SAN FRANCISCO BASEBALL

OLD TIMERS ASSOCIATION

(Established 1941)

FROM THE DUGOUT

February 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
Ya win some, Ya lose some, and some get rained out. That is a familiar slogan
employed by many of us Old Timers. We chuckle, but in that slogan is an important
principal. Winning is wonderful, but losing is inevitable. Just as one has to learn
how to win, one also needs to learn to handle a loss. Life can be cruel at times,
handing out losses like candy. The loss of a loved one, the loss of a job, the loss of
prized material possessions---the list could go on and on. How one handles loss can
dictate ones success or failure in the Big Game of Life.
Modern American society is heading in a direction which is not preparing kids to
handle losses. Kids who are engaged in sports, an arena which is based on a contest
between teams or individuals, now receive trophies for merely participating. A kid
doesnt have to win to get an award---just show up and they give you a prize. Rosters
in many cases are filled without requiring kids to try out for a team---just show up
and you get a uniform. Competition and the concept of winning are being diluted in
favor of making sure kids dont bruise their egos and lose their self-esteem.
After the last presidential election, the nation saw the effects of this soft-soap
approach when high-school and college students across the country went into
emotional melt-down because their favored candidate lost. These kids were too
distraught to take exams, needed quiet rooms on campus in which to grieve, required
special counseling to help them through the ordeal of realizing they are going to have
a president they dont like, had to have comfort dogs and stuffed animals and
therapy to help them cope with their grief, and flat out broke down and became non-

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functioning. Why? Because in many ways theyve never had to face the harsh
realities that Ya cant win em all.
Hearken back to Dec. 7, 1941, when the USA was brutally attacked at Pearl Harbor.
Who answered the call to arms to save our Country---young guys, kids really, like
future Brother Old Timers Billy Difu and Bill Magidson (both of whom earned Bronze
Stars for Valor) and millions of others who grew up in the cruel times of the
Depression and who had to compete and win in order to just survive, but who also
learned to steel themselves to adversity and fight on. Our present military men and
women are just as tough but are so few. Would we presently win a war like WWII with
the fragile youth of today? Think about it.
Important Publication Note
Because we have a lot of stuff to get into this months edition and need to squeeze it
into a certain number of pages to meet mailing size and cost restrictions, certain
features have been eliminated this month but will return.
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 January
dinner, despite a drop in attendance because of some horrible weather, we still
collected $110, bringing our donations to $1045 just since we started this campaign
last August. 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 INSPLFL225@HOTMAIL.COM and well add you
to the list. Its a real cost saver for the SFBOTA.
Great News
Let us send our heartfelt Congratulations and Best Wishes to our own Brother Old
Timer and Past President Ernie Golding and his wonderful wife Barbara, who
celebrated their 65th Wedding Anniversary and Ernies 89th birthday on the same day
in January. We love you both!!
Important Dates Department..
February 14, 2017---The monthly dinner at the Irish Cultural Center will be Past
Presidents Night, with happy juices being dispensed at 6:00 PM and a gourmet meat
loaf served at 7:00 PM. (Past Presidents and meat loaf? Hidden message maybe?)
February 15, 2017---The Marino Pieretti Group will meet at Dominics at Oyster Point
in SSF at 11:00 for medicinal purposes and a comestible bonanza will commence
at 12:00. (Note the short turnaround from the dinner the night before. It happens
every once in a while. Your wives love it! Theyd love it even more if it was in
Alaska!)

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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.
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.)
Golf News
Golf Commissioner Rich Ford will have us leading off the 2017 Season with a new golf
course. Moffett Field. 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!
In Memoriam
As reported to us by Brother Old Timer Rich Franza, a former a former Old Timer and
Commerce HS grad Bob Day has died. And from Nick Poppin, we have learned that
Fellow Old Timers Ray Warman and Bill Kennaugh have also passed away. Our
condolences and prayers go out to the families of these three outstanding men. May
God keep them in his arms.
On the Mend
Members on the DL this month: Tony Boyadzis, Frank Walker, Vince Nocito, Pete
Samardzick, Bob Martinez, Bill Kennaugh, Charlie Silvera, Clarence Grider, Don
Collopy, Jerry Big Sully Sullivan, Hal Fox, and Don DeMeyer---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 speedy and complete recovery. And our news staff
checked in with Larry Nissim and he told us he is steadily getting better following
major surgery.
A Continuing Repeat of a Special Note from Leo Martinez: 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 cards, letters and his monthly copy of From the Dugout.
You Know Youre an Old Timer When
---your bodys joints predict rain better than the National Weather Service.
---your pharmacist knows your name and date of birth by heart.
---you have more hair in your ears than on your head.
---a friend calls you at 8:00 PM and asks Did I wake you up?

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 Bobbie Mitchell Rides Again
Bob walks into a local church and offers a prayer. He says Lord, its me, Bobbie
Mitchell. The Lotto jackpot is really big, and Im asking for your help so I can win. A
week later, Bob hasnt won, is back in church and says Lord, its Bobbie again. Hey,
all Im asking for is a little help to win the Lottery! Cmon, help me out will ya?
Another week, Bob is still without a win, back in church again and says Lord, here I
am again. Gee whiz, all Im asking for is just a little help to win the Lotto! All of a
sudden, this brilliant beam of light shines down on Bob, and a booming voice says
Bob, meet me half-way! Buy a ticket!

Scholarship Fund Contributions

As you know, each year when you receive your membership dues notice, there is a
line that offers the opportunity to make a voluntary contribution to the Scholarship
Fund. And to nobodys surprise, the SFBOTA Members respond with great generosity!
You guys are truly great. Here is a listing of those members who contributed this
year, with special mention of those who gave $100 or more. (If you did make a
donation but your name does not appear in the lists, just let us know and well get
you named in the next edition. A name or two can slip through the cracks.) Also,
please note that the list of names is not in perfect alphabetical order, because dues
and donations dont come into Membership all at the same time and in alphabetical
order!
The Rugger Ardizoia Family---$1000 Mike Simon---$500 Clarence Grider---$250
Weighing in with $100 donations: Nick Poppin, Rene Coupet, Tony Ribera, George
Bacigalupi, Bob Fife, Brian Kearney, Bill Kirkpatrick, Mario Lombardi, Mario Maso,
Dee Muratore, Bob Volkert and Patrick Wards.
The rest of the gang who donated: George Acri, Mark Allen, Gary Attell, Ed Bagnani,
John Bagatelos, Rich Blackburn, Hank Barron, Elliott Bartholomew, Leonard Belaski,
Kevon Berry, Joe Blea, Chuck Bonnici, Frank Brady, Roger Bross, Ralph Burns, Gene
Caputo, Vic Cipparrone, Art Citron, Bob Daley, Pete Dalton, Pete Deguara, Bill Davis,
Jim Deignan, Bill Angel, Paul Varni, Tom LaGrave, Rodney Rodriguez, George Quinn,
Tom Taylor, Jim Regan, Joe Matranga, Paul Torrente, Leo Martinez, Skip Del Sarto,
Don Dennehy, Bill Difu, Jim Dowd, Jim Dresser, Jere Driscoll, Paul Giambra, Dan
Giese, Ernie Golding, Joe Gualco, Eddie Gutierrez, Gne Hartje, Jim Hodges, Bill
Jessen, Phil Kelber, John Kelly, Lou Landini, Joe Lavin, Larry Lawson, John Leonard,
Martin Lovrin, Con Maloney, Tony Marotto, Bob Moser, Paul Navarro, Vince Nocito,
Milt Panagotacos, Frank Pisa, Dominic Pomilia, Jim Reed, Bob Restani, Cliff Righetti,
Bob Rizzo, Tony Rodriguez, Dino Ruggeri, Franjk Ruggero, Bob Simi, Tad Tassone,
Pat Twomey, Vince Tudoni, Thomas Venezia, Ken Viola, John Ward, Bud Williams,
Ron Belli, Robert Brohm, Ron Gleeson, Jim McCoy, Rich Murphy, Jim OConnor, Jim
Riffini, Bob Brandi, Mel Canevaro, Ed Grech.
So just how much was given? Scholarship Commissioner Frank Brady sets the total
at $5500!! That is some fine work, Team!!

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 Rogues Gallery

Our Late Brother Old Timer Our Late Brother Old Timer
Ray Warman Bill Kennaugh

Marino Pieretti Group Leader Dave Longa Most recent Marino Pieretti
presents Terra Nova HS head baseball coach Group Green Jacket Honoree
John Valero and pitching coach Rich Maes Paul Giambra
with a $200 donation to Tiger Baseball

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 Gary Bader receives the coveted 2016 Bill Roger Strack captures the 2016 Club
OBrien-Gene Gaviglio Golf Award from Golf Championship despite stiff
June Gaviglio and her grandson competition

Bill Jones and his kitchen staffers put on a great crab feed
that was well-run and well-attended! Many thanks to
Leo Martinez 2016 Closest to the Hole this great crew of guys.
Winner at 12 , and he made the putt!

Here is Bobbie Mitchells table at the crab feed. It

Old Timers 2016 President Rich Murphy told all of the
was a raucous group that won the food fight
Club Officers and Directors that we were driving him to
against Table 12!
drink. Now we believe him! Sir Rich, Thank You for a
job well done as Our Leader!

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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 dennis@realtorcite.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 CHUCKAYALA, 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 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 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, 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 pawards@pacbell.net

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 mvogelsang@sbcglobal.net

THOMAS J. BRANDI, THE BRANDI LAW FIRM

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

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 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 dan@duggansserra.com

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 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 contact@dentalsf.com