BIG DAY AT THE FRANKLIN INSTITUTE

A star-studded cast of A's Society volunteers appeared at the Franklin Institute at 20th and the Parkway in Philadelphia on Saturday, March 19, for TFI's annual Spring Training Day, sharing the spotlight with the Phillies and Comcast. Just to the left of the great Benjamin Franklin statue, Clara McGonigal, Harry Adams, Mike Fesnak, Joe Brancato, Bob Warrington, Ernie Montella, and Dave Jordan put together an outstanding display of historic Philadelphia baseball memorabilia, from the Society's collection as well as from Warrington's personal collection, including such items as Jack Lapp's 1910 World Series silver bowl, the trowel from the dedication of Shibe Park in 1909, Sam Chapman's 1948 road uniform, and the 1929 Public Ledger newspaper saluting the A's world champions.

There were dollar hot dogs, raffles for the kids, a Comcast "roulette wheel" featuring pictures of the station's sports personalities, and the Phillie Phanatic. As part of the program, Society president Jordan joined Phillies public address announcer Dan Baker among the judges for a youngsters' Phillies-announcing contest, with Comcast personality Matt Yalloff as MC.

A large crowd of kids, plus numerous parents and grandparents (some of whom remembered the A's), took the opportunity to get into the spirit of Baseball 2005. The A's Society volunteers were happy to participate and to do a little bit of educating about a great team that used to own Philadelphia.

• PhillyBurbs.com Event Coverage

The John W. Lapp cup is inscribed:
Presented by the Citizens of Philadelphia to John W. Lapp World Champions American Baseball Club Phila. Season 1910. The cup is on loan to the Society by Dr. John Hoffman, Lebanon, PA and can be seen at the Society's Hatboro Museum.

Franklin had the best seat in the
house, however, he didn't make a move!!!

Free C-2 Coca Cola's all day long by these two cheerful volunteers.

The Phanatic at his usual disruption self!

All smiles from the Phillies givaway booth: Go Phillies.

The Poconos were well represented, L-R Charles Lyman, David Reinhardt, Steve Pellner, escorted by David's mom Daryl Reinhardt. All three boys were presented with Arcadia's publishing book about the history of the Little League World Series by the A's Society.

The place was simply "mobbed" and why not, $1 hot dogs, free coke's ,and a building full of America's history.

Society Advisory Board member Bob Warrington from Burtonsville. MD is all smiles shown here with his wife Carol (far right) holding on to their 8 year old son Elliot. The Warrington's were joined by his niece, Karen and her two children, Nick & Ray. Bob had a rare display of early 20th century Phillies & A's memorabilia that drew lots of attention.

Dan Baker, Phillies public address announcer, kept the throng aware of all of the interesting events as they occurred.

The A's Society display of Phillies memorabila.

Former A's great Sam Chapman's 1948 road
uniform and other scare collectibles were a part of the Society's huge display.

Guess the number oif baseballs in this Volvo
and win somme very intrestsing prizes.

A's Society display of Athletics items from many years gone by.

A's Society GM, Ernie Montella, Phillies Dan Baker and

Society President, David Jordan, moments after enjoying some of those $1.00 hot dogs.

Society volunteers Harry Adams and Joe Brancato at their usual dependable location.

Franklin Institutes event coordinator Josh Chernikoff is shown here with Kristen Gale (left) his "special friend" and her mom Donna Gaeo. Josh is treating the Gale's to the April 4th Phillies home opener that also happens to be Donna's ?? birthday.

A's volunteers Clara McGonigal & Mike Fesnak relax after a very long but successful day.

The A's Society's Connie Mack Stamp Campaign Display. We need your help to convince the Postal Services Stamp Advisory Board to issue a commemorative stamp long overdue for Connie Mack. Click here to read the amazing accomplishments of this honorable gentleman and learn how you can join us!