By Joe Kirchmyer
Sometimes life gives us moments to reflect back upon the good old days. Often during those times, we recall old friendships or perhaps a special person who made our lives a little better just by being there.
One of those moments occurred today for a group of middle-aged men and a special 100-year-old gentleman who once, a long time ago, gave them life lessons that they still carry with them today.
The 100-year-old is Al Stanton, who now resides at the Orchard Heights assisted-living facility in Orchard Park. The nine men who stopped by for a visit this afternoon were all players on the Holy Family School baseball team that Al coached to a league championship back in 1964.
Mike Murphy, an outfielder on the Holy Family team, helped organize today’s event.
“Back in the fall of 1964, we lost our first game of the season to St. John’s in the bottom of the seventh inning … and then went undefeated there on out,” recalled Murphy of the championship season. “Al Stanton was our coach, and we beat Nativity 5 to 1 in the championship game played in Delaware Park, Diamond #2.
“About two months ago our mission to hook up with Al began,” said Murphy, who knew his former coach was still alive and kicking after seeing a photo of him being honored at a Buffalo Bills game last year. “My wife and I went to nursing homes in the Southtowns and finally found him at this assisted-living facility. One of the employees here told me that he still opens doors for all the ladies … and talks about baseball all day long.”
Joining Murphy at the luncheon with Coach Stanton were former teammates Mike Donovan, Jeff Fentzel, Chuck Craven, Donald Carr, Tom Thurston, Mike Raimondo, Don Picone and John Lonergan. Just before lunch, they donned baseball caps printed with the words, “Holy Family CHAMPIONS 1964” on the front. Al’s cap also had the word “Coach” printed on the back.
“Al was a real inspiration to us,” said Murphy during the festivities. “He always taught us to never give up and to work hard.”
“The thing I remember most about Al was how he encouraged us,” added Donovan. “He was always so positive, always believed in us and gave us confidence. He’s a true gentleman who taught us all so much.”
When a television newsman attending the event asked Al the reason for his success, the old baseball coach, without hesitation, offered one final piece of advice: “Go to Mass and Communion every Sunday!”
