SAN FRANCISCO BASEBALL

OLD TIMERS ASSOCIATION

(Established 1941)

“FROM THE DUGOUT”

February 2018 Edition
_______________________________
Officers Directors
Lou Landini (President/Editor) Bill DeMattei Mike Bagdon
Jim Jarvis (Vice President) Dave Longa Frank Brady
Ken Mooney (Treasurer) Paul Varni Nick Poppin
Donald Basso (Secretary) Bob Rizzo Cliff Righetti
Gary B ader (Membership Chairman) Bob Mitchell Bill Angel
Joe Marino (Sgt. At Arms) Rich Murphy Rich Ford (Golf)
Bob Fife (Immediate Past President) Leo Martinez (Health & Welfare)

Editor’s Column
Attention, Attention All Old Timers! The world is about to get right again! We are on
the edge of the 2018 Major League Baseball Season! Pitchers and catchers report in
less than two weeks, followed shortly by full squads. Workouts will begin, and
fundamentals will be taught and reviewed, all facets of team defense will be put in,
hitters will hit, fielders will field, pitchers will pitch, runners will run. Zillions of
fungoes will be hit to infielders and outfielders alike. Countless throws will be made
in the infield and from the outfield as cut-offs and relays are perfected. Hitters will
drill on every conceivable aspect of the art of hitting a baseball. There will be
tremendous attention paid to the smallest details and the game’s subtleties as each
team prepares to contend in the upcoming season. The practice and conditioning
sessions will be intense, and then will give way to the spring training games in order
to give the veterans a chance to shake off the winter’s rust, and allow each club the
opportunity to evaluate young players under game conditions.
Each player in a major league camp will doubtless have spent the entire off-season
working out, throwing, hitting, taking ground balls, running, doing all the things that
you need to do to play major league baseball. Unlike in past eras of baseball when
players arrived at Spring Training to get into shape, the modern player stays in shape
year around and shows up at camp already in good physical condition. Spring
Training is spent on the refinement of the skills each player brings, and on blending
these skills into a 25-man group that can pitch, hit, field and run its way to the top
of the standings. Which club will do this best? The long season will tell us!

1
 Kathy’s Fund----Old Timers vs Alzheimer’s
Guys, Kathy’s Fund remains in full force, and this battle against Alzheimer’s is really
getting hot. At the January dinner meeting we collected $166.00 in cash which is a
good amount. But again, we have some incredible generosity to mention. Your editor
was at a golf league awards dinner in Novato on January 20, and I was having a
conversation with a great guy named Bill Koenig, who mentioned to me that our
league commissioner has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. I told Bill about our
monthly collections for Kathy’s Fund, at which time he reached into his pocket,
pulled out a $100 bill and said “Here, put this in the can.” I was blown away.
And then, at the conclusion of this year’s outstanding Crab Feed, I was approached
by a Brother Old Timer who handed me another $100 “for the can” but is insisting on
remaining anonymous. It’s killing me not to publish his name because his generosity
cries out to be recognized, but I will respect this kind and humble man’s wishes. But
we all thank you, Mister X!
The January meeting donations plus the aforementioned two $100 bills bring us to
$3393 since we started this campaign in August 2016. Each and every dollar we send
off to the Alzheimer’s Association will make 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 contribute toward the ultimate victory over Alzheimer’s.
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.
Special Notes Department
Vice-President and Sponsorship Chairman Jim Jarvis reports two new sponsorship
groups, the Retired San Francisco Deputy Sheriffs (with members Paul Varni, Bill
Angel, Jim Mullan, Ron Lim, Al Dworkin, Mike Koppel and Jim Deignan), and Hat
Trick Racing (with members Grant Becker, Troy Onorato, Pat Ward and Marvin
Cortes). Thank you, Guys, for your support.
The New Pisa Alumni Society
We are starting this new and exclusive sponsorship group, and here’s how you can
qualify for membership: 1) If you played for any New Pisa Team; 2) if you played
against any New Pisa Team; 3) if you thought about playing for any New Pisa Team;
4) if you ate a meal at the New Pisa; 5) if you worked at the New Pisa; 6) if you walked
by the New Pisa; 7) if you are Italian, ever wanted to be Italian, or are glad you are
not Italian; 8) if you ever met Dante Benedetti, Don Benedetti or any Benedetti
Family member; 9) if you ever got chewed out by Dante; 10) if you played at USF
whether or not for Dante; 11) or if you just want to be part of this very elite group.

2
The Charter Members as of today are: Bobbie Mitchell, Roger Strack, Paul Giambra,
Mike Koppel, Mike Dunne (although I haven’t asked him yet) and your editor.
To join, 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
2018, and will benefit the Old Timers. And then we’ll do it all again in succeeding
years! Be the first kid on your block to sign up!
2018 Membership Dues
Guys, you have received your 2018 Dues Notice from Membership Chairman Gary
Bader, and Gary reports renewals are brisk. If you haven’t already re-enlisted for the
2018 Tour of Duty, please do so at your earliest convenience.
Important Dates Department
February 13, 2018---the monthly dinner will be held as usual at the Irish Cultural
Center. Intellectual Discussion Hour starts at 6:00 PM and dinner will be served at
7:00. The meal will consist of gourmet Meat Loaf. Now, keep in mind that Valentine’s
Day is the next day, and don’t think you can avoid doing something nice for your
wife by bringing her some left-over Meat Loaf---that will be tantamount to a suicide
attempt on your part. This meeting will also be Past President’s Night, and you’ll get
a chance to see some real Old Timers Legends. Don’t miss it!
February 21, 2018---the monthly gathering of the Marino Pieretti Group will be at
Dominic’s at the Oyster Point Yacht Club, with Verbal Fertilizer Disbursement at
11:00 and the usual fine meal at 12:00.
March13, 2018---the monthly convocation will be joined up with a celebration of St.
Patrick’s Day, highlighted by a performance of the Whalen Dancers, a magnificent
group of kids who are keeping alive their wonderful Irish heritage. Your current
president will turn over the reins that evening to Past President Rich Murphy, who is
Irish through and through, despite his singing which at times sounds like 4-wheel
locked skids on new tires. The festivities that night will commence at 6:30 instead
of the usual 7:00 to accommodate the kids’ performance, and the bar will be closed at
that time. And you get one guess what the dinner menu will be that night!
March 21, 2018---the monthly Marino Pieretti Group meeting will migrate to Nick’s in
Pacifica. A foreign policy symposium, featuring Emil Ruggiero lecturing on the
benefits of using out of tune bagpipes to keep unwanted relatives from visiting and
drinking your good booze, will begin at 11:00 and the great Nick’s meal will be served
at Noon.
Special Events Notes---Mark Your Calendars
This just in from the Emily “Balboa’s Finest” Powell, a great friend to so many of us
in the Old Timers---the 19th Annual Balboa Baseball Dinner will take place on
Saturday, February 17, 2018, at the Sharp Park Golf Course Restaurant. For a mere
$40, you’ll have your choice of Prime Rib, Stuffed Chicken Breast or Grilled Salmon.
3
Each dish will also feature a salad, vegetables and a baked potato, along with “an
overflowing pasta platter.” Coffee or tea and a nice dessert will top off what is sure
to be an outstanding meal. The evening will kick off at 4:00 PM with no-host
cocktails, and dinner will be served at 5:30 PM.
Send your check for $40 payable to EMILY PALMER (our Emily’s married name) at
108 Swett Road, Woodside, CA 94602. Em’s phone is (650) 851-8101 and her email is
emilybalboa@comcast.net
This evening will have special meaning for the Old Timers, in that our beloved
Brother Old Timer, the late Clarence Grider, will be honored at this dinner. I know
there is a whole regiment of Balboa Grads in the Old Timers who would love to go to
this super gathering to honor Clarence and support Emily and her fellow event
planner Vickie Hackett.
We Need a Recruitment Drive---Repeat Announcement
Honorable Fellow Old Timers, you all know the stark fact that “we ain’t getting any
younger!” So, the SFBOTA is encouraging all you members to start recruiting
friends, relatives, friends of relatives or relatives of friends to join our fabled group.
We are a living history book, but we run the risk of running out of pages. Let’s make
sure this doesn’t happen on our watch!!
Golf News
The exciting 2017 Old Timers Golf Season came to a wonderful conclusion on Friday,
January 5, 2018 with the Annual Golf Awards Banquet at Nick’s Seashore Restaurant
in Pacifica. Rich Ford put on a fantastic event, which culminated with the crowning
of the 2017 Club Champion, all-around great guy Tony Rodriguez. The prestigious
Bill O’Brien—Gene Gaviglio Award was conferred on another truly outstanding man,
the one and only Bill Jones. Also honored this night were the 2017 Hole-in-One
makers, Woody Woodall and Dave Castiglioni. What a sterling end to a fun year of
golf! Thanks, Rich, for making the golf and this fine banquet possible!
Words of Wisdom
“I am ready to meet my Maker. Whether my Maker is prepared for the great ordeal of
meeting me is another matter.” Winston Churchill
In Memoriam
It is with the deepest sadness that we must report the passing of three world-class
gentlemen and devoted Brother Old Timers, Clarence Grider, Ed Bagnani and Henry
Ratti. We shall miss each of them greatly, and we pray that God will keep them at
His side and provide comfort to the Families and many Friends these wonderful men
left behind. Godspeed Clarence, Ed and Henry.
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: Bob Martinez, Charlie Silvera, Don Collopy, Gerry
DeRyan, Lou DeSalvatore and long-time Old Timer Bill McCullough. Let’s get all
4
these guys back on the field. Recent additions to this list are our Brother Old Timers
Gene Hartje and Mike Maffei, and we hope they are cleared for a return to the
starting line-up soon! Director Bill Angel is still battling a serious illness, but my
money is in Bill to recover. The guy’s tougher than a greasy spoon diner’s $2 steak
sandwich.
Also, Don Benedetti’s wonderful wife Connie recently was injured in a fall at home
and had to undergo surgery. We send our prayers and best wishes for Connie’s
complete recovery. She is a magnificent, kind and gentle person.
We also wish a full and speedy recovery to Doris Fox.
Continuing on this list is Jim Dowd, who continues making progress in his comeback
from a serious illness. Friends who would like to visit Jim are reminded to call first
to make sure he is up to receiving well-wishers, and count on seeing him after 1:00
PM.
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.
You Know You’re an Old Timer When…
---you are cautioned to slow down by your doctor, not the police.
---you don’t remember being absent-minded.
---your drug of choice is vitamins.
---your late night ends at 9:00 PM.

It’s Bobbie Mitchell Time Again!!

Imagine this scenario---Bobbie Mitchell and two other Old Timers, all three having
reached 99 years of age, are shot and killed on the same day in three separate
incidents by jealous husbands. They appear at Heaven’s Gate and are met by St.
Peter who asks what they want. Bobbie, the group spokesman, explains the causes of
their demise, and states that all three want to come to Heaven. St. Peter informs the
three OT’s that they need to pass a test. “No problem,” says Bobbie, “we all went to
Balboa.” St. Peter then asks the first guy “What is Easter?” and he smiles and says
“That’s when you cook a big turkey and everybody says Thanks.” “Nope, that’s
Thanksgiving!” says St. Peter, “you’re outta here.” To the second guy, he asks the
same question, and the OT says, “Yeah, that when a little fat guy in a red suit comes
down the chimney and leaves presents.” “Nope, that’s Christmas---you’re outta here
too!”
“Same question, Pal” says St. Peter to our man Bobbie, who swells up with pride and
says “That’s easy! That’s when the Romans killed Jesus, and they put Him in a cave
with a huge rock in front. On the third day, Jesus gets up, waves His finger, the rock
moves and Jesus walks outside. Then He looks down, sees His shadow and goes back
inside for 6 weeks.” St. Peter quit his Gate Job and is now a greeter at a WalMart
outside of Cleveland.
5
 Rogues’ Gallery

Clarence Grider,
a Great Man and
a Greater Friend

Ed Bagnani, one
of the nicest and
kindest men on
Earth

Tony Rodriguez,
the 2017 Old
Timers Club
Champion---
Great Job, Tony!

Bill Jones, the

2017 Bill
O’Brien—Gene
Gaviglio Award
Winner. A very
prestigious award
for a humble and
deserving man!

6
 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

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 “CHUCK”AYALA, AYALA REAL ESTATE

532 Castro Street, SF 94114 415-861-0704 ecayala@aol.com

ROGER MINHANDO, CHALET BASQUE RESTAURANT

405 No. San Pedro Rd, San Rafael 94901 415-479-1070 chaletbasque@hotmail.com

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

PAUL NAVARRO, LUCETI’S 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 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

RAY McDONALD, PERSONAL AWARDS CO.

1842 E. 3rd Avenue, San Mateo 94401 650-558-0860 pawards@pacbell.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

THOMAS J. BRANDI, THE BRANDI LAW FIRM

354 Pine St, 3rd Floor, SF 94104 415-989-1800 tjb@brandilaw.com
7
 DAVE LONGA,
THE MARINO PIERETTI GROUP

TERESA MOORE, THE UNITED IRISH CULTURAL CENTER

2700-45th Avenue, SF 94116 415-661-2494 UICCBanquets@yahoo.com

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 O’Connor, Don Dennehy, Bob Moser,
Milt Panagotacos, Mike Pera, Jack Bonnici, Roger Bross, Frank Kelly

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, Larry Lawson, Jim Dowd, George
Schnapp, and Rich Blackburn

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 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
Fellow Old Timer

ALUMNUS OF MISSION HIGH SCHOOL

Eddie Gutierrez

RETIRED SAN FRANCISCO DEPUTY SHERIFFS

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

HAT TRICK RACING

Grant Becker, Troy Onorato, Pat Ward and Marvin Cortes

NEW PISA ALUMNI SOCIETY

Bobbie Mitchell, Paul Giambra, Roger Strack, Mike Dunne and Lou Landini

January Trivia Answers February Trivia Questions

1) Most K’s in one year? Nolan 1) What infamous criminal was a pro baseball
Ryan, 1973, 383 K’s player before turning to crime?

2) First Venezuelan player in 2) Who was the first Big Leaguer to hit 4 HRs in
8
HOF? SS Luis Aparicio 1984 one game? What team, what year?