by Max Silberman

As long as most of us can remember, some clown posed the question: Who played for the Phillies and Athletics in the same season? When the person could not answer, the funny guy replied “The organist.” followed by laughter.

Actually two players did play for both teams in the same year! In 1901 Joe Dolan did and so did Bill Duggleby in 1902.

However at least 44 players were members of both teams at one time in their careers. Many were early in the 20th century but Hall of Famers included Jimmie Foxx, Chief Bender and Nap Lajoie. Players who might be familiar to today’s A’s fans are Johnny Gray, Dave Philley, Skeeter Newsome, Bill Nicholson, Vic Power and Bobby Shantz. Gray, Power and Shantz were all guests at our reunions delighting Phillies fans as well as A’s followers. Cy Perkins played for the A’s but coached for the Phillies. Wally Moses, Billy DeMars, Tom Ferrick and Eddie Mayo also played for the A’s and coached for the Phillies.There may have been others and we apologize to any sharp eyed reader whose favorite A’s/Phillies player has been left out.

Of course, the Philadelphia Athletics left town in 1954 and for their entire stay, there were only 16 teams so the possibility of playing for both teams was greater.

So the next time some joker asks you who played for the Phillies and A’s in the same season, you’ll have a surprise.

By the way, A’s players Jim Castiglia and Bert Kuczynski also played for the Philadelphia Eagles. Try that one the next time one of your buddies brags about his expertise on Philadelphia sports!