Mark Smedley (above right) was a 1986 graduate and standout centerfielder at Cheltenham High School.

On June 16, 1986, Smedley sent a high fastball into the left field bullpen at Philadelphia’s Veterans Stadium for a two-run fourth inning homer. The play was the impetus for a 11-run outburst as the Suburban One American All-Stars crushed the Philadelphia Catholic League 15-8 in a first-round game of the inaugural Phillies Carpenter Cup Tournament.

The Carpenter Cup, which honors the family that formerly owned the Phillies, annually showcases 400 of the area’s premier scholastic baseball players.

The 1986 Cup featured future Major League Baseball Hall of Famer Mike Piazza of Phoenixville High. The Cheltenham High baseball team, which had just won its first league championship since 1979, was honored with eight players on the All-Star team, including their head coach Steve Kolinsky.

In addition to Smedley, Jeff Bickart, Scott Feller, Dave Rovine, Doug Burman, Tom Kelly (above left), Chuck Obrecht, and Tim Strosser were all on the Suburban One American team that made it to the tournament’s semifinals.

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