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Proving that people are only as old as they feel, scores of sports devotees tested out their tendons and ligaments at the first Play Day at FDR Park, Broad Street and Pattison Avenue, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday. Reconnecting with the carefree moments of their youth led the participants through team tournaments and individual competitions, with trophies and pride at stake.
The event — a partnership between SportsRadio 610 WIP and the Department of Parks and Recreation — started with WIP personality Anthony Gargano, a former resident of 18th and Ritner streets, telling the crowd “let’s act like we’re kids.”
Following the playing of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” the eager group, which included a smattering of children, began to play. Individual competitions included a home run derby; a half-court shooting contest; games of HORSE; speed pitch; a soccer shootout; fast shot hockey; and a punt, pass and kick competition. For a marginal fee, people could engage in these singular activities or compete on a team in the softball tournament.
Local sports personalities joined Gargano as he urged competitors to enjoy “the spirit of today.” Legendary Philadelphia Eagles’ radio announcer Merrill Reese tossed footballs to overjoyed receivers, and Philadelphia Phillies’ public address announcer Dan Baker spoke of his time as a teacher in South Philadelphia. He also gave Gargano a thrill by announcing “Now batting for the Phillies, second baseman Anthony ‘Cuz’ Gargano.”
Gargano left the hitting to those on the numerous fields. On Ashburn Field, men lined up for 10 swings each in the derby. A pitching machine discharged pitches that Ricardo Mandini found deceptive.
“I thought I would have hit a few homers,” Mandini, of the 1700 block of Federal Street, said. “Those balls all dipped at the last moment.”
Enjoying a vacation day, Mandini lifted five balls into the outfield, just missing a home run on his final swing.
“Oh, well,” he said of his homerless attempts. “I’m going to see what else I can do here.”
Following his own homerless experience in the derby, Patrick Paulson had football on the brain. He wandered over to the punt, pass and kick station, where he tried to reconnect with his playground days as a quarterback.
“My arm is rusty,” the resident of the 300 block of Fitzwater Street, said.
Looking for work, he knew immediately that winning a spot on the Eagles will not be his fate.
“With my throws, I definitely won’t be taking [Eagles’ quarterback Kevin] Kolb’s starting position,” he said.
Regardless of that, Paulson enjoyed everything, especially having a chance to see some of the athletes he has admired, especially former Philadelphia Flyer and current Flyers’ analyst Keith Jones.
“I am 45 but I feel like a kid today,” Paulson said.
His feelings corresponded exactly with Gargano’s mantra for the day.
“Come out today,” Gargano said continuously during his five-hour broadcast. “Take a day, and relive your youth.”
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