On the sultry morning of August 3, the A’s Historical Society was privileged to participate in the dedication of a Pennsylvania state historical marker for second baseman Nelson Fox in his hometown of St. Thomas, Pennsylvania, a few miles west of Chambersburg. Nellie Fox played for the Athletics from 1947 to 1949, before an ill-considered trade sent him to the White Sox for catcher Joe Tipton. He went on to a long and illustrious career, mainly in Chicago, marked by a 1959 Most Valuable Player award and twelve All-Star selections. Fox, who died in 1975, was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1997.
An overflow crowd which forced the partial closure of US 30 in St. Thomas watched the proceedings, conducted by the St. Thomas Area Ruritan Club, which had nominated Fox for the honor. Representatives from the state and local governments were present to assist in the ceremony. Former A’s catcher Joe Astroth told the gathering of his days as Fox’s teammate and introduced star lefty Bobby Shantz, a former road rommate of Nellie. 85-year-old Charles “Babe” Harrison, Fox’s uncle by marriage, told of Nellie’s life in St. Thomas, a small town which he loved and never left, returning every off-season. Harrison also described Jacob Fox taking 16-year-old Nelson to the A’s wartime training camp in nearby Frederick, Maryland, where the undersized but scrappy young infielder was signed by Mister Mack. A’s Society president Dave Jordan presented Fox’s widow Joanne with two gifts from the Society, a clock with Nellie Fox’s picture on the face and a framed team photo of the 1945 Lancaster (Interstate League) Red Roses, with her husband-to-be (then 17 years old) in the second row.
After Joanne Fox spoke her thanks and appreciation for the tributes to her husband and had a young friend lead the throng in “Take Me Out to the Ball Game,” refreshments were served in the smokehouse behind the old Fox homestead and in the local fire hall. The day was a grand success at which many new friends were made for the A’s Society, represented as well by Bill Kelly and general manager Ernie Montella.
We would like to extend our appreciation to the wonderful towns people of St. Thomas, and to the officers of the St. Thomas area Ruritan Club, specifically, Curt Shiner, President, Roger Beckner, Vice President and Tom Iaconna, Secretary, for their hospitality and friendship at the Fox marker dedication. Last but certainly not least, the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission for granting the request of the Ruritan Club for the approval of the Fox marker. And although the writings on the marker do not mention Fox’s professinal career start with the Philadelphia Athletics, the A’s Society is proud to have been able to represent that time in Nellie Fox’s Hall of Fame career.
JACOB NELSON “Nellie” FOX
1927-1975
1997 Baseball Hall of Fame inductee. Second Baseman for the Chicago White Sox (1950-1963), known for his passion and work ethic, Fox was an AL MVP (1959) and a 3-time Gold Glove award winner and a 12 time All Star. His boyhood home stands nearby. Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commisson, 2001.
