Teddy Roosevelt shot in Milwaukee 102 years ago; Admirals announce presidential bobblehead day

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- In honor of the 102nd anniversary of Teddy Roosevelt being shot here in Milwaukee, the Admirals have announced they will give out a bobblehead of the 26th president to the first 5,000 fans on Friday, February 21st, courtesy of U.S. Bank.

A noted Admirals fan, Roosevelt was shot at close range by saloonkeeper John Schrank while greeting the public in front of the Gilpatrick Hotel near the corner of Kilbourn Ave and 3rd St., on October 14, 1912.

Schrank's .32-caliber bullet, aimed directly at Roosevelt's heart, failed to mortally wound the former president because its force was slowed by a glasses case and a manuscript containing Roosevelt's evening speech. Schrank was immediately detained and reportedly offered as his motive that "any man looking for a third term ought to be shot."

Roosevelt went on to deliver his scheduled speech with the bullet still in his body. After a few words, the former "Rough Rider" pulled the torn and bloodstained manuscript from his breast pocket and declared, "You see, it takes more than one bullet to kill a Bull Moose." He spoke for nearly an hour and then was rushed to the hospital.

Roosevelt joins esteemed company, along with George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, as the only presidents that the Admirals have honored with bobbleheads.

Fans can purchase tickets for February 21, or any Admirals game, by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 or online at www.milwaukeeadmirals.com.

Groups of ten or more receive a minimum of $2 off the face value of the tickets.  For more information or to book a group fans should call the Admirals office at (414) 227-0550.