Outfielder – 1991
Born on May 3, 1884, “The Idol of the Left Field Stands” as he was affectionately known by the Philadelphia Shibe Park fans, began his professional career with the Hoboken, NJ team in 1904. In 1906 he moved to the Philadelphia Athletics where he played through the 1918 season. Rube was a member of the World Series championship teams of 1910, 1911, 1913 and 1914 under legendary Connie Mack. He was instrumental in the defeat of the Chicago Cubs in the 1910 World Series, won in 5 games. Connie Mack, at dinners and baseball functions in following years, often referred to Rube as “the greatest left-fielder ever to play for me”.
Following his major league career, Rube managed in several minor league systems from 1919 through 1926. Returning to his Roadstown, Cumberland County home he coached the Shiloh team for two years. Oldring continued to unofficially coach and mentor thousands of Bridgeton Area youths for decades and an untold number of them owe their baseball skills to his teaching.
Rube died on September 9, 1961. His biography appeared in the Spring 1989 edition of “South Jersey Magazine”.