Palo Alto Oaks History

The Palo Alto Oaks baseball team has been playing semi pro baseball on the Peninsula for the last 60 years. We started out in 1950 when cloth uniforms were the style! For 50 of those years, Tony Makjavich held the team together by managing and sometimes playing in games all the way into his 70's. His passing in August of 2003, at the age of 90 necessitated that the Oaks find a new manager. Steve Espinoza, who played 10 years for the Oaks starting when he was 15, was named manager.

The Oaks used to play all year round...in the winter at Golden Gate Park and the summers at El Camino Park and Baylands. The winter leagues were very competitive as many of the local professionals would join the league to stay in shape over the winter. Ellis Brooks and the Oaks battled for years for the championship. The Oaks no longer play in the winter but continue the long tradition of summer ball at Baylands.

Tony Makjavich's goals were always to provide a place where local players could show their talents to pro scouts. Many of his players went on to sign professional contracts. Tony will be missed, but his legacy will live on.

As the Oaks move into the 21st century, the goals have changed only slightly. We now participate in the playoffs. The Oaks never participated prior to 2005. We reached the World Series in our 5th attempt. The other tradition that has not changed is simply finding the best players in the area and provide a place for them to play. The Oaks play in the Western Baseball Association which is run by Fontanetti's. The season runs from June through August. The team plays double-headers at Baylands field on Sunday's (for the most part, see schedule for details).