A'S SOCIETY BECOMES COMMUNITY CONSCIOUS

by Max Silberman

The Philadelphia Athletics Historical Society, founded in 1996 continues to grow and evolve as time goes on. The establishment of a museum, gift shoppe and research library in l998 and the unveiling of the "Wall of Fame" with the 25 plaques from Veteran's Stadium in 2004 are examples of the expanded role the Society has undertaken.

In 2004, under the guidance of Dr. Steve Harlem, a number of A's Society volunteers including Harry Adams, Mike Fesnak, Joe Brancato and others have begun to reach out to members of the community who are often forgotten: the elderly and the disabled including our veterans who are limited in their contacts with the world at large.

Accompanied by players such as Don Hasenmayer (former Phillies infielder) and A's alumni such as Joe Astroth, Lou Limmer and others, plans are being made to visit with these seniors over the summer to talk baseball and chat about the good old days at Shibe Park.

Such a visit took place late this spring in Rydal and the senior citizens who don't get out much were delighted to meet our team of good will ambassadors at a health fair held at the facility. The residents, mostly women, recalled their own love of the A's and Phillies as well as that of their late spouses.

The volunteers all reported that they, too, left the facility with a warm feeling, knowing that had spread some cheer where it was needed most. A tip of the old A's cap goes to Dr. Steve and his fine band of volunteers who remember our elderly and disabled friends in the community.