Mike was the only child of Joseph and Ann (Booker) and loving husband of 54 years to Rebecca (Cohen). Mike graduated from Germantown High School in 1957 and later Temple University.
Mike was a walking encyclopedia of everything sports, especially Philadelphia sports. He grew up on the playgrounds of Philadelphia playing basketball, baseball, football and softball. Mike was an avid collector of sports memorabilia, starting with baseball cards at a very young age. Mike’s card and memorabilia collection could fill a house, and it did. Mike loved talking Phillies, Eagles, 76ers or Flyers with anyone who would listen. The Eagles winning Super Bowl LII ended years of doubt and frustration.
Mike played on the 1957 Loudenslager American League baseball state championship team. In 1966 was named MVP of Philadelphia Major Softball League. He later played for Sal’s Lunch, a fastpitch softball team that appeared in 3 consecutive national championships 1968, 1969 and 1970 winning the national championship in 1969. Mike was an excellent catcher, who never wore shin guards (his claim to fame), outfielder and power hitter.
When his playing days finally ended in the 1980’s, it was only fitting he go into officiating. He officiated high school and collegiate level football and girls softball. He was also a clock assigner for the East Coast Football Officials Association until recently.
In 1996 he was inducted into the Philadelphia Softball Association Hall of Fame. In 2017, Mike was honored to be awarded the William “Pickles” Kennedy Award by the Old Timers Bats & Balls Association. Mike looked forward to seeing all the “old guys” at the monthly B&B luncheons, where they would talk sports and reminisce.
Mike was still on the board of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame City All Star Chapter. He was the man who ran the yearly banquet from start to finish that honored men and women of the greater Philadelphia sports community.
By far, his greatest accomplishment was his family. Along with his wife Rebecca, he is survived by his five children: Chad (Tina), Scott, Holli Moore (Dan), Todd (Heather), Brett (Nicolle) along with his 8 favorite grandchildren; Sam, Ben, Jess, Nolan, Shayna, Rylee, Jaxon & Beau and his 2 grand-dogs, Jade and Lucy. He will be missed by his brother-in-law, Coach Ron Cohen (Mimi), his nieces, nephews, great nieces & great nephews, as well as his extended family down south.
There is nothing he enjoyed more than going to watch and cheer on his grandchildren at their games. If you ever attended one of these games, you probably heard him urging his grandchild to “shoot the damn ball!"
Viewing will be held Monday June 15, 2020 at Lamb Funeral Home, 101 Byberry Road, Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006 from 6:00pm – 8:00pm.
Graveside service on Tuesday June 16, 2020 at Shalom Memorial Park, 3573 Pine Road, Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006 at 12:00pm.
Shiva will be held at the home of Chad and Tina Polin on Tuesday 6/15 and Wednesday 6/16 at 1832 Saxon Lane, Maple Glen, PA 19002 at 6:00pm.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIOCOMPARTA
v.1.11.6