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Steve Espinoza '74-'84 One of my Tony stories is one winter season myself and Bob Dinges would ride Sunday mornings to the games up in San Francisco . But after the game, usually the afternoon game, sometimes Tony would stop off at the Bowling alley in the Haight-Ashbury district and he would treat to burgers and beer. We looked out of place walking down the street in baseball uni's and being in the bowling alley. Being the old truck driver he was, he knew these out of the way places. One summer league game we were short players and Tony actually had to play so we wouldn't forfeit. Tony was at the second sack. Played the field flawlessly. One at bat he walked. We tried to give him the "steal" sign but he kept brushing it off. Probably the "BLADE" (Rudy Arroyo) telling him to steal! One day I was crossing 13th Street in San Jose going to class and this truck comes barreling up to the cross walk and blast his horn at me. I look up at the driver to see Tony at the wheel. Then starts yelling at me in his old gruffy voice "To get out of the way" with a smile. The TONE. Mark Fabro '74-'80 The Oaks gave me my only chance to play on the same team as my brother Kevin, who is four years younger than me. At one game at Funston Field (now Moscone Playground) in the fall league, it was an especially beautiful San Francisco autumn day. I was playing second base and Kevin was in right field. A player on the opposing team hit a shot to right that looked catchable and it got over Kevin's head and ended up being a triple. When we got in the dugout, Kevin explained that, with the day being so nice, he was able to see the Bay and watch sailboats cruising on that nice afternoon. When he got back to the game, he saw that everybody was running at him and he looked up to see the ball going over his head. As we ran out to take our positions on defense, Tony came in from coaching third base and commented how Kevin didn't get a very good jump on that ball. We both started cracking up as we took the field. I had visions of Tony in the dugout saying to no one in particular that ballplayers these days just weren't the same as when he played, with attitudes like that! Steve Callahan '71 - ? (check the scorebooks, Espo, can't quite remember my swan song year) I have just recently been informed of the passing of a great man, husband, father, and coach. Tony touched [in a very special way] all who were fortunate to have come into contact of him. As we reminisce of the times/experiences we had with Tony, one can never forget his passion, smile, determination and will to make a difference in our lives. Since this forum is a tribute to experiences, I would like to share one that I feel is indicative of Tony's gift for his "Concern for others". It may be deemed small to some, but looking back, It IS what makes people differentiate themselves from others. The fall Sunday morning started out as always, getting dressed for a double header at Golden Gate Park and the 30 minute commute up north from San Jose. We did it a hundred times. As common as it was ea Sunday, one would think that it was a normal Sunday. Espo and I would stop off Hwy 101 for an Egg McMuffin on the way, talk about going 4 for 6 in the DH, miss the GGP turn-off , almost ending up on the GG Bridge and then panic that we were going to be late. But.... somehow, we still managed to navigate our way back AND get the ultimate parking place in right field along the street! YES!!, we always shouted... In my haste to get ready one morning, I had forgotten to put my red stirrups in my bag. (I usually went to the game w/ Filp Flops and finalized the uni at the park). While on the bench getting everything in order, I was disappointed that I would have to play the DH w/o stirrups. I hated that look and besides, we all knew the standard that Tony expected and he always made sure that win or lose, we acted , looked and played as professionals. (even tho many of us were not at the time). Obviously, while getting my cleats on, Tony noticed my concern and before I knew it, his hand was out holding a pair of bright red stirrups. He said, "here Garcia, wear these". In my haste, I said thanks coach, assuming he had giving me an extra pair from his bag. It wasn't until he was hitting pre-game infield when I noticed that Tony himself, did not have any stirrups on. I then realized then that he had taken his off and gave them to me!!! He was more concerned how I looked on the field than himself... I'll never forget that..... As for that day, usually, we would just play a couple games, high five each other and go for some clam chowder an a beer after. But.....today was something special.....Today, was Ellis Brooks Chevrolet gameday! Playing the team that set the standard for excellence in the fall league. EVERYONE, during that era, dreamed of being a player for that team. It was said that Ricky Henderson played for them for many years and we actually had seen Ricky a few times @ the park catching a game on a Sunday afternoon.....I can only speak for my era but players such as Willie McGee, Dave Reghetti, Dave Steib, Tony and Mike Brewer, Joe Charboneau, Danny Gladden, Stu Pederson, et al...graced the diamond at GGP. The sound of the wooden bat 'crack' could be heard for miles. Additionally, the grace of Willie McGee, going after and catching up to DEEP fly balls (while dodging dogs and Frisbees) was something you will never forget experiencing. "How in the hell did he catch that, we all said"!!! Tony just looked at us with a grin and a nod..... Recognizing and acknowledging the great feat as he had seen many times before...many players before.... I also remember Tony was especially excited that day just being there and being a part of that DH. We, however, were too young to understand. I don't recall how we did ,win or lose, but it doesn't matter, I will always remember the lesson and the message. We love you Tony.........and thank you! Frank Garcia '78-'79 I was fortunate enough to play for Tony and the Oaks in the late 60's and early 70's. I'll never forget those cold winter games in GG Park against rivals like Ellis Brooks, New Pisa, and A. Sabellas. I actually got a hit off Don Larsen in one game and thought how great it was to get a hit off such a legend- of course he was in his 40's at the time. There were many great memories and Tony was a true baseball inspiration to me and many other players. Years after playing for the Oaks I'd see Tony at Stanford BB games and he'd always ask me how I was doing- once you played for Tony, you became part of his family. John MacMullen 2006 Tony Makjavich Memorial TBD |
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