On Saturday, August 13, under the blazing sun and oppressive heat, current and former Fishtown AC ball players came to Hetzell’s Field to play in the 15th annual Fishtown AC Alumni Awards and Game.   According to the Fishtown AC (FAC) website, the local sports club was chartered in 1964 by Jack Moore to promote youth development through sports activities. The organization is governed by a volunteer board of directors with officers elected on an annual basis. FAC currently sponsors indoor and outdoor soccer, basketball and baseball/softball teams.

  The game was originally started as a hardball game between ex-players, but evolved into a family-friendly, community-based softball game. At the event, alumni get together to play a little softball and award neighborhood kids with scholarships.

  Each year, scholarship money is produced through fundraising efforts, merchandise sales and donations from local businesses. FAC gives out six $1,250 scholarships each year. Applications are received and reviewed by anonymous judges. Once they go to the judges, six award winners are selected. Since 1995, 109 scholarships totaling more than $125,000 have been granted by the Fishtown AC Alumni Association since they began granting scholarships.

  Dennis Reid, Director of Fishtown AC Alumni, introduced the winners.

  “I want to thank all the participants who sent in scholarship applications, all the people who were involved in the process,” Reid said. “We’re fortunate to give out six scholarships again this year.”

  The following children were given scholarships:

• Emily DeOrio, St. Hubert’s
• Arthur Dolan, Roman Catholic
• Olivia McKnight, St. Laurentius
• Matthew O’Brien, Roman Catholic
• Joshua Phillips, Roman Catholic
• Rylie Tobin, Little Flower

  Following the award ceremony, Reid introduced Ray Murphy to throw out the first pitch. Murphy’s son, Sean, suddenly and tragically passed away in April. “Sean was an aspiring pitcher,” Reid said. “We think he would have likely joined the Oakland A’s organization in the majors this year, so we’re really saddened by that.”

  But the memory of Sean Murphy lives on. The Sean Murphy Fall Classic will be played on Friday, September 30 – Sunday, October 2. This baseball tournament will be played at Shissler Rec (Berks and Blair Streets) in Fishtown. Opening ceremonies will start at 6PM on September 30. During the event, a mural of Sean will be unveiled. Additionally, the weekend-long event will include the following activities: baseball tournament, food vendors, kids’ activities, concessions, live music, golf-ball drop with a chance to win $10,000, Beef and Beer and raffled items. All proceeds will be used to renovate Shissler Field and provide additional scholarship money to local kids.

  Men, women and children of all ages took part in this year’s game. How are the team rosters set? If you walk over to the table and pick up a blue shirt, you’re on the blue team; if you pick up a gray shirt, you’re on the gray team. After five innings, players, coaches, family and alumni enjoyed a picnic.