Blockbuster
Reunion Weekend
By Steve Harlem & Bob Warrington
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Blockbuster |
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The A’s Society assembled a star-studded lineup of guests to make the 2001 edition of the Reunion Weekend the best ever. The focus of this year’s reunion was the 1954 Philadelphia Athletics team—the last A’s club ever to grace the playing fields of the City of Brotherly Love. Some of the players who took place: Dom DiMaggio, Eddie Joost, Bill Werber, Ned Garver, Dick Adams, Lou Brissie, Allie Clark, Mickey Vernon, Herman Franks, Bill Renna, Joe Astroth, Irv Hall, Randy Gumpert, Al Brancato, Spook Jacobs, Lou Limmer and Maje McDonnell. What a terrific assemblage of fan favorites! The Reunion Weekend was 20-21 October, and the action started off at 1 PM on Saturday at the Day’s Inn in Horsham, PA. Dr. Alan H. Levy delivered a presentation based on his recently published biography of the A’s great and eccentric left-handed pitcher, “Rube Waddell.” Dr. Levy described Waddell’s Hall of Fame playing career and explained why he exasperated Connie Mack more than any other player the A’s manager ever supervised. Dr. Levy also autographed copies of his book about Waddell. Saturday’s events continued with an autograph session involving available players beginning at 2 PM at the Days Inn. What a chance it was to get some great signatures, interact with players on a personal basis, and maybe even have your photo taken with them. The flagship event of the A’s Society—the Reunion Breakfast—took place on Sunday and started at 9 AM at Williamson’s Restaurant (same location as last year) in Horsham. In addition to enjoying a wonderful breakfast with the players and enjoying a full schedule of activities, attendees got to hear keynote speaker Bill Werber discuss his recently published book, “Memories of a Ballplayer.” Werber played between 1930-42 for the Yankees, Red Sox, Athletics, Reds and Giants. He talked about playing with and against Babe Ruth and toiling for Hall of Fame Manager Connie Mack. Werber took us all back to the 1930s as he reminisces about his playing days. An autograph session involving all the players present mmediately followed the breakfast. The A's Society also raffled off a chance to spend spring training in Florida, click here to see who won. Stay tuned to this site for event highlights.
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STAR-STUDDED LINEUP!
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© 2001 Philadelphia Athletics Historical Society, Inc.
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