Berks Legend, Doc Flannery, Lived Vibrant Life

Dr. Richard Flannery passed away at age 88 after a brave battle against cancer on March 7th, 2021. He lived a full, spirited life and was a true community advocate, educator, and coach. In 2013, Flannery was crowned the King of Baseballtown by the Reading Fightin Phils and Baseballtown Charities.

Doc, as he was commonly known, was born and raised in Berks County. He was a decorated athlete, especially throughout his amateur basketball career. He went on to serve his country in the United States Navy.

Flannery was extremely well-educated which led to numerous scholastic leadership positions all throughout the area. In addition, he was a highly touted coach, manager, and director in the local athletic community.

Doc was also an avid writer who was published in numerous local posts. So it made sense that when he chose to write about sports that his weekly column, Sports Random, was award winning.

He served the president of the Berks Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame for over 25 years. With the BCIAA, he worked closely with the 18-member school districts.

Doc took a special interest in baseball and was instrumental in making FirstEnergy Stadium the home championship games in Berks County.

High school baseball games were rarely played at FirstEnergy Stadium prior to 2002. Dr. Flannery was instrumental in having the 2002 Berks County High School Championship played at America’s Classic Ballpark, FirstEnergy Stadium and has remained the host site ever since.

Over time the R-Phils & Baseballtown Charities relationship with the BCIAA has grown to include hosting the county semifinal games in addition to the championship, Berks County High School Senior All-Star Games, numerous high school games on an annual basis, and PIAA District-3 Championship games

With all of his contributions to the community and to Baseballtown, Doc was awarded the King of Baseballtown to honor his accomplishments. In addition, he was inducted into numerous sports Hall of Fames.

"Doc Flannery's contributions to Reading and Berks County have put area high school baseball on the major league level," voiced President of Baseballtown Charities Chuck Domino. "As an educator and administrator, he has given student-athletes the tools to succeed for a lifetime."

Flannery was more than just his impressive accomplishments. Doc was a well-respected leader, friend, and family member. He was a wealth of knowledge who knew just the right way to pass it on. Doc's generosity, loyalty, and kind spirit spread throughout the community and allowed him to impart impactful change. He was involved in so many different aspects of this life and touched so many people along his way, always remembering to cherish each moment,

Kevin Sklenarik, Executive Director of Baseball Operations for the Fightins, emphasized how big of an advocate Doc Flannery was for the R-Phils. "I was fortunate enough to be able to work with Doc in organizing the High School Baseball games here at FirstEnergy Stadium," Sklenarik said. "He became more than just a person we worked with…he was a friend who always looked out for us. He was one of the most accomplished human beings I have met in my time in Berks County and I can say I am a better person today for knowing him. Big in stature but soft spoken…we will miss him dearly."

At the family's request, Baseballtown Charities will be humbly accepting donations to help and inspire more kids playing baseball and softball. Contributions can be made at http://bidpal.net/flannery or mailed to Baseballtown Charities, P.O. Box 15050, Reading, PA 19605.