The Mack Family Returns Home with the Athletics

June 6, 2003

On Friday evening June 6th, the Mack family descended on Veterans Stadium as part of the celebration welcoming home the franchise their legendary relative began in 1901 as the American's leagues Oakland Athletics made their first trip ever back to their "roots." Coming in from all parts of the country more than 70 members were present as the Phillies and Oakland A's paid tribute by honoring Mack's grandchildren prior to the first of the weekend's 3 game schedule. Mr Mack's daughter Ruth Mack Clark & grandson former Florida Senator Connie Mack lll shared the honor of tossing out the first ball to begin the game. Former Athletics catcher and one of Mr Mack's favorites Joe Astroth was on hand to accept the ball that is now a part of the Philadelphia Athletics Historical Society's Museum. The family held their first ever reunion the next day at the home of Mr. Mack's grandson Jim Nolen. The following are a few photos to capture the excitement of this historic weekend.

Kathleen McGillicuddy Kelly, grandaughter of legendary Hall of Famer Connie Mack is surrounded by her sons, Sean and Cliff. (Kathleen is the daughter of Roy Mack, Mr Mack's son.)	Kathy Kelly-Poupore and sons Brian and Jack (Kathleen McGillicuddy Kelly's daughter and grandsons)
Sean, Senator Connie Mack III, Ruth Mack Clark, Kathleen, Cliff Sean & Clifford surprised the family after working months to get the old woolen A's uniform the players wore back in the day. They were the hit of the day, & enjoyed every minute playing up to the crowd & having their photo taken with fans who came up to them.	Sean, Ruth Clark, Kathleen, Cliff After the first pitch Sean & Clifford and the family stopped at the dining room where all the great former players & families were & had them sign their baseball uniform shirts. It was so much fun & the players loved it. They were thrilled to have the likes of Eddie Joost, & Bobby Shantz, etc. autographs.
Sean & Cliff, Mr. Mack would be proud of his 2 great grandsons dressed in their 1950's style Philadelphia Athletics home uniforms.	Tom McGillicuddy son of Roy Mack and grandson of Mr. Mack.
Sr. Susan McGillicuddy, Ruth Mack Clark, Kathleen McGillicuddy Kelly, and Tom McGillicuddy flank the Mr. Baseball statue currently standing outside the Vet.	Sean and Cliff stop for a minute at the Mr. Baseball statue.
THE PHILLY A's RETURN Lou Limmer, Al Brancato, Gus Zernial, Spook Jacobs, Kenny Mondillo, Irv Hall, Carl Scheib, Bobby Shantz, Joe Astroth & Eddie Joost. _{Photo courtesy of Marge Astroth}	Limmer, Scheib and Astroth remembering 1954 _{Photo courtesy of Marge Astroth}
Senator Mack with the rest of the Mack contingent in the background tosses out the first pitch to former A's catcher Joe Astroth as the Phanatic "umpires" (that ball is now on display in the A's Society Museum.) _{Photo courtesy of Marge Astroth}	Joost & Zernial reminisce _{Photo courtesy of Marge Astroth}
Astroth & friend "PHYLISS" _{Photo courtesy of Marge Astroth}	"THE GANGS ALL HERE" _{Photo courtesy of Marge Astroth}
Jacobs, Scheib & Astroth during a lull at the Vet. *_{Photo courtesy of Marge Astroth}*	Mr. Baseball 1862-1956

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