Erie Sailors 1946 Champion Baseball Team

1946 Erie Sailors, Middle Atlantic League Champions. Photo courtesy of Tom DiLuzio.

The Erie Sailors were at the top of their game in 1946, the champions of the Middle Atlantic League. The Sailors played Class C ball at Ainsworth Field in Erie, Pennsylvania. Three Sailors shown in this photo went on the play in the big league. George Bamberger pitched for the New York Giants (1951-52), the Baltimore Orioles (1959) and then managed the Milwaukee Brewers and the New York Mets. Centerfielder Jerry Scala  played for the Chicago White Sox (1948-49). Pitcher Red Webb played for the New York Giants (1848-49).

In addition to Bamberger, Scala and Webb, the Erie Sailors also included Leo Feldmier, Sam Bartolomei, Sam Marsacano, Charles Muse, Bill Lance, George Sabini, Don Brennan, Fred Voigt, Steve Rushnock and Cal Ehehalt. Also Mike Colombo, Bill Pavlick, Gene Natale, manager Steve Mizerak (not the world champion pool player), Jack Uber, Bill Nichols and Phil Alotta.

Here is a 1948 Erie Sailors Roster

Enjoy more historic facts and photos of Erie, PA at: Old Time Erie

Save-An-Eye 1953 All-Star Football Game, Erie PA

Scorecard from the 1953 Lions Club Save-An-Eye Football Game on oldtimeerie.blogspot.com

The Erie Lions Club hosted the annual Save-An-Eye football game at the Veterans Memorial Stadium in Erie, Pennsylvania on Monday, September 7, 1953. The top players from the city high schools duked it out on the field with the top players from the county high schools. Thousands of people filled the stadium to watch the game, with proceeds going to a worthy cause. 

Carmen Bonito, who was an outstanding teacher and coach at Waterford High School/Fort LeBoeuf High School, handled the coaching duties for the county team along with Joe Timmons. Robert Arrowsmith and Jack Komora handled the reins for the city team.

East High School was represented by seven players: Felix Wedzik, John Priesler, Carl Feick, Jerry Szorek, James Hill, Ted Loader and Don Wisniewski.

Six students represented Academy High School: George Schneider, Joe Franz, Robert Walker, Alan Gunner, Mike Rocco and Gordon Shay.

Cathedral Prep had five players: (tackle) Ditrich, Tony Anthony, (center) Potocki, James Lynch and Joe Pontoriero.

Tech High School was represented by six players: Ron Malek, Ron Rogers, Robert Craig, Rony Baranowski, Tom Valohivic and Ron Eiacomelli.

Strong Vincent High School had six players: Robert Ford, Dom Bianco, Burt Marloew, Don Kimmelman, Dick Speros and Dick Clark.

The City beat the County 12-6.

Here is a link to the 1955 Save An Eye scorecard.

The Sight Center of Northwest Pennsylvania published a book on the 75th Anniversary of the annual Save-An-Eye game. For information, contact the Sight Center, 2545 West 26th Street, Erie, PA.

Enjoy more facts and photos of Erie, PA history at: Old Time Erie