Al Brancato
From BR Bullpen
Albert Brancato (Bronk)
- Bats Right, Throws Right
- Height 5' 9½", Weight 188 lb.
- Debut September 7, 1939
- Final Game September 19, 1945
- Born May 29, 1919 in Philadelphia, PA USA
[edit] Biographical Information
Al Brancato was the starting shortstop for the Philadelphia Athletics in 1940 and 1941. Many years later, at a meeting of the Philadelphia Athletics Historical Society, he reminisced about how the long train rides helped the players bond during card games and in the diner car. See A's Historical Society and pictures of Al Brancato
Brancato enlisted in the U.S. Navy on January 13, 1942, and missed the 1942-1944 seasons.
Much of his minor league career was spent in the American Association, especially with St. Paul, for whom he played parts of six seasons. However, he was in the Eastern League in his first pro season in 1938 and in his last in 1953, which was also his only year as a manager for the Dodgers' Elmira Pioneers farm team. The team finished that year with a 70-80 record, in 5th place.
Brancato later was the head coach at Saint Joseph's University from 1959 to 1964.
