Red and the Ralphs

This web site, launched February 11, 2005 after close to six months in development, was made possible by donations given to the Philadelphia Lacrosse Association to honor the memory of Howard "Red" Steidle (shown in picture to the right) - one of the original "Ralphs." The PLA wishes to thank the Steidle family and all the donors for their generous support, and we hope this site will serve as a valuable resource to the lacrosse communities of Greater Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania for years to come.

THE MEANING OF "RALPH" (pronounced "ralf"); noun; 1) in its most general sense, Philadelphia lacrosse slang for a person who truly loves the game of lacrosse and works actively to promote its growth at all levels in the Greater Philadelphia Region; 2) a demonstrative and often vocal individual practiced through experience in the art of embellishment and the liberal use of hyperbole as it pertains to the lacrosse accomplishments of a related party; 3) a member of the "Ralph Club" -- a cast of characters, which historically included Ringleader Ralph Davy (whose name is the source of the moniker) - all of whom shared a penchant for conspicuous, unabashed, but ultimately fun-loving displays of pride with regard to an offspring's athletic feats, whether on the sidelines during lacrosse games or while departing from agenda items during Philadelphia Lacrosse Association board meetings (in the organization's formative years); 4) a founding member of the Philadelphia Lacrosse Association, or 5) one who carries the torch for the good of the game, regardless of name, gender or generation.

Ralph (ralf); verb: 1) to engage in promotion, whether on behalf of the game of lacrosse or as an advocate for a related party, or both; 2) to demonstrate passion for America's truly native game, which often manifests itself in proselytizing zeal; 3) to thoroughly enjoy a lacrosse tailgate party, including one in connection with an NCAA Men's Lacrosse Championship game over Memorial Day Weekend.

As used in a sentence: Ralph it up you Ralphs! (Source: Webster's Unabridged Dictionary of Lacrosse Lexicon).

The Ralphs in the composite picture above and to the left, from right to left: Ralph Davy, Andy Ronon, Norm Trienish [cap and cigar only], "General Jack" Linehan, Red Steidle, Richard Davy, and Jack Aitken; photo by fellow Ralph, Patrick Growney, on the sidelines at an Eagle's Eye Lacrosse Club game in 1985.