Hobie Baker

Hobie Baker was an American athlete who excelled in both football and hockey at Princeton University. He was known for his athletic prowess, sportsmanship, and charisma. After graduating from Princeton, he served as a fighter pilot in World War I, where he earned a reputation for bravery and skill. He tragically died in a plane crash shortly after the war ended.

Percy Pine

Percy Pine was a Princeton alum and heir to a family sugar and banking fortune. He was known for being gay and had a close relationship with Hobie Baker. They lived together in New York City for over two years after Hobie graduated from Princeton. Pine sent Hobie care packages during the war and exchanged intimate letters with him. He played a significant role in funding the Hobie Baker Memorial ice rink after Hobie's death.

World War I

World War I, also known as the Great War, was a global conflict that lasted from 1914 to 1918. It involved the majority of the world's great powers, grouped into two opposing alliances: the Allies and the Central Powers. The war was characterized by trench warfare, new technologies like machine guns and poison gas, and a high number of casualties. Aviation played a significant role in the war, with pilots engaging in aerial combat and reconnaissance missions.

Same-Sex Relationships

Same-sex relationships refer to romantic or sexual relationships between people of the same gender. The historical understanding and acceptance of same-sex relationships have varied significantly across cultures and time periods. In the early 20th century, same-sex relationships were often stigmatized and hidden, with individuals facing social and legal consequences for expressing their sexuality. The episode explores the challenges faced by same-sex loving men in a time when societal norms often pressured them to marry women.

Aerial Combat

Aerial combat refers to fighting between aircraft, primarily during wartime. It involves pilots maneuvering their planes to gain an advantage over their opponents, using weapons like machine guns and bombs. The episode highlights the dangers and excitement of aerial combat during World War I, as well as the unique skills and strategies required for success.

Going West

In the context of World War I, "going west" was a euphemism for dying in combat. The episode uses this phrase to emphasize the high mortality rate of pilots during the war and the constant threat of death that they faced.

Cole Porter

Cole Porter was a renowned American composer and songwriter, known for his witty and sophisticated musical style. He was a contemporary of Hobie Baker and attended Yale University, where he composed the college's fight song. Porter was known for his social circles and his parties, which often involved celebrities, artists, and musicians. He was also known for his homosexuality, which he kept private due to societal pressures.

Lafayette Eskadrille

The Lafayette Eskadrille was a squadron of American fighter pilots who fought for France during World War I. It was known for its bravery and skill, and its members included some of the most famous American pilots of the war. Hobie Baker was assigned to the Lafayette Eskadrille in 1918.

Hobie Baker Award

The Hobie Baker Award is an annual award given to the top men's college ice hockey player in the United States. It is named after Hobie Baker, a legendary Princeton athlete who excelled in both football and hockey. The award honors Baker's athletic prowess, sportsmanship, and character.