Francis "Ducky" Turner, 2007
He
has never taken a swing in the Major or Minor Leagues but he has always
stepped up to the plate for baseball in Reading, especially when it comes
to the Reading Phillies’ home at FirstEnergy Stadium.
For his selfless giving, tireless work, burning passion and unflappable
dedication for over 25 years, Francis “Ducky” Turner is the 5th King of Baseballtown.
Since 1981, Turner has been a driving force at FirstEnergy Stadium. He has
been instrumental as a liaison between former Reading Phillies owner Joe
Buzas, current owner Craig Stein and the City of Reading in helping to
transform the stadium into a nostalgic baseball palace with many modern
amenities that is admired from coast-to-coast for its beauty, charm and
history.
Turner was elected as a member of the Reading Stadium Commission in 1981
and in 1984 he became the organization’s chairman. From 1987 through the
1999 season he held the title of stadium manager. Since the 2002 season he
has been the manager of RP Concessions, Inc., the division of the Reading
Phillies that administrates the team’s liquor license.
He was inducted in to the Reading Baseball Hall of Fame in 1998 along with
Willie Hernandez, Jim Perry and Ken Reynolds.
His love for baseball in Reading developed during his youth when he played
center field for a number of teams in the City/County League and attended
Indians, Red Sox and Phillies Minor Leaue games at FirstEnergy Stadium.
In the City/County League, Turner played for the Class-C Barmarck Shoes
club from ages 14 to 16. At age 17 he joined the Class-A adult circuit and
patrolled the outfield for St. Donato’s Italian Club, Mitchell’s
Service Station, the Shillington Merchants and West Lawn Owls during his
tenure in the league.
Turner was born in Reading, grew up in the Milmont section of town and is
a 1953 graduate of Reading High School.
Previous Kings of Baseballtown have been the late “Broadway”
Charlie Wagner (2003), Paul “Cooter” Jones (2004), Dick Gernert
(2005) and Rocky Santilli (2006).
In
association with