CORNELIUS McGILLICUDDY

Now there's a name that begs for attention!

McGillicuddy (better known as Connie Mack), was the manager of the Philadelphia Athletics baseball team for FIFTY YEARS!!

In a previous blog, I mentioned attending A's games at Shibe Park with my dad. In my memory, I can still see Mr. Mack sitting in the dugout, dressed as usual, in a business suit with a tie, waving his scoreboard to position his players as the game progressed.

During his long career in baseball, many notable events took place. Least notable was the Black Sox scandal of 1919. Balancing that, were the record 60 home runs hit by Babe Ruth in 1927, a record that stood for 35 years and Lou Gehrig's start that same year, to a record of 2135 straight games played before his debilitating illness forced him to retire.

At Shibe Park, there were a number of notable events: the first Sunday game played (1934), the first American League game played under the lights (1937), and the first All-Star game played under lights (1943). In 1941, the A's pitcher Lefty Grove became the first 300-game winner.

Connie Mack's record of 3731 career victories will probably never be overtaken. Today's St Louis Cardinals' manager Tony LaRussa, with just over 2500 wins, stands little chance of becoming number one.

Soak up those events that now mean so much to you, dear reader, for they will become the memories that will bring you much pleasure.

More, later.