On November 11, 1949 Tony opened a sporting goods store on Francis Lewis Blvd in Bayside. The grand opening was attended by sports greats of the times which included Phil Rizzuto of the Yankees, Gene Hermanski of the Dodgers, and Jake LaMotta the middleweight boxing champ.

In the spring of 1950 Tony started a youth baseball league in the neighborhood with 150 kids. By 1954 600 youngsters were participating and by 1958 Tony's youth club had 1200 members.

Initially a baseball club, other sports were added that included basketball, football, bowling, handball, roller hockey and archery. The initial ages of the participants were 10-14 with 15-16 year old division being added in 1952 and a 9-year-old group in 1953.Varsity baseball and basketball travel teams were also added, and players from those teams went on to participate in high school and college teams and receive major league tryouts.

DAC was involved in several outside travel leagues which included the New York Met Basketball Alliance, NY Met Sandlot, Queens Junior Baseball Alliance and Smithtown and Brentwood Tournaments.

In its early years, DAC had a Women's auxiliary for fund raising activities which included bazaars, lawn parties, holiday dances and bingo. A club newsletter was published monthly. Each year an awards dinner was held with over 1000 people attending the one in 1958. Guest speakers at the dinner included Thurman Munson in his MVP year, Lou Pinella, Ron Darling, and several prominent politicians.

An advisor to the club in its early years was John Golden, a noted playwright, and theatrical producer, who allowed games to be played on his 20 acre estate which is now part of Crocheron Park. Sammy Spear the orchestra leader for Jackie Gleason was a manager in the baseball program and Jackie Gleason was a sponsor.

Today DAC has over 650 kids in its Basketball programs for children Ages 5-18. The program has not only expanded in size but now offers travel teams and a separate girls program. The baseball program although down from record high in the 1950 still has over 200 participants.

Tony De Phillips with Yankee Great and Hall of Famer Whitey Ford