Celebrating, Save One

Here’s another story about my buddy Arthur from the Lincoln’s Hoard stories

The entire Phillies team, the 45,176 fans in attendance, and the city of Philadelphia, exploded in cheers as Jimmy Rollins made a sliding stop of the Washington Nationals Ryan Zimmerman hit, flipping the ball to Chase Utley, who stepped on second base and fired the ball to Ryan Howard to complete the double play that clinched the game and the National League East division title. Howard raised his arms in triumph and the heart of the city rose with him. The Fighting Phils are back in the playoffs for the second consecutive year, and Utley said it best when he addressed the crowd: “We’re not done yet.” A sign in the outfield summed up fan’s sentiment: “World Series or Bust!”

However, tragedy tempers the joy as the city of Philadelphia pursues their first championship in a major sport in twenty five years. One fan won’t be raising his hands along with Howard, nor cheering as the seemingly invincible Brad Lidge closes out another game. Arthur James Westfield, Philadelphia resident aged 97, passed away due to natural causes during the game, and his body was discovered sitting in his seat in section 426 during the postgame celebration.

“I’m not sure when he died” said Jimmy Brooks, who in front of Arthur Westfield during the game and is the one who first noticed what happened. “I wish I had been able to help him earlier, but he was so quiet during the game itself I just didn’t pay attention. I remember him because he came up the steps so slowly, and I said hello, but he just nodded to me. Once he sat down, not a peep.” Mr. Brooks turned around to give him a high five after the game finished, and it was then he noticed that Westfield’s eyes were closed and he did not respond. He alerted security, who were unable to revive Westfield using CPR. Arthur Westfield was pronounced dead in the ambulance en route to the hospital.

As police investigated the situation further, only more mystery was uncovered. Westfield came to the game himself, and no one seating in his section recalled meeting him before. Police were able to locate Mr. Westfield’s home address by searching his personal effects, which included a driver’s license, albeit one that had expired in 1973. After police entered his home and interviewed neighbors, they were able to discover barely more information than they started with. No one in a multi block radius seemed to know anything more about Mr. Westfield than he was “a quiet man who kept to himself.” He was often spotted taking a walk around the neighborhood, but never shared more than a nod with anyone. Currently, police have no knowledge of any living relatives. Pictures or information concerning his past have yet to be found, and the house is virtually devoid of an personal effects save two goldfish found in his kitchen.

Perhaps the biggest mystery of all his Mr. Westfield’s sole hobby, which was collecting coins. Untold thousands and thousands of coins. Police discovered barrels, boxes and jars full of what must have taken Mr. Westfield years to gather, although the purpose of the collection itself is not clear. On his frequent walks through the neighborhood, he apparently would pick up loose coins he found, as handwritten logs catalogue what he found each day. These handwritten ledgers were discovered in the basement along with the coins. Police are asking anyone to contact them who has any information about Mr. Westfield’s life or any living relatives.

The Phillies plan to dedicate their efforts in the playoffs to their fallen fan, Arthur James Westfield.