Mickey Vernon exhibit opens in 2018

For all of 2018, the Sports Legends of Delaware County Museum will have a celebration to honor the birth of James Barton (Mickey) Vernon.

With apologies to other great players of local origin – Hack Wilson, Jimmy Dykes, Danny Murtaugh and Mike Scioscia – it can be readily argued that Vernon is the greatest baseball player that Delaware County has ever produced. 

Born on April 22, 1918 and a native of Marcus Hook Pennsylvania, Vernon was a two-time American League batting champion and seven-time All-Star. It’s a testimony to the character of the man that many of those who had the pleasure of knowing him said he was the nicest man they ever met.

To commemorate his centennial year, the SLDC website will offer 12 video clips and 12 sports cards, a different one to be presented each month of the year. The clips and cards can be found on the museum’s home page at www.sportslegendsofdelawarecounty.com. Titled “Celebrating a Life Well-Lived,” the clips consist of a series of 12 interview segments in which Vernon reminisces about his years in baseball. Many of the segments were filmed just nine days before his death on Sept. 24, 2008.

Those who knew Vernon best will say he was one of those special individuals that should never be forgotten. This material should go a long way toward perpetuating his memory.

For more information about obtaining a DVD entitled “Grand Memories of a Great Champion,” containing all 12 interview segments plus other video clips from Vernon’s career, contact Jim Vankoski at 610-909-4919 or vankoski21@comcast.net.