A's Society Annual Reunion
Set for October 16-17

50 Years Ago This September 1954
By Ernie Montella

The Philadelphia Athletics played their last game at Shibe Park on September 19,1954 as 1715 faithful fans watched the New York Yankees hand the Mackmen their final loss at 21st & Lehigh 4 to 2 as Johnny Sain bested A’s hurler Moe Burtschy. If they played that game today those empty 32,000 seats would be packed full.

One week later on September 26th at Yankee Stadium the A’s defeated the World Champion (1953) Yankees 8-6 as 11670 watched Art Ditmar top Tommy Byrne. As an aside A’s infielder Lou Limmer hitting for Vic Power in the 9th inning stroked the last A’s hit.

By November 1954 the fans of this historic franchise would learn that their team would be sold and moved to Kansas City ,Mo. to start the 1955 American League season. The shock of that decision is forever locked into the memory of all Philly baseball fans from that era.

Since 1996 The Philadelphia Athletics Historical Society has made major advances in their mission to perpetuate the memory of Connie Mack’s Philadelphia Athletics. During the almost 8 years of its existence the Society has sponsored a countless number of events that would allow them to bring back their baseball heroes from a past when baseball was really a game. On Sunday October 17, 2004 the A’s Society will honor the 1954 Philadelphia Athletics. Click here for boxscores.

Joe Astroth, Eddie Joost, Pete Suder, Ferris Fain, Bobby Shantz, Irv Hall, Bill Werber, Morrie Martin, Bob Dillinger, Ray Coleman, Lou Brissie, Les McGrabb, Elmer Valo, Joe DeMaestri, Gus Zernial, Bob Savage, Allie Clark, Lou Limmer, Viv Power, Bubba Harris, Carl Scheib, the Kell’s; George and Skeeter, Leroy Wheat, Dick Adams, Art Ditmar, Spook Jacobs, Billy DeMars, Charlie Metro, Eddie Robinson, Dario Lodigani, Sam Chapman, Walt Kellner, Al Brancato are just a few of Connie Mack’s former Mackmen who have returned in previous reunions to reminisce about their time with Connie Mack and his Athletics, when baseball was really a game.

Confirmations have been received from, Joe Astroth, Moe Burtschy, Al Brancato, Joe DeMaestri, Art Ditmar, John Gray, Spook Jacobs, Eddie Joost, Lou Limmer, Vic Power, Bill Renna, Carl Scheib, Bobby Shantz, Ozzie Van Brabant, Leroy Wheat, Allie Clark, Bob Savage, Bill Hockenbury, Morrie Martin and Gus Zernial. Representatives from major league teams from that era including, Mickey Vernon, Barney Schultz, Howie Bedell, Doug Clemens, Bob Miller, Maje McDonnell and Virgil Trucks will also be in attendance. Pat Williams local Philadelphia Athletics baseball fan and present V.P of the Orlando Magic basketball team has indicated his desire to meet the heroes of his youthful past here in Philadelphia.

The reunion committee is also in the process of arranging a book signing for both days with several sports personalities turned authors including Mr. Trucks new book "Throwing Heat the Life and Times of Virgil Trucks" that was so popular at the Society's recent Atwater/Kent appearance.

Each year the Society’s Sunday Breakfast Reunion is a sell out as more than 400 faithful pack the dining area of Williamson’s Restaurant, Easton Road (Rt 611), Horsham, PA for those few memorable hours. 9:00am to noon.

Breakfast seating reservations at $40 are now being accepted at the Society’s Gift Shoppe and through the website Shopping cart for a weekend you will never forget. Celebrity seating is based on a first come first seated basis.

The host hotel for out of town guests is the Days Inn also located on Easton Road, Horsham, PA and only 3/10ths of a mile north of Williamson’s Restaurant. Call early to make your reservation and take advantage of the Society’s weekend special rate. Phone 215-674-2500. Activity’s for Saturday October 16th are currently in the planning process by the Society’s reunion committee.

Days Inn Easton Road (Rt 611) Horsham, PA Only a short distance from the East/West PA Turnpike at the Willow Grove exit 343 (formally exit 27). Call early to make your hotel reservation and take advantage of the Society’s weekend special rate, phone 215-674-2500.         SCENES FROM THE BREAKFAST REUNION OCTOBER 2003	Williamsons Restaurant Easton Road (Rt 611) Horsham, PA Only a short distance from the East/West PA Turnpike at the Willow Grove exit 343 (formally exit 27).
Lou Limmer, Al Brancato, Gus Zernial, Spook Jacobs, Kenny Mondillo, Irv Hall, Carl Scheib, Bobby Shantz, Joe Astroth & Eddie Joost during pre-game introductions prior to the Oakland vs. Phillies game in June 2003 and will all be at the 2004 Reunion to honor the 1954 Philadelphia Athletics.	Lou Brissie, Bobby Shantz, Eddie Joost enjoying a laugh during the 2003 A’s Breakfast reunion.
Carlton Hodges former batboy for one of Bobby Shantz’s minor league teams share a moment to discuss old times during a lull in the Reunion agenda.	Bill Hockenbury and Bobby Shantz former teammates at the Days Inn in Horsham, PA.
John Addison, Eddie Joost, ,Gus Zernial, ,Lou Limmer, Spook Jacobs, Carlton Hodges stop by to enjoy the Society’s Museum/Library/Gift Shoppe in Hatboro, PA.	Art Ditmar who won and was the winning pitcher in the last game of the A’s 1954 season (click here to see box-score) is shown here with his lovely wife Dianne at the A’s Society buffet prior to the Sunday Breakfast Reunion.
Liz Ennis widow of former Phillis slugger Del Ennis and Society Museum coordinator Carl Goldberg at the Atwater/Kent opening of their baseball display. Mrs Ennis indicated she might be joining us at our October 17th Breakfast Reunion.	Breakfast seating reservations at $40 are now being accepted at the Society’s Gift Shoppe and through the website for a weekend you will never forget. Celebrity seating is based on a first come first seated basis.