Prior to the first game, Bobby Shantz will make an appearance and will be honored. Shantz will tour the All Sports Museum of Southern New Jersey, located adjacent to Alden Field at 6 p.m.
The former professional baseball played as a left-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1949 through 1964, and won the 1952 American League Most Valuable Player Award as a member of the Philadelphia Athletics. A three-time All-Star and highly skilled fielder, Shantz won eight consecutive Gold Glove Awards and won a World Series championship with the 1958 New York Yankees. He also played for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Houston Colt 45s, St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Cubs, and the Philadelphia Phillies.
Shantz also was selected for the All-Star Game in 1951, 1952 and 1957. In the fifth and final inning of the 1952 All Star Game, the left–handed Shantz exhibited his distinctive sidearm delivery and sharp curve and control and struck out three consecutive National League hitters: Whitey Lockman, Jackie Robinson and Stan Musial.
At 95 years young, he is the oldest living former player of the Chicago Cubs, Houston Astros, and Philadelphia Phillies organizations. He is also the oldest living player to have won a Most Valuable Player Award.
Come out and see doubleheader baseball games where each game is played by a clock and special “Speed Up Rules.”
