SAN FRANCISCO BASEBALL

OLD TIMERS ASSOCIATION

(Established 1941)

FROM THE DUGOUT

July 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
Speed in sports has many forms, but the bottom line is that speed is one of the most
important traits that an athlete can have. We tend to think of speed simply as the
ability to run very quickly, and we see this manifested all the time as we watch
sports. Yes, foot speed in critical.
But there are lots of other types of speed. Because we member of the SFBOTA are
baseball junkies, lets focus on some of the speeds in our favorite game. How about
bat speed? In the present game, pitchers bring fastballs to the mound that average
95 MPH. This is up from the 89 MPH average of just 20 years ago. To get to a 95
MPH fastball, a hitter better be able to move the bat with a lot of speed. To hit a ball
out takes bat speed. To throw a pitch at 95+ or a good hard slider takes some arm
speed. The ability to beat out a slow roller or a bunt often depends on foot speed,
although sometimes a base hit happens because the topper or bunt is in the perfect
spot between fielders.
Raw speed counts a lot, but can a player who is not blessed with blazing speed still be
a good baserunner? Yep. Technique can cut split seconds off a runners time. How a
guy breaks on a steal can be the difference between out and safe. How sharp a turn a
runner makes can save a tenth or quarter of a second. As a runner sprints to 1st base
on what will be a close play, if he hits the bag at the front edge instead of the middle,
hell save a tiny fraction of a second which may be the safe-or-out factor. Kind of a
loose rule of thumb is that 1/10 of a second is worth 3 feet of distance. The next
time you watch a game, look for the split seconds out there that make differences.

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 Kathys Fund----Old Timers vs Alzheimers
Guys, Kathys Fund remains up and running. This battle against Alzheimers goes on
and so does the amazing generosity of the Old Timers. At the June dinner, we
collected $126 in cash, our donations totaling $2033 just since we started this
campaign last August. Each and every dollar we send off to the Alzheimers
Association will make a difference. To all you contributors, the Alzheimers
Association sends its appreciation.
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 well add you to the list.
Important Dates Department
SPECIAL NOTE---July 11, 2017---This is the annual Lunch Day for Kids, Grandkids,
Nieces, Nephews etc. at 12:00 Noon at the Irish Cultural Center. The menu will
include Hot Dogs, Beans and Corn on the Cob. The Kids will be hosted by the
SFBOTA, unless the kid you bring is old enough to legally drink at the bar! Its always
a special day to have the Youngsters with us. We get some GREAT photos of members
and their spectacular Little Ones. And a reminder to the SFBOTA Officers and
Directors---our usual monthly meeting starts at 10:00 AM.
July 19, 2017---The monthly Marino Pieretti Group lunch will take place at the South
San Francisco Elks Lodge, with adult beverages being dispensed at 11:00 and a fine
lunch served at 12:00. A G-Rated sock puppet show might be put on by Emil
Ruggiero during the meal, and the puppets just might call out the raffle ticket
numbers after lunch.
August 8, 2017---our monthly dinner at the Irish Cultural Center will feature a
chicken dinner, with Happy Hour starting a 6:00 PM and dinner being served at 7:00.
The usual Directors Meeting will start at 5:00.
August 16, 2017---The monthly Marino Pieretti lunch will move to Dominics at
Oyster Point, with a Meditation Hour (aka Cocktails) beginning at 11:00 and a fine
meal being served at Noon.
We Need a Recruitment Drive
Honorable Fellow Old Timers, you all know the stark fact that we aint getting any
younger! We need to make a concerted effort to bring in some new members so that
we can keep the traditions of our great organization alive and running for many,
many years to come. 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. Lets make sure this doesnt happen on our watch!!

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 Golf News
The next event will be on Monday, July 17, 2017 at Skywest Golf Course in Hayward,
beginning at 9:00 AM. This is one of the new venues added by Golf Commissioner
Rich Ford, and its a pretty good choice. Rich does a lot of work and research to put
together all of the golf outings each year, and we all owe him a real debt of gratitude
for his herculean efforts.
And here are the Closest to the Hole results from the June 2 outing at Oakmont:
5th Hole---Forward Tees (1) Leo Martinez (no distance listed) (2) Nobody
Back Tees (1) Nobody (2) Surprise!! Nobody
8th Hole---Forward Tees (1) Bill Angel 7-7 (2) Paul Giambra 14-0
Back Tees (1) Sandy Obertello 15-5 (2) Paul Varni 22-7
13th Hole---Forward Tees (1) Paul Giambra 5-3 (2) Leo Martinez 17-1
Back Tees (1) Dean Asimos 23-2 (2) Nobody
16th Hole---Forward Tees (1) Hank Barron 9-6 (2) Nobody
Back Tees (1) Roger Strack 13-8 (2) Larry Tomsic 15-3
And live and direct from the June 19 sojourn to Monarch Bay:
4th Hole---Forward Tees (1) Bill Jones 36-2 (2) Leo Martinez 59-2
Back Tees (1) Dan Merolla 22-0 (2) Vic Cipparrone Jr. 34-2
7th Hole---Forward Tees (1) Nobody (2) Same guy--- Nobody
Back Tees (1) Paul Grossman 26-7 (2) Vic Cipparrone Jr 34-2
10th Hole---Forward Tees (1) Nick Cannuli 4-0 (2) Jim Hodges 15-6
Back Tees (1) Bob Ford 10-2 (2) Nobody (him again?)
17th Hole---Forward Tees (1) Pat Dianda 13-2 (2) Ed Bagnani 31-2
Back Tees (1) Steve Kavanaugh 42-4 (2) Nobody (tired of this guy!)
Scramble Results (1) at 65: Leo Martinez/Nick Poppin/Paul Navarro/Nick Cannuli
(2) at 67: Bob Fife/Joe Matranga/Vic Cipparrone/Morrison
(3) at 67: Rich Ford/Bob Ford/Lou Landini/ that Nobody guy

Words of Wisdom
Money cant buy you happinessBut it does bring you a more pleasant form of
misery! Spike Milligan

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 In Memoriam
With the deepest sadness, we must report that long-time and venerated Brother Old
Timer Hal Fox has passed away. Hal was an outstanding man and a tremendous
representative of the SFBOTA. Hals passing leaves an unfillable void in the hearts of
so many. Hals Family will publish a notice in the newspapers of a Memorial Service
in his honor in the latter part of July. The SFBOTA asks God to grant eternal
blessings to Hal, and to provide comfort in this time of sorrow to Hals Family.
On the Mend
It always makes your news staff very unhappy to report Members who are on the DL
each month. This months list: Tony Boyadzis, Bob Martinez, Charlie Silvera,
Clarence Grider, Don Collopy, Jerry Big Sully Sullivan, Gerry DeRyan and Larry
Nissim. New additions to the DL are Lou DeSalvatore and recent Past President Len
Grilli. Lets get all these guys back on the field.
We have received the bad news that Director Bill Angel is now battling a serious
illness. Bill and I are old teammates and I know how tough a guy and competitor
Billy is. He will battle hard. My money is on him.
Continuing on this list is Jim Dowd, who continues 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.
Past President Pete Dalton, who sustained a serious injury in a fall on his way to
Southern California, is recovering at home and his lovely and delightful wife
Rosemary has confirmed he is doing well. Get well, Pete, and we all hope to see you
and Rosemary soon!
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 appreciates the devoted support of the SFBOTA.
You Know Youre an Old Timer When
---the end of your necktie doesnt come anywhere near to top of your pants.
---your childhood toys are now in a museum.
---you confuse having a clear conscience with having a bad memory.
---you frequently find yourself telling people what a loaf of bread USED to cost.

Bobbie Mitchell Scores Again

Our friend Bob goes to his doctor for a routine physical, and the doc asks Do you
smoke? Yep, I do says Bob. Do you drink alcohol? asks the doc. Hell, Yes!!
answers Bob. Do you eat chocolate? inquires the doc. Sure do, lots of it! replies
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Bob. The doctor then pulls out 3 mason jars. One has tobacco in it, and a dead
worm. The next one has whiskey in it, and a dead worm. The third jar has chocolate
syrup in it, and a dead worm. The doc then asks Bob, Do you see what happened to
these worms? What lesson do you take from this?
Bob blurts out, Hells Fire, Doc! I just learned that if you smoke, drink and eat a lot
of chocolate, you wont get worms! Thanks, Doc! The next day, the doctor took a
job as a greeter at Wal-Mart.
A Special Note from Don and Connie Benedetti---Continued
Don and Connie have a fine young grandson in Whaylen Price, who is following in the
Benedetti Family tradition of baseball and is an assistant coach at Mission College in
Santa Clara. Coach Price also manages a summer collegiate league team, the Palo
Alto Oaks, and the quality of play in that league is very good. Anyone interested in
taking in some games can see the Oaks play as indicated:
7/9/17, double header at Noon and 3:00 PM at Gunn High School in Palo Alto
7/13/17, single game at 5:00 PM at Gunn HS in Palo Alto
7/15/17, double header at 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM at Baylands Park in Palo alto
7/17/17, BACL All-Star Game at 7:00 PM at Baylands Park in Palo Alto
7/20/17, single game at 7:00 PM at Baylands Park in Palo Alto
7/22/17, double header at 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM at Baylands Park in Palo Alto
7/24/17, single game at 6:00 PM at College of Alameda in Alameda.
7/27/17, playoff game (teams to be determined) 7:00 PM at Baylands Park, Palo Alto
7/28/17, championship game (teams TBD) 4:00 PM at Baylands Park, Palo Alto
Rogues Gallery

A recent photo of a great Old Timer Hall of Fame Old Timer Hal Fox,
who left us way too soon, the who also parted from us well
irreplaceable Gene Caputo before his time

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 A Special Treat for us from Brother Old Timer Tony Boyadzis
The Five San Francisco Giants who have been enshrined in the Baseball Hall of Fame,
pictured here with legendary Giants Clubhouse Manager Mike Murphy.

Top Row: (L) Juan Marichal (R) Orlando Cepeda

Bottom Row: (L) Willie McCovey (C) Willie Mays (R) Gaylord Perry

And to think we all got to see these outstanding men play the game of baseball!

2017 Student Athlete Scholarship Winner Jennifer Jimenez of

Lincoln High School (top row in striped blouse) with her family and
coach at the June Old Timers Dinner. Jennifer is not only a
phenomenal ballplayer, she is great young woman and a credit to
6 her Family and to Lincoln High School. Congratulations, Jennifer!!
 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 REALTY

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

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, 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, Eddie Gutierrez, Joe Blea, Steve Riordan and the late Terry Roach

July Trivia Questions

June Trivia Answers
1) Who holds the Major League record for Grand Slams by a
!) Most RBIs in one game? catcher, and how many did he hit?
12, by Jim Bottomley (1924) and 2) Who holds the single-season record for lead-off
Mark Whiten (1993) homeruns? How many? For what team? In what year?
2) 7 HRs in his first 6 games in
the Big Leagues? SS Trevor Story
of the Colorado Rockies.
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SS