SAN FRANCISCO BASEBALL

OLD TIMERS ASSOCIATION

(Established 1941)

“FROM THE DUGOUT”

August 2020 Edition
_______________________________
Officers Directors

Joe Marino, President Bill DeMattei Nick Poppin

Bill Angel, Vice-President Cliff Righetti Bob Fife

Mike Koppel, Secretary Dave Longa Grant Becker

Paul Varni, Treasurer Gene Hartje Jim McCoy

Bob Mitchell, Sgt. at Arms Paul Giambra Tony Marotto

Gary Bader, Membership Chair Mark Shustoff Jon Hanlon

Leo Martinez, Goodwill Chair

Rich Ford, Golf Commissioner Fashion Consultant

Jim Jarvis, Immediate Past President Ken Mooney

Lou Landini, Newsletter Editor

An Opening Prayer from the Heart of Leo Martinez

“Heavenly Father, we pray to thank you, Lord, for your blessings on all of our Old
Timers members, their families, friends and neighbors, first responders, faithful
leadership, and all our brothers and sisters, during this terrible pandemic. Until we
Old Timers can finally meet again in brotherhood, we ask you, O Lord, to hold all of
us and our families in the palms of your hands and close to your Heart. We pray this
in your Name, Amen.”
The Officers and Directors Meeting of July 8, 2020
Well, your news staff once again is sorry to report that the corona virus continues to
impact the Old Timers operations in a negative way. At the July 8 Board Meeting,
Chuck Gust, the owner of Nick’s Seashore Restaurant addressed the Officers and
Directors in attendance and informed the group that no information has been
received to date as to the return to a normal schedule. Chuck said that Nick’s will
likely be limited to 50% occupancy in any one room of the restaurant, which means
that the banquet room where we hold our meetings and dinners will only be allowed
to accommodate 50 guests. Chuck further indicated that Nick’s is planning on being
closed on Tuesdays for the foreseeable future, and he has suggested that when Old
Timers dinner meetings resume, they would be scheduled for Wednesday evenings.
1
This scheduling would likely be revisited in January 2021 to determine if we could
resume our normal Tuesdays. Should monthly dinners resume, albeit with reduced
seating, the Board is considering several options to provide the membership with
equitable access to these events. Discussions included the development of a call-in
reservation system and the possibility of two separate Wednesday dates each month
to allow around 100 members to participate each month.
We have seen news reports of the loosening of restrictions on restaurants recently,
but just as this has been happening, California and other states have experienced a
sudden and frightening surge in new COVID-19 infection cases, which has resulted in
the resumption of strict measures pertaining to the closing of restaurants and other
businesses. We can expect that these ups and downs will continue for a long time
because of the unpredictability of the disease and the time and effort it takes to
develop effective vaccines. Bottom line: we have no effective starting date for the
resumption of normal OT activities to report at this time. Dang!!!
Editor’s Column
Last month we looked at the preparation that community college baseball teams
undergo during the Fall as a prelude to the start of actual competition in the Spring.
So what happens when the players return to school in January? Teams usually begin
their workouts about a week to ten days before the start of classes. These practices
are most often double-sessions, with morning and afternoon workouts. Many teams
also feature a “Hell Week” of sorts right off the bat, wherein players report at 6:00
AM for conditioning consisting of stretching, calisthenics, running and more running.
This usually lasts for a full week, and the coaches can tell who kept up on their
conditioning during the Christmas break. Once the practice sessions start, all the
drills from the Fall are re-introduced but at much greater speed and intensity. The
coaches install the various systems of signs that will be used during the season,
including signs for the offense, for bunt coverages, for pick-offs, for calling pitches
from the bench to the catcher, and from the catcher to the pitcher. (In a subsequent
edition we’ll talk about new methods used to call pitches and plays, many of which
involve the use of number systems.) Then there is extensive batting practice,
fielding drills, inside-game work, cuts and relays, pop-up priority work, situational
awareness, and bullpen work and conditioning for the pitching staff.
There will be intrasquad games in which players are competing for jobs, with players
showcasing their skills and willingness and ability to compete with intensity. A
player may be pitching to or hitting against a buddy or roommate, but if you’re
competing for a starting job, it can get tense. As the target date for the first game
arrives and the Opening Day line-up is set, the competition doesn’t stop. As teams
move through the first 15 or so games, which are non-conference, coaches are still
evaluating their players, and new and better combinations are sought. Jobs are won
and lost throughout the season. There are no participation trophies at this level.
Coaches want to win, and the hottest players play. The remaining players hope for a
chance to get in, get hot and keep a job if the opportunity pops up.
Next month we’ll talk about the intricacies of a season. Stay tuned.

2
 New Pisa Alumni Society Update
To get your name listed in this ultra-exclusive group and provide financial support for
youth baseball in SF, please send $10 for each name you want included (checks
payable to the SF Baseball Old Timers Association) to your editor, Lou Landini, at 208
Forest Park Drive, Pacifica CA 94044. Dante Benedetti is smiling down on this group
for keeping his long history of generosity and commitment to Kids’ Baseball alive. We
are sitting at $1195 collected, and at an upcoming Board Meeting, we will vote on
proposals to donate this money.
Kathy’s Fund Update
Despite the fact that we haven’t been able to have our monthly dinners, should
anyone like to contribute to Kathy’s Fund during this lull period, please do so by
making a check out to SF BASEBALL OLD TIMERS, and indicate on the memo line
“For Kathy’s Fund” and mail it to LOU LANDINI, 208 FOREST PARK DRIVE,
PACIFICA, CALIF 94044. Thanks to the extreme generosity of Jim Deignan and Mr.
Anonymous, our treasurer Paul Varni will be able to cut a check for $200 to the
Alzheimers folks for donations sent in during July. We all keep hoping that one day,
the Alzheimer’s Association will put out the earthshaking announcement that a cure
has been developed. So, when we convene the next time, whenever that is, let’s keep
the donations coming so we can achieve that cure we all so badly want to see.
Important Dates Department
***PLEASE NOTE: BECAUSE OF THE CORONAVIRUS SITUATION, THE FOLLOWING
EVENTS HAVE ALREADY BEEN OR MAY BE CANCELLED UPON THE ORDER OF
LOCAL PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICIALS. SHOULD THAT OCCUR, WE WILL DO OUR BEST
TO PROVIDE YOU WITH PROMPT NOTIFICATION.

Wednesday, August 12, 2020 (Yes, you read it right, it is now Wednesday)---the
monthly dinner is VERY TENTATIVELY scheduled for Nick’s at 6:30 PM. Should some
very lucky twist happen and we can meet, we’ll let you know. Don’t bet on it, though.
Wednesday, August 19, 2020---the Marino Pieretti Lunch is VERY TENTATIVELY set
for Dominic’s at Oyster Point. If there is a location change, or if there is a
cancellation, Dave Longa will let you know.
Wednesday, September 9. 2020---the monthly dinner is VERY TENTATIVELY
scheduled for Nick’s at 6:30 PM. This would be preceded by the Board of Director’s
meeting at 5:00 PM. Hope springs eternal, and we will keep you informed one way or
the other. DO NOT BET MONEY ON THERE BEING A DINNER.
Wednesday, September 16, 2020---the Marino Pieretti group lunch is also set VERY
TENTATIVELY for Nick’s at 12:00 Noon, but there might be a venue change if in fact
a lunch can be held. Pieretti Chief Dave Longa will let everybody know if there is
going to be an event, and where and at what time to gather.
THE DAY ON THE BAY Cruise---Admiral Dave Longa has not ruled out this very
popular event, but as of this writing, no date has been established. You will be
notified if and when the Armada is going to set sail.
3
 On the Mend
This just in---Gary Hughes has been sidelined with a significant illness and we wish
him a speedy and full recovery, as well as for all of the following Old Timers.
Pete and Rosemary Dalton Connie Benedetti Nick Cannuli Pat Ward Len Grilli
Tony Boyadzis Don Collopy Bill McCullough Virginia Simon Chuck Garcia
Jim Perry Ralph Burns Bob Mitchell John Ward

You Know You’re An Old Timer When

---you learned how to drive a car with a 3-speed standard transmission.
---air conditioning meant driving with all the windows and vents wide open.
---the tires on your car had inner tubes.
---your car had separate keys for the ignition and the trunk.

Bobbie Mitchell---The Doctor

In last month’s edition, we informed you of the little-known fact that Bobbie
Mitchell, before giving up his career to become a male escort to very rich women, was
a very prominent doctor. That road was starting to get a little bumpy however, and
here is an example. One day a man came to see Dr. Bob, and he complained of
various aches, pains, digestive issues and neurological discomfort. Dr. Bob gave him
a comprehensive examination, replete with tests and x-rays, blood and urine samples,
and even an EKG and a hearing test. At the conclusion of this exam, the patient
asked Dr. Bob “What is wrong with me?” And Dr. Bob said “Absolutely nothing is
wrong with you. You are very healthy.” The man, believing he was ill, demanded
more tests. So Dr. Bob left the room and came back with a Labrador retriever and a
Siamese cat. The dog sniffed the patient and wagged his tail, and the cat sat on his
lap for about three minutes, meowed once and jumped down. Dr. Bob said, “My
diagnosis is confirmed. You’re fine.” The patient said “What about the extra
procedures I want?” And Dr. Bob said “I just gave you a Lab Test and a CAT scan.”
Golf Report
In an unusual twist in an already unusual year, the planned July outing at Skywest
got cancelled because the City of Hayward closed the course to “re-purpose” the land.
Golf Commissioner Rich Ford was left scratching his head over that one! So next up
on the rota is Metropolitan Golf Links in Oakland on Monday, August 17.
Words of Wisdom
“The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the
realist adjusts the sails.”---William Arthur Ward
“Politicians should wear Sponsor Jackets like NASCAR drivers; then we will know who
owns them.”---the late Robin Williams
4
 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

LOREN A. KERTZ, CHARLES SCHWAB CO.

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

ROBIN GRIDER

2020 OLD TIMERS PRESIDENT 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

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

THOMAS J. BRANDI, THE BRANDI LAW FIRM

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

JAR OF GOLD DAVE LONGA

Jim Jarvis, Bill Difu and the late Ernie Golding The Friends of Marino Pieretti Group

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

ALUMNI OF BALBOA HIGH SCHOOL

Emily Powell (Everybody’s Sweetheart), 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 Strazullo, 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, the late and
venerable Victor “Bud” Williams

5
 DANIEL DUGGAN, DUGGAN’S SERRA MORTUARY
500 Westlake Av., Daly City, Calif. 94014 650-756-4500 dan@duggansserra.com

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

WILLIAM DeMATTEI
Retired San Francisco Firefighter

THE DEIGNAN FAMILY

ALUMNI OF MISSION HIGH SCHOOL

Fellow Old Timer Eddie Gutierrez, the late Joe Blea

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

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

RODRIGUEZ STRAWBERRY STAND

12625 Saratoga Avenue, Saratoga, California
Doug Rodrigues, Brandon Gomez, Old Timer Ron Castro

OLD TIMER PAUL NAVARRO, LUCETTI’S RESTAURANT

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

NEW PISA ALUMNI SOCIETY (2020 TEAM MEMBERS)

The Late and Legendary Frank Strazzulo, Rich Ford, Jim Jarvis, Leo Martinez, Roldan and Frances
Vigil, Bill Angel and Family, Judy and Lou Landini, Mike and Denise Koppel, Bill Kirkpatrick, Emily
Powell, Joe Gualco, Tad and Barbara Tassone, Donald and Penny Basso, in Memory of Mike Dunne, in
Memory of Larry Lawson, Bob and Arlene Fife, Tony Rodriguez, Bob and Nancy Crosat, Gene and Diane
Hartje, Rudy Bertolozzi, Frank Ruggiero, The Honorable Judge Quentin Kopp, Joan and Ed Paulus Sr.,
David Paulus, Ed Paulus, Jr., Bob Mitchell, Connie and Donald Benedetti, Mark Benedetti, Sharon
Benedetti, Phil Benedetti, in Memory of the great former Newsletter Editor John McCarthy, Beverly
McCarthy, Bill Collins, Alan and Annealisa Dworkin, Patrick Sullivan, Renee Courpet, Roger Ferrari,
Rich Murphy, Ken Mooney, Roger Strack, Jere Driscoll, A Special Tribute to Mike Dunne from Bob and
Nancy Crosat, Gary Bader, Clarence Press, Stephen Driscoll, Nick Shihadeh, John and Dotti
LeTourneau, Jack Scramaglia, Larry Nissim, Jim and Ana Regan, James McCoy, Dan Merolla, Bill Difu,
Robert Lopez, Steve Callahan, Jim Deignan, Dominic Cannuli, Paul Giambra, Nick and Mieko Poppin,
Bob Devincenzi

The July 2020 Jim Perry Nutbuster The August 2020 Jim Perry Trivia Nutbuster

The guy with the most sacrifice bunts in a
season? Ray Chapman in 1917 with Cleveland
had 67! You have MLB teams now who don’t
have that many! And Ray was unfortunately
killed by being struck in the head by a pitch a
few years later. (And our OT Trivia Expert,
Michael Simon, had the answer instantly!)
The 1994 Major League Baseball abruptly and
prematurely ended with a players’ strike.
Which team had the best record on that
fateful day when the season halted? And
what was that team’s record.
A) Yankees B) Expos C) Cardinals D) Braves

6
 Jim Jarvis
2019 President of the Old Timers
And
2020 Recipient of the Good Guy Award

If anyone truly ever deserved this award, it is Jim Jarvis

because he is a genuine “Good Guy.” He does so much for the
Old Timers behind the scenes, but never calls attention to
himself or seeks praise or adulation. Need a ride to a
meeting? Jim is there. Sick or infirm and need help? Jim is
there. Guys like this are hard to find, and the San Francisco
Baseball Association is so lucky to have him as one of us.
Thanks, Jim, for who you are and what you do!