I was asked by Larry Shenk to keep this short because he likes short articles.   I will do my best but it is hard to keep an article short when the man you are writing about is retiring after 44 years. 

After having graduated from Millersville State University in 1961 with a BS degree in elementary education, Larry worked with the Lebanon (PA) Daily News in 1961 as a general reporter.  In January 1963 he joined the Wilmington (DE) News-Journal as a sports reporter.   He was then hired by the Phillies 10 months later to be their director of public relations.   Throughout his long career with the Phillies he has had the opportunity to work with many people including the Director of Publicity, John Brazer who had this to say about Larry: “I have had the pleasure of working with the Baron for 14 years. The best quality of the Baron is that he treats everybody the way he would want to be treated. He has tremendous passion for the sport of baseball and the organization. In rough times, Larry is the one who stays calm and solicits everyone’s opinion as to the best route to take. He may not always agree with you but he will hear your side and judge accordingly. He is the best boss that I have ever experienced. He is a true gentleman who will be sorely missed in his retirement. Something, though, tells me that we’ll all be seeing him more than he lets on…he’s too married to this sport!” 

Throughout his career, Larry has overseen the closings of Connie Mack Stadium, Veterans Stadium and Jack Russell Stadium as well as the openings of Veterans Stadium, Citizens Bank Park and Bright House Network Field in Clearwater.  When I shadowed him in September before a home game, we first sat in his office and chatted.  One of the first things Larry asked me is how I thought his blog on Phillies.com, “Phillies Insider” could get more views and posts by fans.  “He has been one of the leading crusaders for expanding the Phillies media reach on the internet, and through more and different broadcast opportunities”, said the Phillies Director of Public Affairs, Scott Palmer when asked about Larry.  There has been some discussion on perhaps having blogging nights, where people who blog about the Phillies get together for a game. 

Whether the Phillies have blogging nights or not, one fact will be true-Larry will be sorely missed at Citizens Bank Park although I suspect people will see him in some capacity in 2008.  I hope the press dining room keeps his favorite ice cream in stock just in case.    I also hope that this article does some justice to a man who likes articles that are a quick read.