Vestal, New York
A Tribute to "Mom & Pop" Angelo
Mr. & Mrs Louis Angelo, 312 Oak Street,Vestal, exhibit the trophy awarded to them by the Vestal Little League organization in appreciation of outstanding services. The couple has been known affectionately as "Mom & Pop" Angelo to their many friends because of their affiliation with the Little League.
By Tom Cappiello, Vestal News, Thurs, Oct 10, 1957
"From the Little League, For Outstanding and Meritorious Services. Mom & Pop Angelo, 1957"
Written on the trophy, awarded to Mr & Mrs. Louis Angelo, by the Little League of Vestal, these words have a special meaning of their own to both the givers and recipients of the trophy, as it was awarded at the 7th annual Little League Banquet last week. For six years, the amiable couple donated freely of their time and services. They worked continuously, Louis as groundskeeper, Annabelle handling the concession stand. When other volunteers dropped out one by one, the Angelos were always there to take up the slack, sometimes neglecting their own home to give time and effort to the Little League. As seaons went by, the Angelo's would decide to relax "next season" and ask someone else to take over their duties. But somehow, with the youngsters of the neighborhood using their home for a "hang out", the Angelos just never seemed to find the heart to refuse requests for voluntary duty. In many instances, little appreciation is shown for such sacrifice. However, thanks to an appreciative organization, the Angelo trophy atones in a great sense for the many hours and great efforts given by "Mom & Pop" Angelo. "We found we loved the game and organization, and it sure feels great to know our efforts are appreciated", said the Angelo's. The Angelo's first became interested in Little League baseball when their son George, now deceased, coached the Star Cleaners entry in 1950. their son Paul also caught for the team. Louis became head groundskeeper of VVMA Field, with Mrs. Angelo handling the concession stand duties a year later.
Mom Angelo said that she never minded the children using their home as a hangout. " I was always glad to see the kids come off the street. One thing I want to say is that the kids never got out of line." Pop agrees.
Mom was the daughter of Mr. & Mrs. George Ketchum of Binghamton. She attended Robinson street school and met her husband, who worked for Kroehler Manufacturing Co. in 1915. They were married in 1920. Mr. Angelo was born in Scite, Italy, son of Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Angelo, who immigrated to America when Louis was 3. He attended Pine Street school, worked for Kroehlers, the Endicott Johnson Shoe Co. for the past 38 years. The Angelo's lived in Union for 5 years and moved to Vestal in 1925. They are the proud parents of 9 children: George, Roseline,Leon,Louis,Louise, Harold,Paul,,Mary, and Vera.
Angelo Field in 1962.
It was the end of the summer in 1968, after winning the West Minor League championship playing for Midway Recreation. As we were getting our double treats, I asked Pop if I could speak with him. He took me aside and asked what was wrong. I told him I was afraid that I would not make the Majors next year. Pop gently grabbed me by the ear, knelt down, and said, " if you practice hard....real hard....you'll do alright." That's all he said. Tryouts in the spring of 1969 came, and I was selected to the Harris Market West Major League team. Spring practices went by, and it was time for the Opening Day Parade. On the steps of the town hall, where our team was meeting, Pop Angelo came up to me, grabbed my ear, knelt down, and said,
"See, I told you."
Ron Ohnmacht
