 Shantz
Field Dedication
A Philadelphia Athletics-filled weekend takes place on September
22-23, 2007, so circle your calendar and plan to participate
in the exciting events scheduled for that weekend.
The action begins in Pottstown, PA on Saturday, September
22nd, when the school district will formally dedicate “Bobby
Shantz Field.” The baseball field is located at Pottstown
High School and festivities begin at noon. The program includes
the singing of the national anthem and musical entertainment
provided by the high school band. An array of dignitaries
will be present including former Pottstown Mayor Anne Jones,
State Senator John Rafferty, and State Representative Tom
Quigley.
Some of Shantz’s old A’s teammates also plan
to be present. Former Athletics’ players scheduled to
appear are Gus Zernial, Virgil Trucks, Eddie Joost, Ned Garver,
Joe Astroth, Spook Jacobs, and Lou Brissie. Several of these
players also will serve as guest speakers.
Renovation of the high school baseball field took two years
to complete. Improvements include a newly graded and seeded
infield and outfield with improved drainage and an underground
irrigation system. There is a new backstop, foul poles, and
for the first time ever at the field, dugouts, bleachers,
and grandstands. As a perfect finishing touch, an electronic
scoreboard has been added.
Some of the $90,000 raised for the project was provided through
grants, while numerous activities were conducted to gather
the rest. The A’s Society sold Shantz table toppers
to help fund the renovations. One of the most popular fund-raising
events was the construction of the new brick backstop, which
was constructed by Mike Wentzel who volunteered his services
in appreciation of Shantz’s contributions to the area.
Dubbed the “Wall of Fame,” the backstop consists
of 469 bricks, and each brick was “purchased”
by Shantz’s friends, family, and supporters. This includes
several of his former major league teammates. Each brick is
inscribed with the name of the person or organization that
bought it. You can be sure one of them proudly states, “Philadelphia
A’s Historical Society.”
The renovation and dedication of “Bobby Shantz Field”
is the result of tireless efforts by many people determined
to make it a reality. They include the Director of Community
Relations John J. Armato, and the former Director of Co-Curricular
Activities Gary DeRenzo. Shantz’s childhood friend Gabe
Fieni thought it was time to honor Shantz, and with that thought
in mind, Tom Coyle, President of the Pottstown High School
Baseball Boosters Club—along with many other members
of the committee—made a tremendous effort in generating
the necessary support for this project.
Mike Fesnak of the A’s Society worked with Bill Bozman
to create a commemorative postal cachet to mark the occasion.
Designed by Bozman, the cachet will be specially postmarked
by the Pottstown post office on September 22nd. Every one,
moreover, has been personally autographed by Bobby Shantz,
who has added “1952 AL MVP” next to his signature.
Only 100 of these cachets have been produced. The cachet features
a copy of Shantz’s 1952 Red Man All-Star team baseball
card, a diagram of the baseball field, and the words, “Bobby
Shantz Field Station, September 22, 2007, Pottstown, PA 19464.”
Each cachet costs only $10.00, and they can be ordered directly
from the A’s Society through its website or directly
from the Gift Shoppe. Remember there are only 100 of these
highly collectible cachets, so don’t miss your opportunity
to obtain one. All proceeds from the sale of the Shantz cachet's
benefit the Pottstown High School Bobby Shantz Field maintenance
fund
See you in Pottstown, PA on September 22nd for a really memorable
day honoring one of Connie Mack’s finest—Bobby
Shantz.
Bobby
Shantz's autographed Commemorative cachet especially designed
for this occasion.
Available through the A's Gift Shoppe.
All
proceeds benefit the High School field maintenance fund.
Limited
to only 100 canceled by the U.S. Postal service on September
22, 2007 as part of the days activities.
Click
here to order.
($10
each shipped postage paid.Gift Shoppe will delete the $6 s&h
)
Shantz Field Dedication Date Set
The residents of Pottstown,Pa have scheduled
Saturday, September 22, 2007 to dedicate the high school field
as "Bobby Shantz Field". Renovations have been under
way for the previous 2 years. The A's Society has made arrangements
for 5 surprise friends of Shantz's, all former major league
players from his era to participate in the festivities.
John J. Armato Director of Community
Relations inspects the nearly completed "Bobby Shantz
Field and commemorative brick backstop. Watch this site for
all of the details for the September 22nd dedication that
will also include colleagues from Shantz's career.
A closeup up view of the 469 commemorative
bricks that makeup this unique tribute to
Pottstown's local hero.
Full view of the new Bobby Shantz
Field
Shantz Field
Shantz's Alma Mater, Pottstown Senior
High School site of the field.
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