My love for baseball began many years ago when my Dad took me to Shibe Park in North Philadelphia to watch the Philadelphia Phillies and the Philadelphia Athletics. My favorite player was Richie Ashburn.
While in grade school and junior high school, I played baseball in a school-yard in West Philly where I lived. When my children were old enough, they played little league baseball (they also loved the game too), and I coached two of our children from T-ball through junior high school.
In 1987, I met Richie Ashburn in person at the ‘Phillies Dream Week’ in Florida. Richie and I had many conversations about his career, family and our mutual love of the game. In my cottage here at Tel Hai, I have a picture of Richie and me at ‘Dream Week.’ I also have a picture of the 1950 ‘Whiz Kids.’ After ‘Dream Week,’ I played organized baseball in Delaware County with the Delco Phillies.
With the help of Judy Schweitzer, Community Life Coordinator, I organized and started a Resident Softball Team here at Tel Hai. We call ourselves the “Rockets” and we practice every Friday morning from April to September at Suplee Field in Honey Brook. And take our practice very seriously…. (sometimes!)
As of 2017 season, we had 11 active players, ranging in age from 72 to over 80. They call me “Coach.” I am always looking for players for the coming season. Every summer we challenge Tel Hai team members to a softball game. The ‘Rockets’ look forward to this game. Tel Hai is gracious enough to supply hot dogs, drinks, and peanuts for the game. Our 40 or more fans from Tel Hai come to cheer both sides!
I speak for my team to extend a ‘thanks’ for such a marvelous time.
Rich Toscano
Tel Hai Resident
