Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
Old Timers celebrate great baseball players
Each year, the Old Timers Hall of Fame celebrates the induction of a few skilled local baseball players.
KENNETT SQUARE >> Former Phillies broadcaster Chris Wheeler almost didn’t make it to the Kennett Old Timers Baseball Hall of Fame Banquet, where he was scheduled to speak on Saturday. He was battling a nasty case of the flu and called banquet organizer Prissy Roberts earlier in the day saying he was doubtful about coming. He said he would try though, because he had so much fun in the same role last year.
He came, but he warned his hosts and the audience that he wasn’t feeling so good and would present only an abbreviated talk.
But then, like Popeye downing a can of spinach, as he started engaging the guests in dialogue about World Series and old Phillies greats, he appeared to have a shot of energy. It was probably because, like most of the 240 people in the audience, baseball really turns him on.
Every year for 37 now, the Old Timers Hall of Fame celebrates the induction of a few exceptionally good local baseball players who pursued their passion into adulthood — some of them even making it to the major leagues like Kennett Square native Eddie Collins Jr., but more often those excelling in adult recreational leagues. Their names and pictures are displayed on the walls of Burton’s Barbershop on State Street in the borough, where Bob
Burton, son of the one of the Old Timers founders, Bat Burton, ran the shop.
After the presentation of the new members, Wheeler took to the microphone with increasing gusto and talked about his experiences in 27 years with the Phillies.
He praised the broadcasting team of the late Richie Ashburn and Harry Kalas. He talked about his pleasure with last year’s World Series, and he commented on the personalities of various players including Chase Utley, Jimmy Rollins and Ryan Howard.
He said he believes Rollins will be inducted into the Baseball Hall of fame for sure, and believes Utley and Howard also deserve it.
He brought the news that former Phillie John Kruk would be announcing some games, but “the directors will have to be ready to censor his language.”
When he was asked if the Phillies have a chance to make a Wild Card next season he bluntly said, “no.” But he added that two years ago the team’s minor league was weak, and now it is the best one in baseball, with lots of strong young players coming along.
“You never know,” he added.
He spoke in some detail about how the literal definition of the strike zone has changed in recent years, and said it was a result of the “bubble” chest protectors that the umpires wore in the American League that made them lower their view of strikes.
He expressed his affection for Cleveland Indians Manager (and former Phillies Manager) Terry Francona, whose team lost to the Cubs in last year’s World Series. He said he was sorry Francona didn’t get a chance to experience the win as he had in Boston.
He also talked about his love for former Phillies Manager Charlie Manuel and Manuel’s frank and spontaneous reactions to incidents in the games.
Wheeler additionally said that those who professionally observe the mechanics of baseball have changed from intuitive analyses of players to evaluating the “numbers.”
“It’s almost like the kids in college that we called ‘nerds,’” he said.
One surprise that came at the banquet was the presentation of a birthday cake and the singing of “Happy Birthday” to Bob Burton who turned 80 the day before. He stepped in to lead the Old Timers years ago after the original founders died or were becoming too old for the duties. Partnering with community activist Prissy Roberts, they have continued the 37-year run of the banquet and member presentation.
This year’s inductees were Mike Burton (Bob’s son), Pat Doran, Larry Lank, Clint Rector, Tim Rector, Ken Simon, Tim Sipes and Kevin Sprague. Former Kennett High School baseball coach George Starr, who coached from 1955 to 1969 and took the team to a state championship, was presented with a special recognition “Achievement in Coaching” award. One of his other claims to fame is that he played against Phillies great Curt Simmons in the American Legion State Championship in 1946.