SAN FRANCISCO BASEBALL

OLD TIMERS ASSOCIATION

(Established 1941)

“FROM THE DUGOUT”

November 2022 Edition
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Officers Directors

Bill Angel, President Nick Poppin Jim Jarvis

Paul Varni, Vice-President Cliff Righetti Bob Fife

Donald Basso, Secretary Reggie Smith Grant Becker

Paul Giambra, Treasurer Dan Angel Jim McCoy

Bob Mitchell, Sgt. at Arm Mike Koppel Tony Marotto, Sr.

Gary Bader, Membership Chair Mark Shustoff Joe Lavin

Leo Martinez, Goodwill Chair Nick Shihadeh (alternate)

Rich Ford, Golf Commissioner Fashion Consultant

Joe Marino, Immediate Past President Ken Mooney

Lou Landini, Newsletter Editor

Leo’s Words of Wisdom and Inspiration

In those moments when you disagree with someone, take another moment to see the
humanity in the person with whom you disagree.
In order for love to be real, it must be shared. It is nice to be important, but it’s
much more important to be nice.
A Tribute to Our Veterans of Military Service
November 11 is Veterans Day in the United States, and the Old Timers has been well
represented by a great many veterans in our ranks. They served with distinction in
World War II, the Korean War, the Viet Nam War and the many conflicts in the Middle
East. The Old Timers had the honor of having two Bronze Star winners in our
membership, the late Bill Magidson and the late Billy Difu, who were awarded these
medals for extreme bravery while under enemy fire in WWII. The United States is the
free country it is because of the service rendered by each of our military veterans,
who put their lives on hold during their tenure in our Armed Forces and made a great
many sacrifices that contributed to the safety and security of our Nation. The Old
Timers join together to express to each of our Veterans our deepest gratitude for the
service you gave in defense of the Land and Liberty, the United States of America.

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 A Repeat of An Important Announcement
Your current editorial staff will be retiring from the duties of producing this monthly
newsletter after the December 2022 Edition has been distributed. Brother Old Timer
Nick Shihadeh, a brilliant sports writer and humorist, will take the reins starting with
the January 2023 edition. Nick and your present editor are collaborating to make the
transition as seamless as possible. During the transition, give Nick your full support
and maybe even ask if there is anything you might be able to do to make this job a
little easier.
COVID-19 Update
The evil pathogen known as COVID-19 is now in its third year of notoriety. The
medical and scientific professions have done a great job in developing treatments for
those who have been infected and in coming up with vaccines to prevent infections.
But there remains a whirlwind of controversy in the scientific community as to the
efficacy and safety of these vaccines, especially as they relate to various age groups.
Your editorial staff has been consistent from the get-go in its advice to our Brethren
in the Old Timers on how to deal with COVID-19, and that is: Consult with a
Physician, preferably one under whose care you have been for a while and who knows
the BIG PICTURE of your health status so that the safest and best medical advice for
YOU can be rendered. Stay Healthy---That’s an Order!!
Important Dates Department
Wednesday, November 9, at Sharp Park GC Restaurant, the Annual Dante Benedetti
Awards Luncheon, with this year’s Honorees being Jim Jarvis and John Ward, two
wonderful guys who are richly deserving of this prestigious honor. Cocktails and
choir practice will begin at 11:00 AM and a fine lunch will follow at Noon. This event
fills up real fast so call Dave Longa, Pieretti Group Chieftain, at 650-392-4382 to see
if he has any spots available.
Thursday, November 10, at Nick’s Restaurant in Pacifica, the Monthly Dinner and
Whistling Recital will take place. Cocktails begin at 5:00 PM and dinner will start
promptly at 6:00. The Officers and Board of Directors meeting will commence at
4:30 PM. Remember, you don’t have to call in to reserve a spot, but if you are
planning on bringing as guests a sizeable bunch of relatives from Rotten Eggs, New
Jersey, then common sense would dictate that you let the Old Timers officers know.
Wednesday, November 16. the Monthly Marino Pieretti Lunch and Kazoo Concerto
will gather at 11:00 AM at Sharp Park GC Restaurant in Pacifica for Firewater and
lunch at 12:00 Noon. And we repeat a special request from Dave Longa---if you are a
REGULAR guest at these great gatherings, but find yourself UNABLE to attend, call
Dave in advance (Phone: 650-392-4382) so he can adjust the head count with the
food service staff so we don’t have to pay for meals prepared but not eaten.
New Pisa Alumni Society Status Report
We have picked up a whole new squad of New Pisa Alumni for 2022. So to be listed as
an NPA, please send in a check payable to the SF BASEBALL OLD TIMERS, for $10

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per name you want listed, and mail it to LOU LANDINI, 208 FOREST PARK DR.,
PACIFICA, CA 94044. This is a great way to perpetuate the legendary generosity of
the Benedetti Family. Once again, we are asking Old Timers to come up with
suggested groups of kids who could use a few bucks to support their baseball
activities. We truly appreciate all of you who have contributed to this fun charity,
and we want to give you a say in where the money can best be spent!
Remember the days of our youth? What kept us occupied and out of the doghouse?
Baseball!! So let’s help today’s kids put down their cell phones and pick up bats! And
your Board of Directors has approved a donation of $500 of New Pisa Alumni funds to
the Mike Norris Baseball Academy, which is run by Brother Old timer and former
Major League Pitcher Mike Norris. Mike’s Academy is devoted to the introduction of
underprivileged kids to the great game of baseball, and to encouraging academic
achievement. (By the way, your editor was 0 for 4 against Mike---that’s 0 for 4 years!)
Kathy’s Fund Update—Our Battle Against Alzheimer’s Disease Continues
If you can’t come to a monthly dinner, you can still donate to Kathy’s Fund 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. If anyone in the Old Timers is seeking information about or
assistance with a problem concerning Alzheimer’s disease, your news staff can
provide you with contact information within the Alzheimer’s Association. Rest
assured, confidentiality will be maintained.
In Memoriam
We must sadly report the passings of Brother Old Timers George Schnapp, Eddie
Gutierrez and Carl Asaro; Virginia Simon (the beloved mother of Brother Old Timer
Michael Simon); and Cindy Garabedian (the manager of Nick’s Restaurant who was
instrumental to the success of the many events we have had at Nick’s). May God
receive into His Hands the souls of George, Eddie, Carl, Virginia and Cindy, and give
them Eternal Peace and grant solace to their Families.
On the Mend
Ken “Longball” Mooney, “Pajama Jim” Jarvis, Ann Righetti, Grant Becker, Gene &
Diane Hartje, Bill & Hallie Angel, Ray McDonald, Pete Dalton, Nick Cannuli, Len Grilli,
Don & Paula Collopy, Chuck Garcia, Bill McCullough, Jim Mullan, Kris Longa, and
John Ward (who has had a rough go in his recovery from a serious leg injury). Y’all
are in our prayers and under orders to keep getting better!

Hey!! We’ve Got Some New Members to Meet and Greet!

Let’s give a hearty Welcome Aboard to these new members who are willing to risk
their reputations and standing in the community by joining our ranks:
John Lee and Dennis Carlin

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 You Know You’re An Old Timer When
---you played baseball games wearing Big Bens and a jersey out of Dante’s trunk..
---you were a catcher and never had your own set of catcher’s gear.
---you earned money after 49’ers games at Kezar by collecting seat cushions.
---you know who Al Corona was.

How about a Fun Day of City College of San Francisco Football

Brother Old Timer Gary Bader has aet up a GREAT outing for the Old Timers!
Saturday, November 5, 12:00 Noon, it’s Old Timers Day at the City College of San
Francisco football game! For just $25 you will get a box lunch and a ticket to that
day’s game vs. Chabot College. CCSF is a perennial JC Football Powerhouse and you
will not be disappointed in the quality of this team! Send your check made out to
Gary Bader and mail it to him at 7 Meadowbrook Drive, SF, CA 94132. Go RAMS!!
Bobbie Mitchell, Mr. Smooth
Our Man Bobbie was sitting at the bar of his favorite pub enjoying a cocktail with his
good buddy Nick Poppin when an agitated man walked in waving a pistol. The man
angrily shouted “This is a Beretta 92F semi-automatic 9mm, and it has 1 round in
the chamber and 15 in the magazine. I’m here to shoot whoever it is who has been
fooling around with my wife!!” Bobbie looked up from his drink and calmly said, “Pal,
you’re gonna need a whole lot more bullets than that.”
Monarch Bay GC Closest to the Flag
Hole 4 Forward Tees Back Tees
1st Rich Ford 18-1 Paul Navarro 48-0
2nd George Fenech 19-0 The Phantom
Hole 7 1st The Phantom Rob Dumlao 19-0
2nd The Phantom Tony Marotto 22-1
Hole 10 1st Ron Restani 22-2 Rich Hageman 18-1
2nd Woody Woodall 38-7 Tony Marotto 38-6
Hole 17 1st Ron Restani 18-8 Rob Dumlao 17-4
2nd Rich Murphy 18-9 The Phantom
Quotes from the World of Baseball
“The key to winning baseball games is pitching, fundamentals, and three-run
homers.” Earl Weaver
“Baseball is the only field of endeavor when a man can succeed three times out of ten
and be considered a good performer.” Ted Williams
“Baseball is a skilled game. It’s America’s game—it and high taxes.” Will Rogers

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 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 THE DEIGNAN FAMILY

2020-2021 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 650-490-0818

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, the late 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, the late 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, the late Bob Moser,
the late 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, Carole Murphy (an
extremely proud Balboa graduate)

THE BALL TEAM

The late Frank Strazullo, the late John Alameda, Mike Bagdon, Rich Ford, the lateCon 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, the
late Jim Poppin, Fred Quinn, the late quintessential gentleman Ray Warman, the Late and Great Frank
“Cic” Williams, the late and venerable Victor “Bud” Williams

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

WILLIAM DeMATTEI GARY BADER & RAY McDONALD

Retired San Francisco Firefighter In Memory of Bob Farber

ALUMNI OF MISSION HIGH SCHOOL

Fellow Old Timer Eddie Gutierrez, and the late Joe Blea

RETIRED SAN FRANCISCO DEPUTY SHERIFFS

Bill Angel, Carole Murphy, Jim Mullan, Ron Lim, Al Dworkin, Paul Varni, Mike Koppel, the late Jim
Deignan, Gil Ybarra

HAT TRICK RACING

Grant Becker, Troy Onorato, Pat Ward and Marvin Cortes

TJC FLOORING FLOOR EFFECTS

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

LUCETI’S RESTAURANT—Brother Old Timer Paul Navarro

109 W. 25th Avenue, San Mateo, 650-574-1256

NEW PISA ALUMNI SOCIETY (2022 TEAM MEMBERS)

The Legendary Dante Benedetti; Ron & Cris Belli in Memory of Dante Santora; Phil Kelber in Memory
of Billy Downing; Don and Clare Schaeffer in Memory of Jim Perry; Bob Devincenzi in Memory of
Frank & Joan Strazzulo, Manny Piriano & Bob Tobener; Paul Giambra; Lou & Judy Landini in Memory
of Lou Sr. & Cathy Landini, Larry & Patricia Lawson, Penny Basso & Terry Landini-Brennan; Joan,
Dave, and Ed Paulus, Jr. and Cindy Clark in Memory of Ed Paulus,Sr; Bill Kirkpatrick; Jim Jarvis; Gary
Bader in Memory of Bob Farber; Ken and Carol Mooney in Memory of Nancy Markey and Pete
Giovanola; Don Basso in Memory of Terry Landini-Brennan; Roger Ferrari (two donation); Tony
Rodriguez; Bill Angel; Bill Collins; Mike & Denise Koppel in Memory of Terry Landini-Brennan; Alan &
Annealisa Dworkin; Tom Brandi in Memory of Marino Pieretti; Bob & Nancy Crosat in Memory of Jack
Strange SFFD; Bob Restani; Lou Landini, Roger Strack & Tad Tassone in Memory of Mike Dunne; Nick
& Mieko Poppin in Memory of Jim Poppin; Jim McCoy; Rene & Louis Courpet in Memory of Rich
Baptista & Chuck Bonnici Sr; Tad & Barbara Tassone; Gene & Diane Hartje; Steve DeBenedetti in
Memory of Reno DeBenedetti; Bobbie Mitchell in Memory of Marino Pieretti; Bob & Christine Lopez in
Memory of Raymond Lopez; Bob & Arlene Fife; Steve Callahan in Memory of Frank Gomez & Brian
Nakamoto; Rich & Victoria Murphy in Memory of Connie Benedetti; Jack Scramaglia; Emily “The
Balboa Queen” Powell; Jim Hodges; Mel Canevaro in Memory of Roldan Vigil; Jim Regan; Sandy
Driscoll in Honor of Jere Driscoll and Tony Patch; Frank Ruggiero in Memory of his brother Emil
Ruggiero; Donald A. Benedetti, Mark Benedetti, Phil Benedetti & Sharon Benedetti in Memory of
Constance Benedetti & Donald G. Benedetti; Verlis R. & Reginald B. Smith; Grant & Kathleen Becker in
Memory of Vince Zuardo

Some Political Humor in an Election Season

“You want a friend in Washington DC? Get a dog.” Harry S. Truman
“Man is the only animal that laughs and has a state legislature.” Samuel Butler
“Politics is the only art whose artists regularly disown their masterpieces.” Raheel
Farooq
“Atlee is a modest man who has a great deal to be modest about.” Winston Churchill