Bill Campbell
circa 1960

In 1946, six years after starting in broadcasting, Bill Campbell went to WCAU Radio as their News Director. During his many years at the stations, he spoke with lots of well-known and well-loved sports figures. One was Connie Mack. (Yes, Connie Mack stadium was named in his honor).

Born during the Civil War, Connie Mack was named Cornelius Alexander McGillicuddy. In 1884, he started playing professional ball and shortened his name to Connie Mack to fit onto the score card. As a catcher, he played for several major league teams and eventually became manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates team in 1894. In 1901, Ben Shibe (Yes, they named Shibe Park after him) received a franchised team in the new American League in Philadelphia. Mack would manage the team, the Philadelphia Athletics, for the next half century, a record that still stands today in baseball. Mack passed away in 1956 (in Philadelphia) at the age of 93.

Connie Mack
1887

In our archive, we have a recording of Broadcast Pioneers member Bill Campbell speaking with Connie Mack. It's short, only about 90 seconds long. It was done on November 21, 1947 during the 85th Birthday Celebration for Mack.

Listen to Bill & Connie on November 21, 1947

From the official archives of the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia
Audio clip originally donated by Broadcast Pioneers member Gerry Wilkinson
Used with the permission and authority of WPHT Radio, which used to be WCAU
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The e-mail address of the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia is pioneers@broadcastpioneers.com