SAN FRANCISCO BASEBALL

OLD TIMERS ASSOCIATION

(Established 1941)

FROM THE DUGOUT

March 2017 Edition
_______________________________
Officers Directors
Bob Fife (President) Bill DeMattei Jim Jarvis
Lou Landini (Vice President/Editor) Dave Longa Frank Brady
Ken Mooney (Treasurer) Paul Varni Nick Poppin
Donald Basso (Secretary) Bob Rizzo Cliff Righetti
Gary B ader (Membership Chairman) Bill Angel
Joe Marino (Sgt. At Arms) Leo Martinez (Health and Welfare)
Rich Murphy (Immediate Past President) Rich Ford (Golf Commissioner)

Editors Column
Let me take this opportunity to commend those great kids who turn out every year
to compete for a roster spot on their local California community college baseball
team. JC baseball starts at most colleges on the first day of the fall semester. Kids
sign up and attend meetings during which the process of competing for a place on
the team is explained, requirements for both academic and athletic achievements are
set forth, and a schedule is set for the fall season. This starts a 5-day a week
adventure for these kids from mid-August to Christmas break in December. And then,
in the first week of January, the kids come back to work before classes start, and the
season begins for real until the end of May. They put in a herculean amount of work
in that entire time.
The coaching staffs at these schools provide a comprehensive baseball education for
their players. So what do they learn? Certainly the basics---hitting the ball, catching
the ball, throwing the ball. But the education about baseball gets way more
advanced. There is the concept of team defense: pop-up priorities, cuts and relays,
throwing to the right base in various situations, pick-offs, all kinds of different bunt
coverages, backing up bases, defensive alignments, defensing first-and-third running
plays, and on and on. Players are taught how to set themselves up to make throws
more quickly to shave off fractions of seconds which are often the difference between
safe or out. Catchers are instructed on how to receive pitches to squeeze called
strikes out of marginal pitches, how to block balls in the dirt, how to develop good
footwork and a quick release on throws, and tons more.

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On the offensive side of the equation, kids are instructed in situational hitting: how
to hit behind a runner, how to hit the much needed fly ball to score a man from third
base, how to execute the hit-and-run, what pitches to look for or avoid in certain
situations, how to execute bunts (of which there are many types---sacrifice, squeeze,
safety squeeze, push, drag, the slug-bunt). There is a whole lot of attention given to
base running---leads from each base, differing techniques against right or left handed
pitchers, rounding bases to save precious tenths of a second, how to prolong a run-
down to allow a back-side runner to advance, reading the movement of outfielders to
decide whether to try for an extra base, and this list could go on and on as well.
Pitching? So much work goes into working with those guys who get the game rolling.
Pitchers learn the subtleties of the art of pitching---how to change speeds, how to get
movement, how to set up a hitter, how to pitch when ahead in the count, how to hold
runners, how to field the pitching position, how to cover bases, how to back-up bases,
and so much more.
Modernly, college programs employ conditioning regimens to enhance the strength
and agility of the players, making them better athletes, and also to minimize the risk
of injury, and to speed the recovery of those who do sustain an injury.
But the most striking feature of all these JC baseball programs is the spirit of hustle
and competition the players display. From the chatter and cheering coming from
each dugout, you cant tell if a team is up by 10 or down by 10. There is no quit in
these teams. That is a tribute to the head coaches and the players at each of these
schools. These teams are sending some great young men out into their communities.
Treat yourself---go see a JC baseball game in your area.
Kathys Fund----Old Timers vs Alzheimers
Guys, Kathys Fund is up and running. This battle against Alzheimers has now
become personal. Lets help win it in memory of Kathy Jones! At the February
dinner, again despite some horrible weather, we still collected $276, bringing our
donations to $1321 just since we started this campaign last August. Special thanks
to Pete and Rosemary Dalton and to Rich Murphy for their $50 donations. Our dollars
just might be the ones to make the difference in finding a cure!
Get Your Newsletter by E-Mail
The cost of postage just went up!! So we would urge those members who have e-mail
to sign up by sending me a message at [email protected] and well add you
to the list. Its a real cost saver for the SFBOTA.
Important Dates Department..
March 14, 2017---The monthly dinner at the Irish Cultural Center will feature the
wonderful kids from the Whalen Dance Group, followed by a corned beef meal.
Cocktail hour will start at 5:30 and the bar will shut down at 6:30 so the kids can
perform. Dinner will be served at the end of the performance.

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March 15, 2017---The Marino Pieretti Group will convene for lunch at Nicks, with
confessions being heard in the bar by Monsignors Martinez and Brady starting at
11:00 and lunch at 12:00. (Again, note that this lunch is the day after the March
dinner. So you get two consecutive days again to make your wives very happy
because they are rid of you and dont have to cook for you.)
April 11, 2017---The monthly dinner at the Irish Cultural Center. It will be Guest
Night, and the menu will feature ham. Well be back to the normal schedule of
cocktails at 6:00 and dinner at 7:00.
April 19, 2017---The Marino Pieretti Group will gather again for lunch at the SSF Elks
Club, with a poetry reading in Gaelic by Ken Mooney and closet Irishman Tony
Rodriguez starting at 11:00 in the bar and the usual sumptuous repast at 12:00.
SPECIAL NOTE: SAVE THE DATE!!! Brother Old Timer Gary Bader has announced
that the annual Man of the Year and Ultimate Old Timer Dinner will take place on
Friday, June 2, 2017 at Nicks Seashore Restaurant in Pacific. This years honorees
are Frank Brady as the Ultimate Old Timer, and Rich Murphy and Kris Kimball as
Men of the Year. The Selection Committee got it right again---three super guys who
have meant so much to the SFBOTA for so long. Be there to celebrate! (You will
receive an event flyer in future editions of this fishwrapper.)
Golf News
Golf Commissioner Rich Ford will have us leading off the 2017 Season with a new golf
course. Moffett Field on Monday, March 13. The first group will get the ball in the air
(or maybe a three-hopper to shortstop) at 9:00. Lets have a great turnout to start
the year and get a whole bunch of lies to tell at the next Golf Banquet!
Next up on the schedule will be a favorite stop, Alameda---North Course, on Monday,
April 10, 2017, with the first group off and running at 9:15 AM.
ANOTHER SPECIAL NOTE: The last time we play an Old Timers event at beloved
Oakmont will be Friday, June 2, with the usual 8:00 AM shotgun start. Be prepared
for a ling and fun-filled day because the previously mentioned Ultimate Old Timer and
Man of the Year Banquet is that same day.
In Memoriam
We must sadly report the passings of Joanna Beth Ryan, the daughter of fellow Old
Timer Warren Johnson, Don DeMeyer (known to his friends as Double D), and
Brother Leonard Sullivan S.J., a long-time Old Timer and genuine baseball fanatic.
We ask the members of the Old Timers to keep Joanna, Don and Leonard and their
families and friends in our prayers. May God welcome them into his Heavenly
Kingdom and give them eternal peace.
On the Mend
Members on the DL this month: Tony Boyadzis, Frank Walker, Vince Nocito, Pete
Samardzick, Bob Martinez, Charlie Silvera, Clarence Grider, Don Collopy, Jerry Big
Sully Sullivan, Hal Fox, Gerry DeRyan, Bob Daley, Marty Lovrin, Ernie Golding, Billy

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Difu, Vince Tudoni and Pete Giovanola---All these great guys are spending time in the
Trainers Room, and the Old Timers wish each and every one of these honorable
Members a swift return to the starting line-up. Larry Nissim also continues his
recovery from his serious major surgery---hes a tough guy.
We also wish Frank Brady all the best as he too rebounds from a serious surgery, and
a quick return to duty for Emil Ruggiero, a big bear of a guy and a real gentleman.
A continuing reminder: Jim Perry remains on the DL at Laguna Honda Home. Jim is
brightened up by cards and letters addressed to him at Laguna Honda Home, 375
Laguna Honda Blvd, Building 1 North, Room 133A, San Francisco, Calif. 94116. Jim
has sent a letter saying how much he appreciates the devoted support of the
SFBOTA.
You Know Youre an Old Timer When
---that twinkle in your eye is only a reflection of the light on your bifocals.
---you get ready to go out, and it takes you twice as long to look half as good.
---many of your co-workers were born the same year as your last promotion.
---youve finally gotten your head together, but now your body is falling apart.
Bobbie Mitchell Rides Again
One day, Brother Bobbie decided to get himself a little weekend getaway, so he
bought a small farm in the country. On this farm was a nice little pond, and Bob
liked to sit on his front porch with a cocktail and watch the wildlife gather at the
pond. One warm and sunny day, Bob heard some feminine giggling coming from the
pond, so he looked out his window and saw several very attractive young women
cavorting au natural in and around his pond. Bob, obviously captivated and
wanting to enjoy the scenery closely, picked up a bucket and starting walking to the
pond, at which time the women saw him, jumped into the pond and yelled at Bob to
go away.
Bob simply said, No problem, Ladies. Stay as long as you want. Im just here to feed
the alligator. Bob got his wish.
Scholarship Fund Contributions

Here is a bunch more guys who contributed to the SFOTB Scholarship Fund when
they renewed their membership for 2017.
A special shout for Jim Potts, who ponied up a cool $200. Also kicking in were: Don
Basso, Duncan Benas, Steve Kavanaugh, Milt LaHonta, John LeTourneau, Bill
Magidson, Jack Bonnici, Henry Ratti, Bill Collins, Don Schaffer, Mike Uland, James
Barbic, Gary Hughes, Larry Nissim, Don Farber, Tony Basques, Larry Bravo, David
Lopez and Bob McCullough. To each and every Old Timer who donated, we thank you
for your generosity. You guys are amazing.
Again, if you donated but didnt see your name mentioned, please let us know and
well see that you are properly recognized.

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 Rogues Gallery

Immediate Past President Rich Murphy receives the

coveted Tony Gomez Award at the February 2017
dinner meeting. Congratulations, Rich! This award is
richly deserved.

A wonderful gathering of Old Timers Past Presidents at the February

2017 dinner meeting honoring those who have served as the leaders of
this enduring organization. And in the front row are pictured several
past First Ladies, who we all know are the brains behind the presidents.

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 See??? Hu is on first!!! They werent
kidding!!!

Lets welcome the newest honoree of the

Marino Pieretti Group. Bill Thorne
received his green jacket at the Feb. 15
lunch at Dominics. Its nice to have you
on board, Bill!

Baseball Trivia Questions

1) Name the only player to lead both the

AL and NL in steals in separate years:
a. Ricky Henderson
b. Tim Raines
c. Kenny Lofton
d. Ron LeFlore

2) Which right-handed Hall of Famer did

NOT win 300 games?
a. Nolan Ryan
b. Walter Johnson
c. Bob Gibson
d. Tom Seaver

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 Thank You Once Again and Always to Our Loyal Sponsors
DEE MURATORE, MURATORE GENERAL CONTRACTOR & CABINET MAKER
2825 Phelps St, SF 94124; 415-826-1220; www.muratorecorp.com

DENNIS DICKEY, 1st CHOICE MORTGAGE AND REALTYJohn Le

1553 Second Street, Napa 94559 707-252-2400 [email protected]

ROB FIFE, 729 SOLUTIONS

1618 Sullivan Ave, Suite 535, Daly City 94115 650-755-7049

GERI CAMPANA, AL GRAF BAIL BONDS

859 Bryant St, SF 94013 415-431-3333

ERNEST CHUCKAYALA, AYALA REAL ESTATE

532 Castro Street, SF 94114 415-861-0704 [email protected]

ROGER MINHANDO, CHALET BASQUE RESTAURANT

405 No. San Pedro Rd, San Rafael 94901 415-479-1070 [email protected]

LOREN A. KERTZ, CHARLES SCHWAB CO.

403 Corte Madera Town Center, Corte Madera 94925 415-945-6408 [email protected]

JOE MARINO, COLUMBUS CAF

562 Green St, SF 94133 415-326-3088

FRANK J. PISA BARBER SHOP

5 Civic Center Lane, Millbrae 94030 650-697-0736

PAUL NAVARRO, LUCETIS RESTAURANT

109 W. 25th Avenue, San Mateo 94403 650-574-1256 or 650-458-6550 lucetis.com

GREG RIGHETTI, MARIN LOCK & SAFE

808 Third St, San Rafael 94901 415-456-4346 [email protected]

MARK BENEDETTI INSURANCE

199 California Dr, Suite 702,Millbrae 94030 650-697-2044 [email protected]

NICK DUTTO, METROPOLITAN ELECTRICAL CONSTRUCTION, INC.

2400 Third St, SF 94107 415-642-3002 [email protected]

CHUCK GUST, NICKS SEASHORE RESTAURANT

100 Rockaway Avenue, Pacifica 94044 650-359-3900 www.nicksrestaurant.net

RAY McDONALD, PERSONAL AWARDS CO.

1842 E. 3rd Avenue, San Mateo 94401 650-558-0860 [email protected]

DANIEL E. COLLINS, PORTSMOUTH FINANCIAL SERVICES

250 Montgomery St, Suite 200, SF 94104 415-543-8500 or 800-443-2227 toll free

TOM LaTORRE, SABELLA & LaTORRE SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

#3 Fishermans Wharf, SF 94133 415-673-2824

SAN FRANCISCO FIREFIGHTERS TOY PROGRAM

Leo Martinez, Al McCarthy, Vince Tudoni. Rich Blackburn, Skip McKinney, George Schnapp,
Jim McCoy, Art Citron, Dan Jacobsmeyer, Brian Kearney, Ray Molinari

TOM CREEDIN, SCOMAS RESTAURANT

Pier 47, Fishermans Wharf, SF 94133 415-771-4383

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 MARLENE VOGELSANG, SOCIETY for AMERICAN BASEBALL RESEARCH (SABR)
510-589-8523 [email protected]

THOMAS J. BRANDI, THE BRANDI LAW FIRM

354 Pine St, 3rd Floor, SF 94104 415-989-1800 [email protected]

DAVE LONGA,
THE MARINO PIERETTI GROUP

TERESA MOORE, THE UNITED IRISH CULTURAL CENTER

2700-45th Avenue, SF 94116 415-661-2494 [email protected]

JAR OF GOLD
Fellow Old Timers Jim Jarvis, Bill Difu & Ernie Golding

THE GRIDER FAMILY

RETIRED SAN FRANCISCO FIREFIGHTERS

Nick Cannuli, Bill DeMattei, Mel Canevaro, Jim OConnor, Don Dennehy, Bob Moser,
Milt Panagotacos, Mike Pera, Jack Bonnici, Roger Bross, Frank Kelly

DANIEL DUGGAN, DUGGANS SERRA MORTUARY

500 Westlake Av, Daly City 94014 650-756-4500 [email protected]

TABLE 6 (TRUCK)
Hank Sanchez, Al McCarthy, Art Citron, Jim OConnor, Larry Lawson, Jim Dowd, George Schnapp

ALUMNI of BALBOA HIGH SCHOOL

Emily Powell, Nick Poppin, Bob Mitchell, Gene Hartje and Elliot Bart Bartholomew

THE BALL TEAM

The Late Frank Strazzullo, The Late John Alameda, Mike Bagdon, Rich Ford, Con Maloney, Billy Jones,
Art White, Ken Mooney and Big Sully

THE 1956 BIG 8 CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP BASEBALL TEAM

Bob Bandetini, Glen Buckowatz, Ron Castro, Ken Dito, Russ Fadelf, Roger Ferrari, Lew Flores,
Fred Glosser, Blair LeMire, John McCarthy, Larry Nielsen, Larry Nissim, Jim Poppin,
Fred Quinn, Ray Waruman, Frank Cic Williams, Vince Bud Williams

ANONYMOUS DONOR
Thanks Old Timers---Your Monthly Newsletter Is A Great Read

WILLIAM DeMATTEI
Fellow Old Timer

ALUMNI OF MISSION HIGH SCHOOL

Vince Belli, Eddi4e Gutierrez, Joe Blea, Steve Riordan and the late Terry Roach

DR. PAUL NIDERMAN, DDS, DENTAL CARE SF, HIGH TECH COSMETIC DENTISTRY
2310 Judah St @ 28th Av, SF 94122 415-564-8330 [email protected]