Al Brancato, 93, shortstop for the Philadelphia A's
By Robert Moran
INQUIRER STAFF WRITER
Al Brancato, 93, a shortstop for the Philadelphia Athletics
who, while still a senior at South Philadelphia High School,
was signed by Connie Mack, died Thursday, June 14, at Sunrise
at Granite Run, an assisted-living facility in Delaware County.
Mr. Brancato was in failing health and had recently moved into
the assisted-living facility after breaking a hip several
months ago, said his daughter, Sister Helen Brancato.
He and his wife, Isabel, were longtime residents of Upper
Darby. They would have celebrated their 70th wedding
anniversary next month, their daughter said.
Mr. Brancato grew up at his family's corner store at Rosewood
and Porter Streets in South Philadelphia. His parents were
immigrants from Italy, and he had three brothers and three
sisters. His baseball abilities at Southern High caught the
attention of the Athletics' storied manager.
When he joined the A's, he was given a $1,000 bonus, which he
gave to his parents, Sister Helen said.
He started in the minor leagues and was called up in 1939 to
Philadelphia, where he played until World War II, when he
signed up for the Navy. He served aboard the Boston at Guam. He
also played in a Navy baseball league with Yankees Hall of
Famer Phil Rizzuto.
After the war, Mr. Brancato returned to the Athletics, but his
abilities had diminished and he only played one year. He played
in the minor leagues for several years and also managed a team.
He later coached baseball at St. Joseph's University.
In his later years, he participated in baseball card-signing
events. He loved sports, and became more of a fan of football
than baseball, his daughter said.
"He was a character, a nice character who would do anything for
anyone," said Sister Helen.
"He was an extremely honest, outspoken person. You knew what he
was thinking. My poor mother never knew what he was going to
say."
In addition to his wife and daughter, Mr. Brancato is survived
by sons Albert and David; a brother; a grandchild; and two
great-grandchildren.
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