Uniform & Team History
The gold coloring on this uniform commemorated Connie Mack’s 50th (and last) season as manager of the Athletics. Lefty Bobby Shantz, who went 8-14 for the 1950 Athletics, had a breakout season for the A’s in 1952, posting a 24-7 record and being named National League MVP. Shantz went on to pitch 16 seasons in the big leagues and appeared in the 1958 World Series as a member of the champion New York Yankees. He is the last living player who was managed by Connie Mack.
Oldtime Game History:
This uniform was the center of attention at the 2024 OIdtime Baseball Game. With Bobby Shantz set to celebrate his 99th birthday on Sept. 26, every player, coach, umpire and most of the fans who attended the game signed a giant birthday card that was delivered to him at his home in Philadelphia. The card was personally delivered by Peter Capolino, the former longtime owner of Mitchell & Ness from whom we bought our original collection of throwback uniforms in 1998 — including our Bobby Shantz uniform. And since Shantz was a 5-foot-6 left-hander during his playing days, it was decided that Ryan Slowe — a 5-foot-6 left-hander from Medford High School — would wear this uniform in the 2024 Oldtime Baseball Game. Slowe inscribed our Bobby Shantz birthday card as follows: “It’s an honor to wear your uniform.”
Also worn by:
Amauri Morel, ADSL, Boston Park League (’98); John Mugar, Tufts University (’99); Mark Langone, Stonehill College (’00); Joe Sousa, Framingham State (’01); Nick Yaeger, Bucknell University (’02); Josh Farkes, University of Richmond (’03); Joe DeLuca, Becker College (’04); Steve Cadoret, Boston College (’05); Carlos Rosario, Roxbury Community College (’06); Jim Cody, coach (’08); Cary McConnell, coach (’09); John McGonagle, Malden Catholic High School (’10); Jordan Haviland, Harvard University (’11); Matt DiCato, Framingham State (’12); Sam Shaughnessy, Boston College (’14); Austin Masel, Belmont Hill School (’15); Edvary Baez, Greater Egleston High School (’17); Matt Costanza, American International College (’18); Jack Levine, Needham High School (’19); Dante Christie, Franklin Pierce University (’22); Luke Beckstein, Northeastern University (’23).