Zernial Induction Weekend

By Max Silberman

On Friday, 15 June, a group of over 70 members of the Philadelphia Athletics Historical Society attended the Phillies-Orioles game to witness the induction of two Athletics into Veterans Stadium’s Wall of Fame.  Gus Zernial—a power hitter for the A’s in the 1950s—and the late George Earnshaw—a right-handed pitcher for the team during its 1929-31 championship run—were added to the Wall, as were two Phillies’ players—Gavvy Cravath and Gary Maddox.

George Earnshaw’s family accepted his plaque from A’s Society President David Jordan while teammate and fellow Wall of Famer Eddie Joost presented Zernial with his award.

After enjoying a slugfest at the stadium on a warm, muggy night (the Phillies won 15-7), A’s fans—over 200 strong—returned on Saturday for a day of activities at the Day’s Inn in Horsham.  Teammates of Zernial who were on-hand for the event included Joost, Lou Limmer, Joe Astroth and Spook Jacobs.  All of them signed autographs, greeted fans and paid tribute to Zernial.  A mini-card show was held along with an authors’ row where noted baseball writers Kit Crissey, Rich Westcott, Ron Menichine and David Jordan signed copies of their books and talked baseball with the guests in attendance.

To end a perfect day, a birthday party was held for Eddie Joost and Gus Zernial, both of whom celebrated birthdays during the month of June.  Many stories were exchanged among the attendees, especially about Zernial and his double crown year of 1951 when he took the RBI and homerun championships of the American League.  By the way, Ferris Fain took the batting title that year, giving the Philadelphia Athletics the Triple Crown!!

The Wall of Fame weekend provided members the opportunity to meet and spend time with some of their favorite players in an intimate setting.  The October Reunion weekend will be here before long, with the breakfast on Sunday, 21 October.  Please don’t get shut out.