About JJ Lannin

About “JJ” Lannin

This is the story of my great-grandfather Joseph John “JJ” Lannin… a penniless orphan who walked from Lac-Beauport, Quebec to Boston, MA at the age of 14, and who against all odds became one of the richest, most powerful men in the Northeast:

• Who became the owner of the Providence Grays, Buffalo Bisons and the Boston Red Sox.
• Who purchased Babe Ruth’s contract who led the team to win their only consecutive World Series titles.
• Who was rated as the “Executive of the pre-World War II” period in Red Sox Century by authors Glenn Stout and Richard Johnson.
• 

  Jack Dunn of the Baltimore Orioles (left) watches his legal ward "the Babe" Ruth (center) signing the contract that brought him to play for JJ's Boston Red Sox (right).(Credit: National Baseball Hall of Fame Library, Cooperstown, NY)

  Who walked Charles A. Lindbergh across the tarmac of his Long Island airfield to see him off on his famous transatlantic flight.

• Who became a multi-millionaire, philanthropist and real estate tycoon.
• Who died on May 15, 1928 when he mysteriously “fell” from the ninth floor of his own hotel in Brooklyn, NY.
• Who was Inducted into The Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in June 2004.

About Me

And, this is my story about investing over 35 years of my life delving into my ancestry to unravel the mysteries surrounding JJ Lannin’s life and death.

 

On April 30, I realized my dream of walking in my great-grandfather’s footsteps to recreate his life’s journey, physically and spiritually, during a 6-week walking and hiking expedition from Lac-Beauport, Quebec to Boston…The Lannin Walk – Part 1.

The Lannin Walk – Part 1 journeyed into the past by referencing historical information to better understand the mindset of prior generations who came to the “Land of Opportunity” with an inherent belief that anything was possible through hard work, sacrifice, determination, passion and the support of family, friends, and even strangers. While at the same time the walk sought to answer the question, “In today’s society is the opportunity of being upwardly mobile a reality for the majority of people?” If not, why not? And, what can we all do to keep the spirit of the American Dream alive and make our world a better place in which to live?

I am pleased to announce that I am offering my book “Walking In My Great-grandfather’s Footsteps – Living the American Dream in the 21st Century” free-of-charge for people to enjoy and share with their family and friends.  To receive your free copy just Friend me on Facebook or email me at info@lanninwalk.com and I’ll send you my e-Book.

People interested in current events, history, genealogy buffs, educators, concerned parents, directors of youth empowerment programs, fans of baseball, and those believing, or wanting to believe, in the American Dream  virtually experienced my pilgrimage as I retraced the inspirational life of my great-grandfather.

With Part 1 successfully completed, I am setting my sights on Part 2 of The Lannin Walk that will bring my journey full-circle in the hopes of demonstrating to others that, indeed, the American Dream is still possible in today’s society.

Learn more about me through my LinkedIn profile