THE CURRENT A'S ROSTER

by Max Silberman

One area which generates many of our questions directed to the A's Society is related to the players. Fans want to know how many are still living half a century after the team ceased to exist.

As of late summer 2004, 79 players are still alive. Bill Oster of the l954 team is the youngest at 71 with Hal Raether also of the l954 team second at an older 71.

The oldest are Billy Werber, with the A's in 1937 and 1938 who is 96 and Sol Carter of the l93l A's (yes, that is correct) who will be 96 in December. Other former players who have passed 90 include: Herman Franks (1947-48), Buddy Hancken (l940), Eddie Mayo (1943), Pete Naktenis (1936), Ace Parker (1937-38) and Emil Mailho (1936).

On the doorstep are Les McCrabb (l939-42, l950) who will turn 90 in November and Gene Handley (1946-47) who will also turn 90 in November. Out of the 80 remaining players, 11 will have reached 90 years! Billy Werber, Sol Carter, Eddie Mayo and Emil Mailho have already passed Connie Mack in longevity, no easy feat.

All our players are very important to us from the youngsters in their 70s to the seniors over 90 and we wish them good health and happiness all the days of their lives and thank them for their support and encouragement.It should be noted that many of our players have been blessed with strength and good health. Many play golf and a few are still working.

Ace Parker

Born: May 17,1912

Hall of Fame NFL Inductee Ace Parker's career.
From Duke University, to the Philadelphia Athletics, New York Yankees & Booklyn Dodgers to his 1972 NFL induction in Canton, Ohio.