Baseball great Mickey Vernon
honored by the ‘Oldtimers’

The Oldtimers Bats and Balls Association last week honored former major league baseball player Mickey Vernon during a luncheon at Randi’s Restaurant & Bar, at 1619 Grant Ave.
The group generally consists of men who played, coached or officiated baseball, football and basketball on sandlots and at Police Athletic League centers.
James Barton "Mickey" Vernon is a regular at the luncheon, along with fellow ex-major leaguer Bobby Shantz, a former Holmesburg resident who played for the Philadelphia A’s and Phillies in a 16-year career that included three all-star games, eight Gold Gloves and a Most Valuable Player award.
Vernon, a lifelong Delaware County resident, played 20 years as a first baseman in the major leagues. He was a two-time batting champion, played in seven all-star games and finished with 2,495 hits, despite missing two years of his prime while serving in World War II.
His playing career stretched from 1939 to ’60, giving him the distinction of appearing in games in four decades. He also managed the Washington Senators for three years.
Besides presenting Vernon with a plaque, the 100-plus people at the luncheon signed a poster wishing the baseball great a happy 90th birthday.
For more information on the group, call Chuck Newns at 215-612-0476. ••