 HOMETOWN
HONORS CARL SCHEIB
by David M. Jordan
Saturday June 18 dawned partly sunny and
dry in central Pennsylvania, a perfect day for what the good
people of Gratz, Pennsylvania, had in mind. For Gratz, a small
town about thirty miles north of Harrisburg as the crow flies,
on June 18 honored one of its own, a big fellow named Carl
Scheib.
Way back on September 5, 1943, Carl came down from Gratz
to take the mound for Connie Mack's Athletics, at the age
of sixteen years, eight months, and five days. At the time
he did this, Carl was the youngest player in major league
history, and he is still the youngest man ever to play in
an American League game. Joe Nuxhall of Cincinnati, who supplanted
Carl as the youngest player of all time with a brief appearance
in 1945, quickly disappeared into the minor leagues for seven
years before making it back to the majors; Carl Scheib stayed
in the big leagues from 1944 through 1954, with time out for
military service. He was a mainstay of the A's pitching staff
when he got back from the service, posting a 14-8 record for
the pennant-contending 1948 team. Carl had an overall record
of 45-64 for the Athletics, as all but three games of his
big league career was spent in A's flannels. In addition to
his work as a hurler, Carl was a top-notch pinch-hitter for
Mister Mack and even played a couple of games in the A's outfield;
he had a lifetime batting average of .250. After his playing
career, which included a brief stint with the St. Louis Cardinals
as well as seasons at Portland (Ore.) and
San Antonio, Carl settled down in Texas. The A's Society has
been fortunate to have Carl as a regular visitor for our reunion
breakfasts.
But Gratz, Pa., never forgot Carl Scheib. In addition to
his big-league exploits, the people of his hometown remembered
the 1942 PIAA baseball championship which Carl helped Gratz
High School win. So, on Saturday, June 18, Gratz pulled out
all the stops for Carl and his wife Sandi. The morning was
taken up with cemetery walks and tours through the Gratz Historical
Society, but at 3 o'clock more than 400 people crowded onto
Center Street, just in back of the grandstand for the local
ballpark, which this day had its name changed to Scheib Park.
Former school superintendant Warren Hassinger, a teammate
of Carl's on that 1942 high school ball club, presided as
master of ceremonies. After the local Little League and T-ball
players sang "Take Me Out to the Ball Game," the
remaining members of the '42 club joined Carl for a brief
reunion and picture-taking. Borough Council president Larry
Shade then unveiled the handsome stone and bronze monument
to Carl Scheib, which will stand permanently at Center Street
by the ballpark.
It was then my privilege to make a few remarks, describing
our A's Society for the assembled guests and presenting, for
permanent display in the Gratz Historical Society, a framed
replica A's uniform shirt made by Majestic, with Carl Scheib's
name and number 24 on the back. Society vice-president Clara
McGonigal then presented to the Gratz Historical Society a
laminated plaque of Carl's career baseball cards and photos,
made by our general manager Ernie Montella.
A visibly affected Carl Scheib responded with a brief and
heartfelt talk, the young players came on and sang "Take
Me Out to the Ball Game" again, and the assembled guests
repaired to the four beautiful sheet cakes, all celebrating
Carl and his hometown. As the A's Society delegation, which
included Ernie Montella, Harry Adams, and Joe Brancato, departed
for home, the sheet cakes were quickly disappearing into satisfied
stomachs. All in all, it was a great day for Carl Scheib,
for the townspeople of Gratz, and for the Philadelphia Athletics
Historical Society, for which it was an opportunity to carry
out the most basic purpose of our organization, to honor the
history of the Athletics ball club and its players.
|
Pictorial review of the days
events in Gratz, Pa
Clara McGonigal & Dave Jordan at the town's entrance.
Gratz Bicentennial banner looking down Main Street.
The Gratz Museum & Historical Society on Main
Street
is a must for visitors to the area.
It is a virtual trip back to the 19th century.
Carl begins his autographing as his brother Paul
& Dave Jordan
look on. That's A's Society volunteer Joe Brancato (Al's nephew
with the A's hat.)
The Scheib family outside of the Gratz Museum and
Historical Society
on Main Street in Gratz, Pa. Shown left to right, Carl's wife
Sandy, Carl Sr., son Carl Jr.,
grandson Clinton, Carl's brother Paul and family friend Geraldine
and David Jordan.
Sandy & Carl Scheib, Carl's brother Paul and
family friend Geraldine,
Dave Jordan & Ernie Montella.
Carl Jr and grandson Clinton standing behind their
famous relative.
Master of Ceremony retired high school superintendent
and a member of the 1942 Gratz High School PIAA championship
team shortstop Warren Hassinger who did a masterful job.
A's Society officers, David Jordan and Clara McGonigal
make the presentations of the Majestic replica A's uniform
bearing Scheib's name and number, and the Carl Scheib Career
in Baseball Cards laminated plaque to Lois & Chuck Schoffstall
of
the Gratz Museum and Historical Society.
Carl & wife Sandy are shown in the right.
The ball field where Carl played his sandlot baseball,
the Scheib monument is located on the other side
of these circa 1920's grandstands. |
In the most nostalgic moment of the afternoon,10
teammates of the original 14
members of the 1942 Gratz High School PIAA Champion Baseball
team were
present to honor Carl at this time.
Over 400 residents of the area packed Center Street.
A's Society president David Jordan address's
the audience. Shown seated on the right are Carl & Sandy
Scheib
and Museum curator Chuck Schoffstal behind the Scheib's.
Jordan presents a Majestic replica Carl Scheib A's
shirt to
the Gratz Museum's Lois Schoffstal & MC Warren Hassinger.
The Gratz little league team serenaded the crowd
with their rendition of
"Take me out to the ball-game" to a rousing applause.
Little League Baseball players meet Mr. Scheib.
Gratz Little Leaguers meet their local hero.
A somber & yet appreciative Carl Scheib addresing
his former neighbors
after the ceromony.
Gratz Little Leaguers anxious to perform for the
crowd. |
