Alpha Omega at Fenway: Grand Slam for Dentistry

AO-at-Fenway-200On December 9, 2012, the billboard over the stands in Boston’s historic baseball park read “FENWAY PARK & THE RED SOX WELCOME ALPHA OMEGA INTERNATIONAL DENTAL FRATERNITY.” The occasion was a gathering of members of the Alpha Omega organization (AO) at Fenway to exchange knowledge, foster philanthropy, and, of course, to revel in the distinguished history of Fenway Park and the Red Sox.

Approximately 100 AO members from various chapters of the organization attended, including members from the BU alumni and student chapters; and chapters from Tufts and Harvard. The group included visitors from numerous states, including Connecticut, Maryland, Rhode Island, and New York. Children and grandchildren of members also enjoyed the day at Fenway.

The festivities included a brunch; two guest speakers; a chance to view the 2004 and 2007 World Series Trophies; a “meet and greet” with Wally the Green Monster, the Red Sox mascot; and a tour of Fenway Park.

The two guest speakers were Dr. Charles Steinberg, senior advisor to the Red Sox President Larry Lucchino, and former Red Sox starting pitcher Dr. Jim Lonborg, aka “Gentleman Jim.”  

Besides baseball, the two speakers have one other thing in common: dentistry.

In addition to being Senior Advisor to the Red Sox President Larry Lucchino, Dr. Steinberg also holds a Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Maryland School of Dentistry. His association with baseball and Larry Lucchino began when he was a public relations intern for the Baltimore Orioles. Larry Lucchino was president of the Orioles at that time. As Dr. Steinberg moved up the professional ladder, he followed his mentor Larry Lucchino to San Diego and now to Boston. Dr. Steinberg is a founding and charter member of the Academy for Sports Dentistry.

While Dr. Steinberg’s career moved from dentistry to baseball, Dr. Lonborg’s career trajectory followed the opposite path. After retiring from baseball, Lonborg studied at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine to earn his Doctor of Dental Medicine. He has worked as a dentist in Hanover, Massachusetts ever since.

The speakers emphasized baseball, dentistry, Alpha Omega, and how they have intersected in their individual experiences. Drs. Lonborg and Steinberg took questions after they spoke.

President of the Boston Alumni Chapter of Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity Emrey Moskowitz-Porath SPH 03 said of the day at Fenway:

It was a great event! What a nice opportunity for both active and new Alpha Omega Dental Fraternity Boston Alumni Chapter members to come together to talk about dentistry and baseball as we spent time listening to Dr. Charles Steinberg and Dr. Jim Lonborg. It was fascinating to hear how these two Dentists were able to intermingle one’s passion for sports and a career in dentistry. Alpha Omega is a great organization for fostering values in professionalism through learning, mentoring, networking, service to the community, a sense of family, philanthropic endeavors and creating opportunities for dental students.

S. Murray Miller ORTHO 83 served as the AO representative for the Fenway event. Reflecting on the occasion, Dr. Miller said, “Overall, it was a great day. Attendance of this event helps support the educational and charitable work that is the primary concern of the Alpha Omega organization.” Dr. Miller encourages continued support of the Red Sox and Alpha Omega.

Photos from the event are available on Facebook and Flickr.