SAN FRANCISCO BASEBALL

OLD TIMERS ASSOCIATION

(Established 1941)

“FROM THE DUGOUT”

March 2019 Edition
_______________________________
Officers Directors
Jim Jarvis, President Nick Poppin Bob Fife
Joe Marino, Vice-President Bill DeMattei Bob Rizzo
Mike Koppel, Secretary Cliff Righetti Bill Angel
Paul Varni, Treasurer Ray McDonald Mark Shustoff
Bob Mitchell, Sgt. at Arms Jim McCoy Gene Hartje
Gary Bader, Membership Chair Dave Longa Ken Mooney
Leo Martinez, Goodwill Chair
Rich Ford, Director of Golf
Lou Landini, Immediate Past President

Editor’s Column
For most of us Old Timers in our younger days, the coming of Spring signaled the
start of our own involvement with baseball. We would trundle off to our local parks
to start throwing, catching, hitting and running to get ready for baseball. The recent
heavy Bay Area rains brought to mind how our baseball activities would come
grinding to a halt because of extremely wet grounds and we would have to wait days,
sometimes a week or more, for the ground to dry so we could play ball again.
Is it still like that? Yes, to a degree, wet weather can still put a prolonged crimp in
baseball. But there has been a magical transformation in many areas, with the
advent of artificial turf field (ATF). As some of you may know, I’m an assistant
baseball coach at a local community college which has invested in an ATF. The only
dirt we have on our field is on the mounds found on the diamond and in the two
bullpens. Everything else is artificial turf. That includes the entire infield, the
outfield, the warning track, the base paths, the home plate area including the batters
boxes, and every inch of foul territory on the field of play. Now some playing fields in
our conference are still all natural, with real grass and dirt. But more and more fields
are being converted to ATF. Maintenance costs go way down, fields recover from
severe rain rapidly, and way fewer games are rained out.
I recall a Saturday 1:00 PM game at our home park about 5 or 6 years ago when the
clouds let loose at 10:00 and sent torrents of rain onto the field for about 90
minutes. Rainout right? Nope. We tarped the mounds, sat out the deluge in the
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clubhouse, and when it stopped raining, we took advantage of the incredible drainage
that is built into an ATF, and we got the game underway at 2:00 PM, a delay of only 1
hour. Prior to ATF, we would have packed up and gone home for the day. Sure, it was
a bit damp but the field was safely playable. Truly amazing. The artificial turf
industry has come a long, long sway since the early days of rock-hard Astroturf.
Today’s ATFs play very much like natural fields but without the bad hops and sloppy
spots that real dirt and grass can cause. My one complaint? Ya just don’t get that
beautiful scent of cut grass. Can’t have everything, I guess. But ATFs are here to
stay, and in my humble opinion, that’s a good thing.
Kathy’s Fund----Old Timers vs Alzheimer’s
Guys, Kathy’s Fund remains in high gear, and this battle against Alzheimer’s is really
getting hot. At the January meeting we collected $278 in cash which is a very tidy
sum, and we are now at a total of $6299, and counting! Each and every dollar we
send off to the Alzheimer’s Association is making a difference. To all you
contributors, the Alzheimer’s Association sends its appreciation. And those Old
Timers whose lives have been so terribly altered by this brutal disease repeatedly
extend their thanks to all who chip in toward the ultimate victory over Alzheimer’s.
And extreme generosity remains at the forefront of the Old Timers. In February,
Brother Old Timers Bob Lee and Grant Becker quietly donated $100 each to the
cause, and we profoundly thank them.
Get Your Newsletter by E-Mail
We are building quite a list of monthly e-mail subscribers at a tremendous saving to
the SFBOTA. Our present estimate is at approximately $2200 per year. So we would
urge those members who have e-mail to sign up by sending me a message at
INSPLFL225@HOTMAIL.COM and we’ll add you to the e-mail distribution list.
The New Pisa Alumni Society---Repeat Announcement
As of January 1, 2019, the New Pisa Alumni is starting anew and seeking existing
members to re-join, and for new members to sign up. One goal that we had set for
2019 was to donate funds to a game that will be played on April 17 at USF between
Mission HS and Lincoln HS. The rental of the USF field is expensive, and we hoped to
defray some of that cost with a sizeable check. We are proud to announce that a
check for $500 is on its way to Mission HS in the honor and memory of Dante
Benedetti and Mission Bears Coach Bill Mustanich.
To join the New Pisa Alumni in 2019, send a check for $10 made out to the SF
BASEBALL OLD TIMERS ASSOCIATION, and on the memo line, note “New Pisa
Alumni,” and mail it to: LOU LANDINI, 208 FOREST PARK DRIVE, PACIFICA, CA
94044. Your $10 will get you listed in the Sponsorship Section of this newsletter as a
NPAS member throughout 2019, and then we’ll do it all again in succeeding years! Be
the first kid on your block to sign up! The Board of Directors will continue making
donations to youth baseball from the proceeds from the New Pisa Alumni sign-ups.
The roster of NPA members for 2018 was 70 strong, and we hope to exceed that figure
in 2019. Remember, this is for kids’ baseball!
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 Important Dates Department
Tuesday, March 12, 2019---It’s monthly meeting time again, with festivities at our
new home base, Nick’s Seashore Restaurant, beginning with cocktails at 5:00 PM and
our yearly entertainment treat, the youngsters from the Whalen Irish Dancers, will
start at 6:00. We owe a huge thank-you to Past President Rich Murphy for making
this possible in our new venue. A further reminder---you guys need to dig up those
backyard coffee cans to fill up our usual pass-the-hat for the kids. (And Officers and
Board Members, don’t forget the business meeting at 4:30 PM., an earlier start time
because of our Dancers.)
Wednesday, March 20, 2019---the next rendition of the Marino Pieretti Group
monthly lunch will take place at Nick’s, with a Meditation and Libation Hour
commencing at 11:00 and lunch at 12:00. We have reason to believe that meditating
is far more meaningful when influenced by “libating.” FYI---for all you “frisky” Old
Timers, Spring commences this date at 5:58 PM. Careful now, Big Fellas!
Tuesday, April 9, 2019---Ye Olde monthly meeting will be off to a rousing start with
cocktails at 6:00 and dinner at 7:00, all transpiring at the friendly confines of Nick’s.
We will have already entered Daylight Savings Time so sunset should be spectacular.
We just might see an Old timer or two holding fins with a seal.
Wednesday, April 17, 2019---the March of the Marino Pieretti Light Brigade makes it
way back up the hill to the South SF Elks Club, where those who choose to attend
will be piped aboard by Admiral Emil Ruggiero on his kazoo. Rations of Spirits at
11:00 and Provisions at 12:00. Be there! That’s an order.
Words of Wisdom
“The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to
work and give to those who would not.” Thomas Jefferson
Golf News
Golf Commissioner Rich Ford has announced that Opening Day for the 2019 Old
Timers Golf Season will be Monday, March 18 at Moffett Field Golf Club, with tee
times beginning at 8:30 AM. And mark your calendars for Event #2 of the young
season, which will be at the Chuck Corica Golf Complex in Alameda, on Monday, April
8 starting at 9:00 AM.
In Memoriam
We are deeply saddened to report the passing of long-time Brother Old Timer Horst
Tannenberg. May God grant Horst eternal peace, and may He comfort the Tannenberg
Family.
On the Mend
It always makes your news staff very unhappy to report Members who are on the DL
each month. This month’s list: Jim Dowd (who has had a serious set-back but is
doing a bit better), Charlie Silvera, Don Collopy, and long-time Old Timer Bill
McCullough. Added to the list this month are Debbie Sullivan, wife of the late Jerry
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“Big Sully” Sullivan, and Virginia Simon, wife of the late Bob Simon. Let’s get all
these folks back on the field and cleared for a return to the starting line-up soon!
We’re taking everybody’s sweetheart, Emily Powell, Balboa High’s preeminent
alumna, off the list, because if I don’t, she’s gonna punch me right in the nose. And
Old Timers Past President and all-around great guy Nick Poppin is doing well and
almost ready to be added back to the starting line-up..
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
really loves it when he hears from his Brother Old Timers. Jim, by the way, is our
newsletter’s Baseball Trivia Contributor and a donor to Kathy’s Fund.
You Know You’re an Old Timer When…
---the local pharmacist has become your new best friend.
---you wake up looking just like your drivers license photo.
---your idea of a night out is sitting on the patio.
---you’re on vacation and your energy runs out before your money does.
Bobbie Mitchell-Again??
During his years at Balboa High School, Bob was an aspiring scientist. Yes he was!!
He was enrolled in a chemistry class, and he dutifully attended every lecture and paid
rapt attention to his teacher. One day the teacher asked the class what the chemical
configuration for water is. Bob’s hand flew up and he said “I know, I know!!” “What
is it, Bob?” And Bob proudly said “It’s H-I-J-K-L-M-N-O!” “Bob, that’s not correct.
It’s H2O.” And Bob replied “That’s just what I said!” The teacher had a breakdown.
Special Old Timers who donated to the Scholarship Fund with their dues payment
George Arci George Bacigalupi Rich Blackburn Chuck Bonnici Len Belaski
Frank Bradt William Collins Don Collopy Rene Courpet Dave Crudo
Bob Daley Ed DeBrincat Pete Deguara Jim Deignan Don Dennehy
Denis Devlin Bill Difu Jere Driscoll Stephen Driscoll Alan Dworkin
Don Farber Bob Fife Dan Giese Ernie Golding Joe Grech
Joe Gualco Eddie Gutierrez Jon Hanlon Rich Huddleston Dan Jacobsmeyer
Steve Kavanaugh Phil Kelber Bill Kirkpatrick Tom LaGrave Lou Landini
Joe Lavin John Leonard Bill Magidson Leo Martinez Mario Maso
Ed Montague Dick Morosi Bob Moser Rich Murphy Ray McDonald
Vince Nocito Terry Norton Jim O’Connor Milt Panagotacos Pete Pompei
Nick Poppin George Quinn Jim Reed Cliff Righetti Tony Rodriguez
Rod Rodriguez Frank Ruggiero Nick Shihadeh Mike Silvestri Tad Tassone
Terry Taylor Paul Varni Ken Viola John Ward Pat Ward
Bud Williams Woody Woodall Michael Simon Loren Kertz Jim Potts

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 Rogues Gallery

A very nice piece of San Francisco Baseball History can be found on a wall on a corner in the 500 block of Green
Street in North Beach, just a few feet away from what was the final iteration of the now closed New Pisa Restaurant.
Stop by and take a look at the names depicted in this mural. How many Old Timers, past and present, can you find?
It will be a real walk down Memory Lane.

Some Very Special Events For Your Calendar

1) On Thursday, April 25, 2019, the Peninsula Sports Hall of Fame will be honoring
five people for their contributions and achievements to sports in San Mateo County.
Our own Brother Old Timer John Ward will be among the honorees and will
receive recognition for his incredible and dedicated work as one of baseball’s
preeminent historians.
This outstanding event will take place at the fabled San Mateo County History
Museum, located at 2200 Broadway, Redwood City, and will run from 5:30 to 7:30
PM. The Master of Ceremonies will be the renowned KNBR radio personality Marty
Lurie, and this promises to be a great event. Tickets will be available for purchase in
advance for $35 or at the door for $40. Call the San Mateo County History Museum
at 650-299-0104.
2) On Friday, May 31, 2019, the Annual Ultimate Old Timer and Men of the Year
Dinner will be held at Nick’s Seashore Restaurant. Mark your calendars now! This is
a fantastic event. In the April and May editions of this newsletter, we’ll include entry
forms for your convenience, but save the date now!
And these people have been elected to govern us?
True story: A Congresswoman called a Washington DC ticket agent and booked a
flight back to her home district, and she asked if she could reserve an aisle seat,
because she didn’t want her hair to get messed up by sitting next to the window.
Wow!

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 Thank You Once Again and Always to Our Loyal Sponsors
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

LOREN A. KERTZ, CHARLES SCHWAB CO.

403 Corte Madera Town Center, Corte Madera 94925 415-945-6408 loren.a.kertz@schwab.com

JOE MARINO, COLUMBUS CAFÉ

562 Green St, SF 94133 415-326-3088

FRANK J. PISA BARBER SHOP

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

GREG RIGHETTI, MARIN LOCK & SAFE

808 Third St, San Rafael 94901 415-456-4346 marinlockandsafe@gmail.com

MARK BENEDETTI INSURANCE

199 California Dr, Suite 702,Millbrae 94030 650-697-2044 mbinsuru@hotmail.com

NICK DUTTO, METROPOLITAN ELECTRICAL CONSTRUCTION, INC.

2400 Third St, SF 94107 415-642-3002 ndutto@metroelectric.com

CHUCK GUST, NICK’S SEASHORE RESTAURANT

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

TOM LaTORRE, SABELLA & LaTORRE SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

#3 Fisherman’s Wharf, SF 94133 415-673-2824

SAN FRANCISCO FIREFIGHTERS TOY PROGRAM

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

TOM CREEDIN, SCOMA’S RESTAURANT

Pier 47, Fisherman’s Wharf, SF 94133 415-771-4383

MARLENE VOGELSANG, SOCIETY for AMERICAN BASEBALL RESEARCH (SABR)

510-589-8523 mvogelsang@sbcglobal.net

PAUL NAVARRO, LUCETTI’S RESTAURANT

109 W. 25th Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94403, phone 650-574-1256

THOMAS J. BRANDI, THE BRANDI LAW FIRM

354 Pine St, 3rd Floor, SF 94104 415-989-1800 tjb@brandilaw.com

DAVE LONGA, JAR OF GOLD

THE MARINO PIERETTI GROUP Old Timers Jim Jarvis, Ernie Golding and Bill Difu

TERESA MOORE, THE UNITED IRISH CULTURAL CENTER

2700-45th Avenue, SF 94116 415-661-2495 UICCBanquets@yahoo.com

RETIRED SAN FRANCISCO FIREFIGHTERS

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

THE GRIDER FAMILY

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 DANIEL DUGGAN, DUGGAN’S SERRA MORTUARY
500 Westlake Av, Daly City 94014 650-756-4500 dan@duggansserra.com

TABLE 6 (TRUCK)
Hank Sanchez, the late Al McCarthy, Art Citron, Jim O’Connor, the late Larry Lawson, Jim Dowd,
George Schnapp, Rich Blackburn, Con Maloney, Stu Etzler, John Green, Dan Harrington

ALUMNI of BALBOA HIGH SCHOOL

Emily Powell, Nick Poppin, Bob “The Carrot” Mitchell, Gene Hartje, Tony Boyadzis, Joe Marino, Donald
Basso, Elliot “Bart” Bartholomew and Grant Becker

THE BALL TEAM

The late Frank Strazzullo, The late John Alameda, Mike Bagdon, Rich Ford, Con Maloney, Billy Jones,
Art White, Ken Mooney and the late Jerry “Big Sully” Sullivan

THE 1956 BIG 8 CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP BASEBALL TEAM

Bob Bandettini, Glen Buckowitz, Ron Castro, Ken Dito, Russ Fadeef, Roger Ferrari, Lew Flores,
Fred Glosser, Blair LeMire, the Late Legendary John McCarthy, Pete Nielsen, Larry Nissim, Jim
Poppin, Fred Quinn, the late Ray Warman, the Late and Great Frank “Cic” Williams, Victor “Bud”
Williams

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

WILLIAM DeMATTEI THE DEIGNAN FAMILY ALUMNUS OF MISSION HIGH SCHOOL

Fellow Old Timer Eddie Gutierrez

RETIRED SAN FRANCISCO DEPUTY SHERIFFS

Bill Angel, Jim Mullan, Ron Lim, Al Dworkin, Paul Varni, Mike Koppel, Jim Deignan, Gil Ybarra

HAT TRICK RACING

Grant Becker, Troy Onorato, Pat Ward and Marvin Cortes

TJC FLOORING FLOOR EFFECTS

Terence Cody Brian Green
415 Old County Road, Unit C 415 Old County Road Unit C
Belmont, Calif. 94002 650-773-5782 Belmont, Calif. 94002 650-574-0457

NEW PISA ALUMNI SOCIETY (2019 TEAM MEMBERS))

Frank Brady, Bill Kirkpatrick, Gary Hughes, Bob Restani, Gary Bader, Dan Harrington, Pat Sullivan,
Don Benedetti, Connie Benedetti, Don Benedetti, Mark Benedetti, Sharon Benedetti, Phil Benedetti,
Judy & Lou Landini, Tony Rodriguez, Bill Difu, Joe Gualco, Tad Tassone, Nick Shihadeh, Grant Becker,
Jim Jarvis, Bill Angel, Emily “Queen of Balboa” Powell, Roger Strack, The Honorable Judge Quentin
Kopp, Rene Courpet, Bob Mitcheel, Bill Collins, Frank Ruggiero, Gene & Diane Hartje, In Memory of
Larry Lawson, Rudy Bertolozzi, Ken Mooney, Phil Kelber, Roldan & Frances Vigil, Roger Bross, Rich
Sciutto, Jim McCoy, Dave Longa, Rich Ford, Mike Koppel, Rich Murphy, Nick Cannuli, Donald Basso,
Mel Canevaro, Tom Brandi, Nick Poppin, Roger Ferrari, Jere Driscoll, Bob Crosat, Ed Paulus Sr.,
Ed Paulus Jr., Dave Paulus, Bob Devincenzi, Jack Scramaglia, Stephen Driscoll, Jim Perry, Jim
Deignan, Mike Bagdon, Bob Lee, Ed Sickinger, Bob & Arlene Fife, Ron Belli, Paul Giambra, George
Mutto, Dan Merolla, Pete Pompei

February’s Jim Perry Skull Buster Answer: The March Jim Perry Teaser
It was Orel Hershiser who won games 2 and 6 of How many times have the Giants have faced
the 1995 ALCS against Seattle and logged an the Yankees in the World Series? Which
ERA of 1.29. team leads the rivalry?