The Pickles Kennedy Award went to Joe Kerrigan. MARIA S. YOUNG / TIMES PHOTO
The Oldtimers Bats and Balls Association last week named its Man of the Year and honored two people with the William “Pickles” Kennedy Award.
The Man of the Year was Frank Russo, who played football and baseball at Frankford High School and football at Drexel when that school offered the sport. Later, he became a businessman, author and golfer.
The Pickles Kennedy Award went to Joe Kajari and Joe Kerrigan.
Kajari played on the Frankford football team that won the 1947 Public League championship. He also played baseball for Frankford.
Kerrigan played baseball at Father Judge (class of 1971) and Temple. He was a first-round draft choice of the Montreal Expos in 1974. He played for the Expos and Baltimore Orioles. He was a pitching coach for the Expos, Phillies, Pittsburgh Pirates and Boston Red Sox. He managed the Red Sox in 2001.
The Oldtimers group consists of former athletes and officials. Members meet four times a year at Randi’s Restaurant & Bar, 1619 Grant Ave. in Grant Plaza II in Bustleton.
The Pickles Kennedy Award is named in memory of a former star basketball player at Abraham Lincoln High School and Temple University. Kennedy spent a year with the NBA’s Philadelphia Warriors, then played minor league baseball for several years in the Pirates organization.
The Oldtimers will meet again on Wednesday, May 11, at noon. Lunch costs $11.
For in-form-a-tion on the group, call Ron Fritz (215–491–9380), Jack Purdy (215–968–0404) or Ron March (609–209–0849), or vis-it www.bat-sand-balls.org ••
The Pickles Kennedy Award went to Joe Kajari. MARIA S. YOUNG / TIMES PHOTO
Triple play: The Oldtimers Bats and Balls Association last week honored three people. The Man of the Year was Frank Russo. MARIA S. YOUNG / TIMES PHOTO
