LIMMER AND RUTNER FEATURED

by Max Silberman

Lou Limmer and Mickey Rutner were two of four members of the Jewish faith to represent the A's. The other two were Heinie Scheer (1922-1923) and Henry Bostick (1915).

In 2003 Dr. Martin Abramowitz of Jewish Major Leaguers (www.jewishmajorleaguers.org) produced a baseball card set including the four A's mentioned. An update set again included Lou Limmer and Mickey Rutner for their special accomplishments.

Rutner, who played third base in 1947 is the oldest living Jewish Major Leaguer. He turns 86 in March of 2006. Amazingly he has retained his connection with baseball working with the Round Rock AAA team near his home outside of Austin, TX.

The next oldest is Lou Limmer, 81. In 1951 at Briggs Stadium in Detroit, Limmer pinch hit for Billy Hitchcock.

Hard to believe but true, the pitcher, Saul Rogovin was also Jewish as was the catcher, Joe Ginsberg..The umpire playfully remarked "I wonder which Hebe will come out on top." Everyone laughed as no offense was intended or taken. The winner was Lou Limmer who hit a home run!

According to Jewish Major Leaguers, it is thought that Al Rosen of Cleveland also faced Detroit's Jewish battery of Rogovin and Ginsberg and that is presently being checked out.

Mickey Rutner attended the first A's reunion in 1996 and Lou Limmer has appeared at almost all of them.

The Philadelphia Athletics Historical Society is always proud to see our players featured and wishes Mickey and Lou the best of health for years to come.