Twice as nice: The Oldtimers Association honors two recipients, Rich Lipinski (right) and the late Frank McArdle, represented by his wife, Mickey (left). MARIA POUCHNIKOVA / TIMES PHOTO
The Oldtimers Bats and Balls Association, a group of former athletes and officials, last week honored two people with the William “Pickles” Kennedy Award.
The honorees were players/coaches Rich Lipinski and the late Frank McArdle.
Lipinski, a Frankford native and U.S. Army veteran, has played basketball, football, baseball and softball and competed in track and field over the years. He’s coached football and been a girls and adult fastpitch softball manager. His business, Arno Ornamental Iron, has sponsored teams for more than 45 years in the Far Northeast and in over-50 and over-60 leagues.
Today, he is married with three grown children and six grandchildren. He is the commissioner of the Philadelphia Senior Softball League and plays in the league. Anyone 58 or older is eligible to play. Call 215–537–0363.
McArdle, a Holmesburg native, was represented by his wife, Mickey, and son, John. He played football and baseball at North Catholic High School.
An excellent center fielder, he played baseball in the St. Louis Browns and Brooklyn Dodgers organizations.
Later, he was a co-founder of Crispin Gardens Athletic Association. He managed Jenkintown in the Pen-Del adult baseball league. He also managed Crispin to All American Amateur Baseball Association national championship tournaments in Detroit and Johnstown, Pa. He also served as a Phillies scout.
The Aug. 14 luncheon took place at Randi’s Restaurant & Bar, at 1619 Grant Ave. in Grant Plaza II in Bustleton. It attracted dozens of former local athletes and officials.
Among those attending the luncheon were Bobby Shantz, a former American League Most Valuable Player; Sean Landeta, who punted for the Philadelphia Eagles and Stars; Joe Scarpati, a former pro football player best known as the holder for Tom Dempsey’s NFL-record 63-yard field goal in 1970; Doug Clemens, a former Phillies outfielder; and Ruth Richard, who played women’s baseball from 1947–54.
The next Oldtimers luncheons will be at noon on Wednesday, Nov. 13, and Feb. 12, 2014. Lunch costs $11.
For more information on the group, call Chuck Newns (215–612–0476), Ron Fritz (215–491–9380), Jack Purdy (215–968–0404) or Ron March (609–209–0849), or visit www.batsandballs.org ••
