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SAN FRANCISCO BASEBALL

OLD TIMERS ASSOCIATION


(Established 1941)

FROM THE DUGOUT


October 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
The first thing your editorial staff needs to do in this edition is to extend a heartfelt
apology to our newest member, Mr. Pat Cremin. In the September issue, Pats picture
was included in the Rogues Gallery Section, but we neglected to include Pats last
name. For this significant omission, we have been red-faced since the official scorer
put the error on the scoreboard. Pat, we are truly sorry.
And as of this writing, the San Francisco Giants have finally concluded a horrible
2017 season. The last game of the year was a walk-off win coming on a Pablo
Sandoval home run with one out and the bases empty in the bottom of the ninth to
break a 4-4 tie and send the Giants into the off-season on a positive note, which sure
beats the snot out of losing the finale.
Our good friend and outstanding sports writer Bruce Jenkins recently wrote a
brilliant piece in the Chronicle in which he summarized the Giants shortcomings and
what the club will have to do in order to regain its status as a yearly post-season
contender and potential World Series champion. Its a lengthy list, and includes
fixing a bad bullpen, getting some serious power into the line-up, plugging some holes
in the starting rotation, and patching up some gaps at 3rd base and in the outfield.
Its doable, but does the Giants ownership have the will to open the spigots on the
teams money flow to pay for the help that is sorely needed? This massive repair job
wont be easy and it certainly cant be done cheaply.
This will be a very interesting off-season. Lets pay attention to the Winter Meetings,
and who declares as free agents. This should keep us on edge until that magical time

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in February when Pitchers and Catchers report. Until then, on the advice of The
Most Interesting Man in the World, Stay Thirsty, My Friends!

Kathys Fund----Old Timers vs Alzheimers


Guys, Kathys Fund remains in full force. This battle against Alzheimers goes on and
so does the amazing generosity of the Old Timers. At the September dinner, we
collected $128 in cash. This brings our donations to $2438 just since we started this
campaign in August 2016. 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. 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 Alzheimers.
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 e-mail distribution list.
Important Dates Department
October 10, 2017---the monthly dinner at the Irish Cultural Center will feature Pasta
with Meat Sauce, and a special treat, our Annual Raffle Drawing! Spouses and other
Guests are encouraged to attend at $20 per person, with members at the usual $5.
Please see the enclosed flyer for instructions. As usual, cocktails will begin at 6:00
and dinner at 7:00. The Board of Directors will have their usual fistfight at 5:00.
***A Special Note from President Bob Fife---Normally the election process for the next
years club officials begins with the October Meeting and ends at the November
Meeting. However, because the October Meeting will feature the yearly raffle
drawing, this years selection of officials will take place during the November and
December Meetings instead.
October 18, 2017---the Marino Pieretti group lunch will be held at the South SF Elks
Club, with oil changes at 11:00 AM and lunch at 12:00 Noon.
November 14, 2017---the monthly dinner at the Irish Cultural Center will be a Turkey
Bonanza. As previously stated in the aforementioned Special Note from our
President, this meeting will be the first of two involving elections of club officials. Be
there! Have a say! Festivities start with adult liquidity at 6:00 and dinner at 7:00.
November 22, 2017---the Marino Pieretti group and Dave Longa Ballet Troupe lunch
will be held at Dominics at Oyster Point Yacht Club, beginning at 11:00 AM with a
lecture on The Intellectual Benefits of The Martini by Emil Ruggiero and his group
of sock puppets, followed by a fine meal at 12:00.

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Special Events Notes
October 19, 2017---Another Pieretti Group adventure is in the works. This is a day
trip to Thunder Valley Casino, and if you want a great time with great people, call
Blackjack Dave Longa at 650-244-9741 for all the scoop.
November 8, 2017---Dante Benedetti Baseball Benefit Dinner, honoring William Bill
Difu and Rich Ford. This fantastic annual event will take place at the South SF Elks
Club, with No Host Cocktails starting at 5:30 PM and dinner at 7:00. A flier is
attached to this newsletter, and it is suggested that you get your entry form in to
Dave Longa as seating is limited and this is a very popular event.
We Need a Recruitment Drive---Repeat Announcement
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!!
Golf News
For the September 11 event at San Jose Muni, here are the closest-to-the-hole
results:
4th Hole---Forward Tees (1) Ken Mooney 10-7 (2) Cliff Righetti 16-11
Back Tees (1) Nobody (2) Surprise!! Nobody
7th Hole---Forward Tees (1) Ken Mooney 11-10 (2) Jack Scramaglia 22-3
Back Tees (1) Rich Huddleston 27-8 (2) The Famous Mr. Nobody
12th Hole---Forward Tees (1) Jim Reed 16-1 (2) Roger Strack 16-11
Back Tees (1) Rich Ford 20-2 (2) Nobody Again!
17th Hole---Forward Tees (1) Ron Lerohl 18-9 (2) Gary Bader 20-6
Back Tees (1) Rich Hagemann 16-8 (2) And the other Mr. Nobody!
And for the September 25 Battle by the Bay at Peacock Gap, here is the list of
sharpshooters:
3rd Hole---Forward Tees (1) Ron Restani 0-4 (2) Gary Bader 5-2
Back Tees (1) Bob Ford 16-0 (2) Mr. Nobody
6th Hole---Forward Tees (1) Chris McBain 3-10 (2) Roger Strack 3-11
Back Tees (1) Dan Merolla 3-1 (2) Paul Navarro 15-3

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10th Hole---Forward Tees (1) Leo Martinez 2-10 (2) Woody Woodall 6-11
Back Tees (1) Dan Merolla 5-0 (2) Ron Lerohl 6-11
13th Hole---Forward Tees (1) Hank Barron 33-3 (2) Mr. Nobody
Back Tees (1) Rich Ford 5-7 (2) Don Belli 11-1
16th Hole---Forward Tees (1) Roger Strack 4-6 (2) Ron Kelly 7-1
Back Tees (1) Ron Lim 10-9 (2) Dan Merolla 36-0
The next event will be on October 16 at Sunnyvale.

Words of Wisdom
We could certainly slow the aging process down if it had to work its way through
Congress. Will Rogers

In Memoriam
It is with great sadness that we report the passing of revered Old Timers Frank Cic
Williams and Gene Cross, as well as former Old Timer Tony Rey. Also noted by Past
President Leo Martinez, long-time Stanford athletics announcer Bob Murphy, a friend
to many Old Timers has also passed on. And last, we have received word from fellow
Old Timer John Ward of the death of Tom Teshara at age 89. Tom gave tirelessly of
himself to the game of baseball in San Francisco.
All of these wonderful gentlemen will be missed by all. May they rest in peace, and
may God bless and comfort their Families in their sorrow.
On the Mend
It always makes your news staff very unhappy to report Members who are on the DL
each month. This months list: Bob Martinez, Charlie Silvera, Clarence Grider, Don
Collopy, Jerry Big Sully Sullivan, Gerry DeRyan, Larry Nissim, Lou DeSalvatore and
long-time Old Timer Bill McCullough. Lets get all these guys back on the field. A
recent addition to this list is our Brother Old Timer Gene Hartje, and we hope he is
cleared for a return to the starting line-up soon!
Director Bill Angel is still battling a serious illness, and 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 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.

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You Know Youre an Old Timer When
---you constantly talk about the price of gasoline.
---the little grey-haired lady you help across the street is your wife.
---you look for your glasses for half an hour, then find them on top of your head.
---you actually like the Weather Channel on cable TV.

More on Bobbie Mitchell


Now here is another fact about Bobbie Mitchell that you didnt know, and that is that
he was a famous and accomplished portrait artist! And one day he was at his studio
when a very beautiful and obviously extremely wealthy woman knocked on the door.
Bobbie answered the knock and this woman said I will pay you $50,000 if you will
paint me in the nude. And can you do this in one weeks time? Bobbie replied, Let
me check my calendar. Wait here, please.
The beautiful woman waited, and after a few minutes, Bobbie came back and said Ill
do it, but would you mind if I at least keep my socks on?
We Always Need Some More Laughs
---Why should Old Timers always use Valet Parking? Because valets dont forget where
they parked your car.
---What is the most common remark made by Old Timers when their wives take them
to antique stores? Hey Honey, I remember this stuff!
Rogues Gallery

I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to


the Republic for which it stands, one Nation, under God, Indivisible,
with Liberty and Justice for all
At all Old Timers functions, it is a genuine privilege to stand with our
membership as we honor our Country and our Flag. Yes, from the
oldest to the youngest members, we stand. The Old Timers will never
5 take a knee when it comes to respect for the United States.
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

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TOM CREEDIN, SCOMAS RESTAURANT
Pier 47, Fishermans 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

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, the Late Legendary John McCarthy, Pete Nielsen, Larry Nissim, Jim
Poppin, Fred Quinn, Ray Waruman, 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

ALUMNI OF MISSION HIGH SCHOOL


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

September Trivia Answers October Trivia Questions


!) Baseballs used in a game? The 1) Who is the only Yankee to win
average is 100 Rookie of the Year and Most
2) Most consecutive saves? Eric Valuable Player?
Gagne, LA Dodgers, 84 straight 2) Who holds the record for most
stolen bases in a season, how
7 many and what year?

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