Former Phillie Don Money To Speak At SJ Baseball Banquet, Nov. 12

GIBBSTOWN — The 57th annual banquet of the South Jersey Baseball Old Timers will be on Wednesday, Nov. 12 at St. Michael’s Mutual Club in Gibbstown with guest speaker former Phillies third baseman Don Money.

We look forward to a large crowd. The banquet opens at 6 p.m. with dinner at 7 p.m. There is a cash bar. Bring your own ball, card, or baseball program for a Don Money autograph. There will be door prizes and a fifty-fifty.

Don Money is a veteran of two Phillies stadiums, having played most of his career in Connie Mack Stadium, but also in the newly built Veteran’s Stadium. Money hit the first home run at “The Vet”.

The most memorable game at the 21st and Leghigh stadium was July 20, 1969 when man landed on the Moon. This date was a doubleheader and in the first game the Phillies lost to the Chicago Cubs 1-0.

Newly acquired right-hander Ferguson Jenkins out dueled Grant Jackson. Don Kissinger, Cubs shortstop, plated the only run with a double.

The South Jersey Baseball Old Timers speak with fondness about the great history of this great game. They share many memories.

Rita Riskie, the table arranger for our banquet has one of them. Her father, Charles Kieran, often had a “Brew” at the Phillies Bar at 22nd and Lehigh. He knew nothing about baseball.

Therefore, he just introduced himself as Charlie to a guy named Jim. That was Jim Konstany, the great pitcher for the Phils. He did, however, get an autographed baseball from many on the 1950 National League Pennant winners, thanks to Konstany. Some on that ball were Curt Simmons, Stan LaPata, and Del Ennis.

We look forward to sharing our own stories, and perhaps joining in and enjoying a well cooked spaghetti and meatball dinner provided by Giovanetti Catering of Paulsboro.

For those interested, tickets are $40 each and a membership card is $10. Checks can be made out to South Jersey Baseball Old Timers and mailed to Ron Riskie, Pres. SJBOT, 1146 Tatum St., Woodbury, NJ 080906.