The Philadelphia Athletics, later named the South Jersey Athletics, were a professional softball team that played in two professional softball leagues at Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia (1978), Dyer Field in Wilmington, Delaware (1979-1980)[1][2] and finally the Cjonacki Sports Complex in Berlin, New Jersey (1981-1982).
[18][19][20] The Athletics brought on former Philadelphia Phillies star Johnny Callison to serve as player-coach[21][22] but he would resign after a 10-25 start, citing the need to return to his business commitments.
[28] The Athletics also featured former National Football League star, and Pennsylvania native, Billy "White Shoes" Johnson (.349, 4 HRs, 19 RBIs).
[29] Poor attendance and financial losses playing at Veterans Stadium had owner Butch Piacentino looking for a new home by the end of the season.
[1][31] The move did not benefit the win-loss record as the Athletics struggled to a 23-41 (.359) finish, 3rd place in the Eastern Division, 13 games behind the Rochester Zeniths (softball), and out of the playoffs.
John Spadaccino (14 HRs, 46 RBIs) and the windmill-style delivery of pitcher Sam Sapienza[37] had come from the disbanded Trenton Champales in the off-season and both had solid seasons.
[40][41] It was a stellar season for the Athletics,[42] finishing the year 35-21 (.625), winners of the Eastern Division, and earning a first-round playoff bye as a result.
[44] 1982 was another solid campaign as the Athletics finished the season 35-25 (.583), 3rd place in the highly competitive Eastern Division, 9.5 games back of the Cleveland Competitors.
The UPSL and the Athletics folded after the conclusion of the 1982 season, ending professional play and returning players to the amateur leagues.