
President: Calvin Coolidge"My Blue Heaven" — Gene Austin
1930Turned 21
Pluto discovered
Gas: $0.20/galHome: $3,510President: Herbert Hoover"Body and Soul" — Paul WhitemanBest Picture: All Quiet on the Western Front
1939Turned 30
World War II begins; The Wizard of Oz premieres
Gas: $0.19/galMin wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Over the Rainbow" — Judy GarlandBest Picture: Gone with the Wind
1949Turned 40
NATO founded; Mao proclaims the People's Republic of China
Gas: $0.27/galHome: $7,450Min wage: $0.40/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Riders in the Sky" — Vaughn MonroeBest Picture: All the King's Men
1959Turned 50
Fidel Castro takes power in Cuba
Gas: $0.30/galHome: $12,400Min wage: $1.00/hrPresident: Dwight D. Eisenhower"The Battle of New Orleans" — Johnny HortonBest Picture: Ben-Hur
1969Turned 60
Apollo 11: humans walk on the Moon; Woodstock festival
Gas: $0.35/galHome: $15,550Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Richard Nixon"Sugar, Sugar" — The ArchiesBest Picture: Midnight Cowboy
1974Died at 65
Nixon resigns the presidency
Gas: $0.53/galHome: $22,600Min wage: $2.00/hrPresident: Gerald Ford"The Way We Were" — Barbra StreisandBest Picture: The Godfather Part II
Key Achievements
- Officially credited by FIFA with scoring the first hat-trick in World Cup history during the 1930 tournament.
- Played as a forward for leading American Soccer League clubs like the Fall River Marksmen.
- Inducted into the United States Soccer Hall of Fame for his contributions to the sport.
Did You Know?
His historic hat-trick was originally recorded as two goals by him and one by a teammate, a mistake not corrected for 76 years.
He was only 20 years and 9 months old when he scored his World Cup hat-trick.
After soccer, he worked for decades as a machinist at the Brown & Sharpe manufacturing company in Rhode Island.
“Three goals in Montevideo were just my job for the shirt.”
