Al Capone got the nickname Scarface from a barroom fracas. In addition to the South Brooklyn Rippers and Junior Forty Thieves, Capone joined Johnny Torrio’s James Street Boys gang, where he became Torrio’s protégé and at 16, Capone became a member a Lower East Side-based gang called the Five Point Gang, named after the notorious 19th-century Manhattan slum. Al Capone belonged to several gangs.Īt the same time he had legitimate jobs, Capone also belonged to street gangs that specialized in things like petty crime and vandalism. He made quick money at the pool hall at 20 Garfield Place and played on a semi-pro Brooklyn baseball team with his brother Ralph.

Al Capone worked odd jobs after leaving school-and even played semi-pro baseball.Īfter leaving school, Capone went to work, holding jobs at a candy store, a bowling alley, and a local bindery.

According to some accounts, Capone was expelled according to others, he left school himself. 133, Capone struck a teacher in the face. He was a good student in his youth, but at age 14, while attending P.S. Al Capone’s notorious temper flared early.Ĭapone spent his early years hanging around the docks along the Brooklyn Navy Yard near his home. Here’s what you need to know about the man known as Scarface. 1 in the eyes of federal agents, and he remains one of the most notable figures of his time. The Robin Hood of Prohibition was just as much of a folk hero for the common man as he was public enemy no.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, on Januto Italian immigrants Gabriele and Teresa, Alphonse Capone would go on to become one of the most notorious gangsters of all time.

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