Neil was an outstanding first baseman for Hollywood in the Aliquippa Community Baseball League in the early '30's. He played football and baseball for Harding High School, where he graduated in 1930. His athletic career was halted in 1934 by rheumatoid arthritis, which kept him bedridden for 20 years. From his bed he became Aliquippa's most rabid sports enthusiast. Neil made trips to Aliquippa Football Training Camps in the Marsden Ambulance. His visit was known as "Neil's Day". When weather permitted, Breslin's specially constructed bed with mirrors was a familiar sight beneath the scoreboard at the Aliquippa Stadium. His home was a gathering for coaches, players and fans.
A special bed, designed by friends and built by workers from the Aliquippa Works of J & L Steel Corp. , enabled him to watch football games. Breslin had many close friends. One was Carl Aschman, another was Evan K. "Doc" Charles, Aliquippa High's Trainer. Doc gave Neil daily massages and kept him up on the Aliquippa sports scene.
-written by daughter
Anne (Breslin) Fabianich