The Oldtimers Bats and Balls Association last week welcomed Phillies broadcaster Larry Andersen to its quarterly meeting at Randi’s Restaurant & Bar, 1619 Grant Ave. in Grant Plaza II in Bustleton.
Andersen received the Pickles Kennedy Award, named in memory of a former star basketball player at Abraham Lincoln and Temple. Kennedy spent a year with the NBA’s Philadelphia Warriors, then played minor league baseball for several years in the Pirates organization.
The Oldtimers also presented Andersen, 66, with a birthday cake. He played for the Cleveland Indians, Seattle Mariners, Phillies, Houston Astros, Boston Red Sox and San Diego Padres in a career that lasted from 1975-94, though he did not appear in the majors in 1976 or 1980. He retired in 1995 as a player/coach with the Reading Phillies. He is the only player who was on the 1983 and 1993 Phillies teams that made the World Series. He joined the Phillies broadcast team in 1998 after the death of Richie Ashburn.
The luncheon took place on the same day as the death of Phillies chairman Dave Montgomery.
“Please keep him and his family in your thoughts and prayers,” Andersen said.
Andersen spoke of the 1993 team. John Kruk gave Jim Eisenreich the nickname “Dahmer,” because he thought he looked like a serial killer. Eisenreich roomed with Pete Incaviglia. From the back of the bus during a spring training trip one day, Incaviglia hollered to Eisenreich, “Roomie, thanks for not eating me last night.” Eisenreich replied, “You’re welcome, Lunch.”
Andersen also recalled a plane trip with the late broadcaster Harry Kalas, who had fallen asleep before takeoff to Colorado. The team was stuck on the runway for several hours because of bad weather. Kalas, who was known to enjoy an adult beverage, woke up and, after a while, said of the flight, “Pretty smooth so far,” not realizing the plane was still grounded.
As a broadcaster, Andersen prides himself on being honest and not a homer. He said only one Phillie, Gregg Jefferies, ever said something to him, after Andersen criticized him for not tagging up to go from second to third base.
Jefferies said, “You’re absolutely right.”
When asked whom the toughest hitters he faced, he mentioned Dale Murphy and Ozzie Smith. He said Pete Rose should be in the Hall of Fame, as long as he never bet against his own team.
Andersen does not like replay in baseball, saying he misses outbursts by managers such as Earl Weaver and Lou Piniella. He also “can’t stand” analytics. He recalls someone asking Phillies adviser Larry Bowa about the launch angle of an Odubel Herrera fly out to center field. Bowa, not impressed with an out, replied, “F-8.”
Andersen is not a big fan of the fielding independent pitching (FIP) statistic, saying it can make someone like Nick Pivetta appear to be as good as the likes of Justin Verlander.
As for injured Phillies starting pitcher Vince Velasquez, Andersen suggests a move to the bullpen.
Also receiving the Pickles Kennedy Award was Rich Yankowitz, who coached boys basketball, baseball and cross country at Dobbins, 22nd and Lehigh. Yankowitz went 486-269 in 34 years as the Dobbins basketball coach, winning the 1985 Public League title with a juggernaut roster that included Hank Gathers, Bo Kimble and Doug Overton.
Yankowitz played baseball and basketball at Overbrook and was on the baseball, cross country and track and field teams at West Chester. He is a member of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame.
The 76-year-old continued to play baseball until last year, when he suffered a lacerated spleen injury after getting hit with a ball while pitching batting practice.
Bill Arthur received the Chuck Newns Recognition Award for all the programs he is bringing to Holmesburg Recreation Center.
The Phillie Phanatic entertained the crowd. Others attending the luncheon included Bobby Shantz, a former American League Most Valuable Player; Joe Scarpati, a former pro football player best known as the holder for Tom Dempsey’s then-NFL-record 63-yard field goal in 1970; and former Phillies outfielder Doug Clemens.
The Oldtimers group consists of former athletes and officials. Members meet four times a year at Randi’s. Lunch costs $11.
The next meeting is Aug. 8.
For information on the group, call Jack Purdy (215-968-0404) or Ron March (609-209-0849), or visit www.batsandballs.org. ••
