On June 4, 1987, in honor of Fathers Day, the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y., honored the Acerra family of Long Branch. The Acerras fielded a semi-pro baseball team consisting of 12 brothers, coached by their father, Louis “Pop” Acerra Sr. The Acerras played from 1938-52, barnstorming throughout the East Coast, and won 70% of their games. The brothers on the team ranged in age from 16 to 41. Two were offered professional contracts, but turned these down because they did not wish to leave their mother or break up the family team. Six served in World War II, and all made it back safely. Louis Acerra and his wife, Elizabeth, had 17 children in all. We at Monmouth Timeline feel as though this really ought to be a Mothers Day tribute.
Sources:
National Baseball Hall of Fame. (June 4, 1997). Press release: HALL OF FAME TO HONOR ALL-BROTHERS BASEBALL TEAM IN CONJUNCTION WITH FATHER’S DAY WEEKEND.
Featured image: Altered photograph of Acerra Brothers, with handwritten first names marked on each person. Consistent with Fair Use Doctrine.
Original photo credit: Story of Acerra Brothers Baseball Team to be Told on Brandt’s Radio Program. Asbury Park Press, Asbury Park, N.J., April 6, 1947, Page 10. Available: https://www.newspapers.com/image/143901498/?terms=acerra%20brothers%20baseball&match=1
Altered photo credit: This Picture Book Life. Available: https://thispicturebooklife.com/two-baseball-picture-books/photo-of-acerra-brothers-baseball-team-about-1950-new-jersey/
The Acerra brothers are so cool😎
Freddie was my uncle, married to my mother’s sister. As a young boy in the late 40’s and early 50’s I fondly remember him coming to my grandmother’s house on Sundays in his Acerra baseball uniform after a game. He always had time to play ball with us kids after Sunday lunch. I also fondly remember spagetti dinners at Mama Acerra’s house which were always attended by lots of family. I only wish that more of those fantastic family values were shared by the familys of today.
Thanks for sharing your memories!