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“The people here often work with such limited resources that they need allies, and tonight is about acknowledging the great amount of energy they bring to the community,” Phyllis Capitolo said Friday at Capitolo Playground, 900 Federal St.
The Passyunk Square venue, which has since 1960 born the name of her grandfather, Nicola Capitolo, hosted an all-star softball game before an excited and generous throng. Attendees watched the local athletes drub the South Jersey Militia, 15-2, and endowed the organizers’ restoration fund with $1,225, which will immediately target the playground’s kitchen facilities.
“We’re grateful for anything we receive,” Denise Eddis, the site’s advisory council president said. “We feel so fortunate that people have been willing to give so that the children can enjoy better days here.”
The resident of the 900 block of Annin Street had enjoyed discussions with personnel from the South Philly Bar & Grill, 1235 E. Passyunk Ave., about an event for her beloved turf. When softball commissioner Charlie DeLuca added that a game featuring his league’s best players would draw enhanced interest, she combined bites and bats to strengthen the haven’s future, with an after party at the Passyunk Square eatery. Now in his fifth year overseeing action, DeLuca secured an opponent through his strong relationship with Auggie Guarnere III, the Garden State squad’s captain who also competes in the Capitolo league. Though quite friendly with the hurler, the home team hoped to inflate his earned run average and make the Militia’s hopes disband. Four Capitolo siblings settled in for the action, with Phyllis Capitolo especially enthused about the evening’s possibilities.
“We have been involved for five years,” she said of her clan’s participation in rehabbing the green space, “with a desire to help with either programs or the physical structure.”
Her familiarity with the expanse, bred through childhood trips to enjoy its offerings, has facilitated her outreach, as have beliefs in its role in forming well-rounded youngsters.
“It’s really a very special place,” the Phoenixville resident said of the eponymous spot, which became so through a June 2, ’60 dedication ceremony with then-mayor Richardson Dilworth. “With the solidification of the Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Department, this has become such a great site, but it needs help, so we’re hoping tonight goes a long way toward enhancing the kitchen. Eventually, we’d like to see about fixing the air conditioning, too.”
The proud philanthropist received an ovation as she and her kin took to the mound for the ceremonial first pitch, which 1st District Councilman Mark Squilla, a resident of Front Street and Snyder Avenue, eagerly caught. Before the action commenced, the crowd learned of some of the accomplishments of the playground’s namesake.
Residing on the 1300 block of South 10th Street, Nicola Capitolo made his living as a physician, ingratiating himself with all of his neighbors, especially his fellow Italians. During the Great Depression, he became even more revered as he commonly offered free examinations to children from numerous parishes so they could attend summer camp. He died in October ’46, with the City’s decision 14 years later to commend his professionalism still resonating with his granddaughter.
“Tonight is filled with the type of camaraderie he loved,” Phyllis Capitolo said.
If he enjoyed athletic prowess, too, the late medical figure would have cherished the local batters’ efforts. DeLuca helped to select the roster members from among the league’s 10 units to make sure the game yielded as much joy as the pre-game festivities.
The visitors soon learned their only happiness would have to come at the after party, as the Capitolo All-Stars made the game a blowout by the bottom of the fourth inning, crafting an impressive 8-0 lead as the Militia struggled to reload its confidence and exhaust its host’s enthusiasm. A trio of runs in the fifth put Capitolo in double digits and though Guarnere’s gang retained a touch of dignity in the sixth, it surrendered a quartet of scores that sealed the outcome.
“Thank you for giving such a great effort,” DeLuca, formerly of 10th and Wharton streets, said to his players.
The Washington Township, N.J., dweller has fond memories of the playground, where he spent many boyhood hours.
“It was a lot of fun to benefit the space and to give a good showing for our league,” he said. “This place has meant so much to us, and we’re happy to have helped the cause.”
Contact Staff Writer Joseph Myers at jmyers@southphillyreview.com or ext. 124.
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