AL BRANCATO, FROM SOUTHERN TO SHIBE PARK
by Max Silberman
In South Philadelphia, at the corner of Rosewood and Porter stood a grocery store owned by the Brancato family. Mr. and Mrs. Brancato had to come to America from Italy and raised a family of seven children, four boys and three girls. At least with a grocery store, there was always plenty on the table!
Al Brancato’s first love was always sports, particularly baseball. At South Philadelphia High School (Southern) he dreamed one day of playing at Shibe Park. That dream eventually came true.
Al Brancato played in many local leagues and was signed by Connie Mack while still a senior at Southern. He received a $1,000 bonus but bought no new car or fancy clothes. Every penny went to Mom and Dad for the family business. Such was the proper thing to do at that time and place.
In 1938, his pro career began at Williamsport and Greenville (where he roomed with Mickey Vernon, still a great friend).In 1939 he joined the Philadelphia Athletics and split the year between Philadelphia and Williamsport. At Williamsport he led the Eastern League in runs batted in. In 1940 Al was with the big club for the entire year playing over 100 games at shortstop and third base.
1941! What a year! Joe Di Maggio hit in 56 straight and Ted Williams hit .406. Al Brancato played in almost every game that year at shortstop and third and was ready for a long and productive major league career.
December 7, 1941! On January 1, 1942, he was no longer Al Brancato of the Philadelphia A’s but Al Brancato, United States Navy where he would serve until September of 1945. South Pacific was a great musical but for Brancato it meant the interruption of a promising career.
He rejoined the A’s at the end of the 1945 season and until 1953 played and managed in various minor league cities.
Al Brancato later became baseball coach at St. Joseph’s University for half a dozen seasons before settling down to a life outside of baseball. He has attended all the A’s Society reunions and is one of the best loved and respected gentlemen who make up out alumni club.
We are most grateful to Ronnie Joyner for conducting a comprehensive interview which provided many of the facts for this article.
Al Brancato recently observed his 88th birthday and resides in Delaware County where he has lived for many years. He has been a true big leaguer on and off the diamond.
