As we inch closer to the Alumni Night, a celebration of the 50th year anniversary of the 1963 Championship team scheduled for May 18th, we sit down with second baseman Danny Baier. Baier had played over 102 games with the Ports in ’63 and remembers that team fondly.

Danny Baier

About you…  

1. Birthplace:

Baltimore, Maryland

2. Date of birth: 08/04/1941

3. High school:

Calvert Hall College High School

Baltimore, Maryland

4. College/degree:

BS in Economics from Villanova University

5. Position:

Second base

The Ports

1. What is your favorite memory from your time on the Ports in 1963?:

Just being on the team and contributing to winning the California League championship.

2. What accomplishments from your days with the Ports are you most proud of?:

At the end of April we were 1 and 6 after losing the first game in a three game series to Fresno.  On May 1st we were losing 5 to 3 after three innings.  Harry Dunlop put in Paul Snyder for the fourth inning in an attempt to slow down Fresno.  Every time a man or two would get on base Paul would be thinking of ground ball to get the double play.  For the next four innings the defense came up with a total of four identical double plays from me (2nd base) to Dick Yencha (shortstop) to Ron Stone (1st base).  Paul Snyder and the defense had shut Fresno down from scoring for the last six innings.  Then the hitting power of the Stockton Ports finally came to the forefront with two runs in the last of the 7th to tie the game, and then in the last of the 8th inning we scored seven more runs to win 12-5.  In total the team put up 18 hits-Paul Blair, Dick Yencha, and Dave Massarelli hit triples; and, Dave also hit a grand slam home run plus all the regulars had two hits each.  Our team went on a pretty good run after this game.

The next day a reporter told us that we had either tied or beat the league record for the highly unlikely four identical double plays.  I don’t know if what the reporter said is accurate; but, I know I will never forget it and neither did Yencha when I talked to him last month.

3. What favorite memory do you have about your 1963 teammates?

They were all a great bunch of guys to be around, not to mention the fact that they were all very talented and dedicated professional baseball players.  In addition, Harry Dunlop had a way of promoting a sense of solidarity between everyone on the team.  Harry was a great Manager to be around.

4. Who was the most memorable character from your 1963 Ports team?

Lloyd Fourroux and Dick Yencha….I played ball with Lloyd in 1961 and 1963 in Stockton and 1962 in Aberdeen, SD, in the Northern League; I played with Dick Yencha in 1963 and 1965 for Stockton.

On the road we always hung out together, whether it was going to the movies or to a restaurant.  In 1961 we were playing in Reno, and I saw Lloyd get fooled on a hanging curve ball.  He leaned forward on his left leg and swung the bat at the ball, basically using his left hand and arm and hit the ball over the left center field light tower into the night, approximately 500 feet. In 1961 Lloyd hit 22 homeruns and in 1963 he hit 20.   I have seen Dick Yencha make some great plays at shortstop, going deep in the hole, to either gun somebody out at 1st or start a double play.  He also could hit with a lot of power.  I think he had the most triples in the League in 1963 with 17.

5. How involved were you and your teammates in the community?:

I don’t remember getting too involved in the community to any extent, other than talking to various people asking how we liked Stockton and answering questions relating to the Ports.

6. 1963 was a memorable year in American history. Did the current events at the time affect your team at all?

It was a memorable year in the civil rights movement and the events kept everyone aware of the changes our country was experiencing.  Although aware of the changes, the ballplayers were professional and had a job to do and did not outwardly show adverse effects by the events. In November, the assassination of John F. Kennedy had a very saddening affect on millions of people.

7. What was your favorite ballpark in the Cal League to play in?

Stockton’s Billy Hebert Field was probably my favorite because I was more familiar with its lighting and overall layout; however, I also liked to play in Santa Barbara, Fresno, and Reno.  Both Santa Barbara and Fresno were older ballparks which I liked.  Sometimes I would get a few more hits in these parks; however, I also liked to play in Reno.  After the game Lloyd, Yench, and I would go to Harrah’s or Harrods to get a meal, play the slots for about 15 to 20 minutes, and then get seated at a table in a glass enclosed area where we would listen to Louie Prima, Keely Smith, and Sam Butera and the Witnesses.  We could never get enough of their music.

8. Who was the toughest opponent you faced?

I would have to say the Salinas Mets.  It seemed that their pitching staff would throw mostly sliders, curves, and off speed pitches.  I very seldom would see a fast ball in the strike zone.  I got some hits off them, but not nearly enough.  Modesto was also a tough opponent.

9. What was Stockton like when you were with the Ports in 1963?

Stockton was a very nice, clean town.  The people were very friendly.  We lived in one of a series of apartments with a large swimming pool.  The only place we would normally go to would be to the supermarket or to a restaurant before or after a game.  I did get a chance to see a little of the University of the Pacific.  I was interested because Villanova and the University of the Pacific played a few football games against one another on alternate years in the late 1950′s and early 1960′s.

10. What was the best part about winning the 1963 California League Championship Title?

A.  Harry Dunlop was named the top Manager of the Year in the California League for an outstanding effort.  I was very glad to have had him as my manager in 1961 and 1963.

B.  The owner of the Stockton Ports and the city of Stockton finally got the first California League Championship since 1947.

C.  As a part of the 1963 Stockton Ports Team, I was able to contribute to the championship goal. My only regret was when I swung and hit the ball off my left foot and fractured the metatarsal bone on July 25.  I lost about four weeks of playing time.

11. During your time with Stockton, was there a major league baseball player that you looked up to? Modeled your playing after?

There were two players, Mickey Mantle and Brooks Robinson.

Mickey Mantle was the greatest all around ballplayer I have ever seen play.  He had tremendous power from the right or left side, excellent speed in the outfield and on the bases, and also a great arm.

In 1959 everything regarding sports came together for me.  I was chosen 1st Team High School All Maryland Baseball, leading the conference with a .527 batting average.  After graduating from high school I played with Leone’s Boys Club for the 3rd year.  We won the Baltimore City baseball championship and then represented Baltimore in the All American Amateur Baseball Association Tournament in Johnstown, PA.  There were sixteen of the best teams in the east and south.  We won the championship game 2 to 1 over Milford, Mass.  I was voted MVP of the tournament by the 40 plus scouts in the stands.

Since I played third base in high school and on the sandlots, I always tried to watch Brooks as much as possible.    My coach and Baltimore Orioles scout, Walter Youse, set up a luncheon with the three of us.  The first words Brooks said to me were “I understand you’re going to be taking my spot at third base.”  My only response was “Yeah, right!”  We talked about baseball and other subjects for about an hour.  He was a very affable and funny guy.  To this day Brooks is revered in Baltimore not just for his baseball, but for what he has done in the community.

Since then…

1. Where do you currently reside?

Baltimore, Maryland

2. What major league team do you currently follow?

The Baltimore Orioles…They have a great manager in Buck Showalter and a bunch of enthusiastic, talented ballplayers that really support one another.

3. Spouse/children/grandkids

My first wife, Beryl, died in 1985.  I remarried in 1992, have a great wife, a lovely step-daughter, an LSU Baton Rouge son-in-law, and two grandchildren.

4. Did you ever make it back to Stockton after you were finished playing for the Ports?

I did come back in 1965 where we won another California League championship; and, I am looking forward to being there again for the 1963 Ports Reunion.

5. Have you followed the Ports at all since you were on the team?

Now and then.

6. Do you keep in touch with any of your 1963 teammates? If so, whom?

Dick Yencha called me up a month ago and we talked a good amount of time about old times, how he’s doing, etc.  It was good talking to him again.  I hope to see him after the reunion.

7. What are you doing now after baseball?

I have been retired since the end of 2000. I enjoy being retired. My wife and I enjoy going to the Ravens games and to the Orioles games.  We like to travel some; occasionally I take my wife out to dinner, walk my dog or let my dog walk me, etc.  Mainly I try to keep abreast of what is happening economically in the world and in the United States that may adversely affect the middle class and our way of life.

8. What has been your biggest success in your career following your time with Stockton?

In October, 1965, I began working in management for Bethlehem Steel Corporation, at the Sparrows Point Plant, in Baltimore County. I started as a technical trainee and worked my way up to department head in the galvanizing facility of tubular products in the pipe mill.  I worked in supervision in operations for thirty-five years.

9. If you could give any piece of advice to current Ports players, what would it be?

I am going to say much the same as the other Ports players have said:  stay focused, work hard, enjoy this time, try not to get down on yourself, and do the best you can.  If you win a championship, take the ring, not the money!

Throughout the years, many players within the minor league system have played for the Stockton Ports. Some of the players have progressed through the farm system and made it to the majors. In this edition of Docking with the Ports we checked in with notable Ports alum to see where they are now.

Chris Carter LF, Houston Astros

Current Stats: .227 batting average, 6 HR, 14 RBI in 26 games.

Chris Carter played for the Ports in 2008. While in Stockton Carter had a .259 batting average, 39 HR and 104 RBI in 137 games. He was named the 2008 California League Rookie of the Year and was also the 2008 and 2009 A’s Minor League Player of the Year. He was promoted to Oakland August 9, 2010. He was sent back to the Triple-A Sacramento River Cats after going 0-3 in his first game. He was promoted back to Oakland after the completion of the Triple-A season. After the 2012 season, Carter was traded to the Houston Astros with Brad Peacock and Max Stassi for Jed Lowrie and Fernando Rodriguez..

Michael Gilmartin 2B, AA Pensacola Blue Wahoos

Current Stats: .182 batting average, a .400 OBP in 5 games.

Gilmartin played for the Ports in 2011 and 2012. In 2011, he had a .264 batting average, 14 HR and 75 RBI in 124 games. He was named the California League Mid-Season All-Star 6/20/11. In the 2012 season he had a .256 batting average, 9 HR and 52 RBI in 118 games. Gilmartin was selected by the Cincinnati Reds in the 2012 Rule 5 Draft. He began this season with the Bakersfield Blaze. On 4/10/2013 he was promoted to the Double-A Pensacola Blue Wahoos in the Southern League.

Blake Treinan RHP, AA Harrisburg Senators

Current Stats: 2-3, 4.76 ERA, 21 strikeouts in 5 games

Treinan played for the Ports in the 2012 season. He went 7-7 with a 4.37 ERA and 92 strikeouts in 24 games. In January 2013, Treinan was traded to the Washington Nationals as part of a three-way trade that sent Michael Morse of the Nationals to the Seattle Mariners and John Jaso of the Seattle Mariners to the Oakland Athletics. Treinan currently plays for the Double-A Harrisburg Senators.

Kurt Suzuki C, Washington Nationals

Current Stats: .241 batting average, 2HR, 7 RBI in 20 games.

Suzuki was selected by the Oakland Athletics in the second round of the 2004 June draft. He played for Stockton in 2005. While with the Ports Suzuki had a .277 batting average, 12 HR and 65 RBI in 114 games. He spent the 2006 season with the Double-A Midland RockHounds and the 2007 season with the Triple-A Sacramento River Cats. On June 9, 2007 he was promoted to Oakland after catcher Adam Melhuse was traded to the Texas Rangers. Suzuki played for Oakland until August 3, 2012 when he was traded to the Washington Nationals for David Freitas.

Cliff Pennington SS, Arizona Diamondbacks

Current Stats: .205 batting average and 3 RBI in 25 games.

Pennington was the Athletics first-round draft pick of the 2005 draft. He played for the Ports during the 2007 season. He had .255 batting average, 6 HR and 36 RBI in 68 games. On July 31, 2008 he was called up to Oakland from the Triple-A Sacramento River Cats. On October 20, 2012 he was traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks along with Yordy Cabrera while the Athletics acquired Chris Young from Arizona.

Grant Green 2B, AAA Sacramento River Cats

Cuurent Stats: .321 batting average, 4 HR, 16 RBI in 24 games.

Green was selected by the Athletics in the first round of the 2009 First-Year Player Draft. Green played for Stockton in 2009 and 2010. In 2009 Green had a .316 batting average and 3 RBI in 5 games. In 2010 he had a .318 batting average, 20 HR and 87 RBI in 131 games. During the 2010 season he was named the MiLB.com Organization All-Star, Topps Class A All-Star, CAL League Post-season All-Star , the 8/23/10 CAL League Player of the Week and the Futures Game Selection. Green spent the 2011 season with the Double-A Midland RockHounds. He was promoted to the Triple-A Sacramento River Cats in 2012. Green currently ranks as the Oakland Athletics fourth top prospect.

Anthony Aliotti 1B, AA Midland RockHounds

Current Stats:.350 batting average, 2 HR, 14 RBI in 26 games.

Aliotti was selected by the Oakland Athletics in the 15th round of the 2009 draft. He played for the Ports in 2011. While in Stockton he had a .276 batting average, 11HR and 66 RBI in 127 games. He was promoted to the Double-A Midland RockHounds in 2012.

Travis Banwart RHP, AAA Sacramento River Cats

Current Stats:  1-0, 4.96 ERA, 16 strikeouts in 6 games.

Banwart was selected by the Athletics in the fourth round of the 2007 draft. He played for the Ports in 2008. In Stockton he went 2-4 with a 4.45 ERA and 54 strikeouts in 14 games. He was promoted to the River Cats in 2010 from Double-A Midland and has played in Sacramento since.

Michael Choice CF, AAA Sacramento River Cats

Current Stats: .281 batting average, 5 HR, 24 RBI in 25 games

Choice was the Athletics 2010 first-round draft pick. He played for the Ports in 2011. In Stockton he had a .285 batting average, 30 HR and 82 RBI in 118 games. In 2011 he was named to the CAL League Post-Season All-Star team and was the A’s Organizational Play of the Year. In 2012 he was named to the Futures game team. He currently ranks as the Athletics number two prospect.

Each week we get the opportunity to catch up with members of the 1963 California League Championship Ports team. This week we caught up with shortstop Dick Yencha to reminisce on his time in Stockton and see what he is up to these days.

1963 Alumni Questionnaire

About you…  

1. Birthplace:

- Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania

2. Date of birth:

-  3/14/1942

3. High school:

- Plains High School

4. College/degree:

- 2 years, never finished

The Ports

1. What is your favorite memory from your time on the Ports in 1963?:

- Of course, winning the championship.

2. What accomplishments from your days with the Ports are you most proud of?:

- I’m proud of hitting a whole bunch of triples. I think every time I hit the ball, I was going for a triple.

3. What favorite memory do you have about your 1963 teammates?:

- Best punch of guys I ever played with. Every game someone picked the team up.

4. Who was the most memorable character from your 1963 Ports team?

-  ME.

5. How involved were you and your teammates in the community?:

- We were all involved in the community supporting the town’s events.

6. 1963 was a memorable year in American history. Did the current events at the time affect your team at all?

- Civil rights was a big issue but I don’t think it or other current events affected our team at all. We just went out and did our job.

7. What was your favorite ballpark in the Cal League to play in?

- Stockton

8. Who was the toughest opponent you faced?

- Modesto because they had the likes of Joe Morgan, Sunny Jackson, and others.

9. What was Stockton like when you were with the Ports in 1963?

- I remember it was a small town but the people there were great and supported the ball club.

10. What was the best part about winning the 1963 California League Championship Title?

- Beating Modesto. They won the first half, I believe. We won the second half. They had a great ball club.

11. During your time with Stockton, was there a major league baseball player that you looked up to? Modeled your playing after?

- I didn’t think about any particular player. I just went out and played.

Since then…

1. Where do you currently reside?

- Tunk, PA

2. What major league team do you currently follow?

- We follow the Yanks and the Phillies.

3. Spouse/children/grandkids

- 3 kids and 6 grandkids

4. Did you ever make it back to Stockton after you were finished playing for the Ports?

- No, but I would have liked to.

5. Have you followed the Ports at all since you were on the team?

- Now and then.

6. Do you keep in touch with any of your 1963 teammates? If so, whom?

- Yes, since I have gotten the list I have been in touch with Danny Baier, John Ellen, Bob Olson, Tim Sommer, Dick Hickerson, and finally the big Cajun, Lloyd Fourroux

7. What are you doing now after baseball?

- Retired since 1995. Enjoy trading and selling coins and gold jewelry.

8. What has been your biggest success in your career following your time with Stockton?

- Family and kids.

9. If you could give any piece of advice to current Ports players, what would it be?

- Just focus and go out and do your job the best you can. And make friends with your teammates. You can’t do better than that!

I would love to attend the reunion and to see the fellas and spend time with them to go over old times. But because of my health, it is not possible. Like I said before, Harry was a great manager and they were a great bunch of guys and I miss them. I was, and still am, the best looking guy on the team! (ha, ha).

Shortstop Addison Russell is in his first season with the Stockton Ports. Entering the season, Russell was named the A’s top prospect by Baseball America. After graduating from Pace High School in Pace, FL, Russell was selected by the Oakland Athletics in the first round of the 2012 First-Year Player Draft (11^th overall).

He attracted the attention of the Oakland A’s with his immense talent and displayed success. In high school, scouts raved over his plus bat speed and big power. He batted over .500 in each of first three high school seasons and as a senior posted a .368 average with seven home runs, 30 walks and eye-popping  .532 on-base percentage.

He began his professional career in the Arizona Rookie League with the Arizona A’s.  While in the rookie league, Russell had a .415 batting average with six home runs and 29 RBI in 26 games.  Russell credits his enhancement has a player now to his time in Arizona. “It helped me develop as a player”.

In August 2012, he was promoted to short-season Low-A Vermont Lake Monsters. After 13 games with Vermont, Russell was promoted to Low-A Burlington Bees. Russell finished the season in Burlington with a .310 batting average and 9 RBI in 16 games.

While it’s no secret people have high expectations of Addison since he is the A’s top prospect, he does not seem to feel overwhelmed by the pressure. Russell said, “I just kind of have to relax. You have to trust your game and trust your ability of being a ball player and just put everything out on the field.”

He also does not feel the need to live up the expectations others set for him, but rather play for himself. “It’s just me going out there, just having fun, putting everything out on the table. I believe if I do that then everything will just fall into place.”

The shortstop participated in his first Major League spring training earlier this year. He was the youngest player to participate in the A’s spring training.  While overwhelming at first, Russell got into the rhythm of things. “It was awesome,” said Russell. “I got to be with the big league guys.”

Russell is using his youth and newness to the pros in his favor, taking advantage of having many mentors around him. For Russell, they serve as guides on the field and teach him life lessons of it. “They are there the whole nine yards,” said Russell. “I learn a lot of things from them”.

One individual Russell has become close with is his teammate right fielder Josh Whitaker. The two not only discuss baseball, but also interact off the field. “We pick each other’s brain,” said Russell.

Though the season has not started off the way Addison had hoped, with his down-home demeanor and strong work ethic, it will only be a matter of time before he gets into his rhythm against California League pitching.

On May 18, the Ports will be hosting a special alumni night featuring members of the 1963 California League Championship Ports team. Each week, we have the opportunity to speak to members of the ’63 team. In this edition of Docking with the Ports, we had the chance to catch up with 1963 Ports alum Paul Studstill.

Name: Paul Studstill

Nickname: Harry Dunlop called me Gabby. I didn’t tend to talk too much unless I had to or wanted to. I think he came up with it.

Position: 3^rd base

Birthplace: Safety Harbor, FL

Date of birth: 4/4/36

High school: Brandon High School, Florida

College: University of South Florida for 2 years, and then I got a computer science degree from Tampa Technical after I left baseball.

The Ports

• What is your favorite memory from your time on the Ports in 1963?
  • I was there just briefly because I was released early in the season. I spent the full season with the Ports in 1962. I made the end-of-year all-star team in 1962 and had a pretty good year, so I was invited back under the pretense that if I did well, good things might happen. I was injured with a broken cheekbone in 1962. I was only there for a couple months in 1963.
• What accomplishments from your days with the Ports are you most proud of?
  • My developmental accomplishments. Sports are a continued development. I thought I matured to point where I was ready to make progress. It was disappointing to not be able to continue. Stockton was a good town. Harry was the manager I needed at that time.
    

    Harry Dunlop
    One of Bob’s favorite memories from the 1963 team

• What favorite memory do you have about your 1963 teammates?
  • Our manager (Harry Dunlop) was first-class. We were close. Also Bob Olson, I was close to him, as well as our second baseman, Bobby Townsend. It was a good group. It was very enjoyable and that contributes to how well you perform.
• Who was the most memorable character from your 1963 Ports team?
  • Lloyd Fourroux and his wife. We got kinda close. Bob Olson and Harry Dunlop, and Bob Townsend…  Those are the ones that stand out.
• How involved were you and your teammates in the community?
  • Not too much. We were close-knit, but I don’t remember anything specific. We had two sponsors who were very involved. After I got released, they helped me find a job and wanted me to stay. It was a personal thing; it was impressive to me.
• 1963 was a memorable year in American history. Did the current events at the time affect your team at all?
  • I don’t know if it affected the ballplayers that much, with the agenda we were following. I don’t think it had a severe impact on the team.
• What was your favorite ballpark in the Cal League to play in?
  • I kinda liked San Jose, other than Stockton. Santa Barbara was a pretty town. It was a nice drive down there. I remember San Jose being a pretty park: well-groomed and well taken care of.
• Who was the toughest opponent you faced?
  • Reno was tough. That was where I got injured. San Jose was a good competitor. It would have to be between the two of them.
• What was Stockton like when you were with the Ports in 1963?
  • It was a friendly town. My wife and I enjoyed it when she was there with me. It was diverse, with the park downtown. It was similar to a couple towns here in Florida. People took care of the homeless. I thought it had a variety of things to do and I enjoyed it. My wife even wanted to stay there! It was a well put together town.
• During your time with Stockton, was there a major league baseball player that you looked up to? Modeled your playing after?
  • Some that I played with were Orlando Cepeda, Willie McCovey, and Dave Johnson. I’d always been a Yankee fan, so I kept an eye on Mickey Mantle. He was prevalent in that day. And Ted Williams, those two were my idols at that time. I’ve kept in close contact with Orlando and Dave Johnson.

Since then…

• Where do you currently reside?
  • Brandon, Florida
    

    Bob is a big fan of Angels Outfielder Josh Hamilton

• What major league team do you currently follow?
  • We have the Tampa Bay Rays here. Now I’m a big fan of Josh Hamilton because of his ups and downs. A lot of people try to pull for the underdog. He started in Tampa, became an addict, and turned his life around. The Rays let him go, and this guy went to Cincinnati and the Rangers, and became the MVP. There’s something about the guy that’s kinda like a Tim Tebow thing to me, he’s very faith-based. I’m not super religious. He turned his life around not just for the money, and did real well, just to see that he could do it. You attach yourself to certain people. And Tebow is from Florida so we gotta pull for him.
• Spouse/children/grandkids
  • My wife is Lillian, and our son is 44 and lives in Colorado and works for Microsoft. He has three girls. We love them to death. That’s our family.
• Did you ever make it back to Stockton after you were finished playing for the Ports?
  • No, I never did. When I came back from baseball, I had to go to work. I played local baseball and softball and worked for Continental Can Company, a container company. I played softball, and that was okay. I had sort of a good time. I played with the Clearwater Bombers in 1966 and won the world championship; that was quite an experience. I had quite a few championships between high school and pro baseball, but that was a good one. We came out on top on that one. I stayed active in softball and baseball on the amateur level. It was very taxing but it was enjoyable too.
• Have you followed the Ports at all since you were on the team?
  • No, I haven’t. It was a long way away. I should have.
• Do you keep in touch with any of your 1963 teammates? If so, whom?
  • Bob Olson, when he was overseas after he retired. We talked for a short time 15 years ago. After I received the list of contact information as part of the reunion, I have talked to them more.
• What are you doing now after baseball?
  • I worked with Continental Can and progressed through different jobs, and spent most of my time playing softball and baseball. I obtained an electronic technical degree. I worked with Honeywell in the electronic industry, and between them and another company, spent 23 years. In 10 years I went from a technician in the engineering department to the engineer level. I became a manufacturing engineer, then a lead engineer, and I progressed through their programs. I retired in 2002 and stayed retired for two or three years. Now I’ve been a courier driver for seven years. It’s mainly because of the activity, but the money comes in handy too. All of my various things turned out okay. I didn’t always keep prime rib on the table, but at least hamburger.
• What has been your biggest success in your career following your time with Stockton?
  • Being a dad with my three grandkids. They are three toe-heads and pretty girls. That has been very important. Also staying with my wife for 55 years. In the electronic industry, it was my progression from entry level to engineer. There was some luck, some good fortune, and some ability involved in my progression and reaching that point.
• If you could give any piece of advice to current Ports players, what would it be?
  • I self taught, and you always have help around, whether it was managers or players you can talk to. Try to continue to improve. What happened to me, I worked on my mechanics and when I found out something was difficult, I knew there’s got to be a simple solution. Before that, I made it hard on myself. I learned the simpler way is better. Don’t do it for show. Work on your mechanics. When you get the mechanics down, you stick with it. It’s a proven thing. I read a book about Sandy Koufax and he did the same thing: he was in the Majors for seven years before he learned how to pitch. He figured out his mechanics and then everything fell into place. I had a good teacher when I was growing up (my father). I played all four sports in high school, and I had him personally helping me and correcting things that went wrong. Pro baseball is an individual thing; you’ve got to help yourself. All that to say, work on your mechanics. And that means leverage; don’t use energy that’s not necessary. When you have to react, you have that to react with. It seems basic, and it really is, but that’s the most important thing.
  

  Bob currently lives in Brandon, FL on the western coast of Florida

Here at Banner Island Ballpark, the fans get to enjoy watching their favorite players on the field. We had the chance to get to know this seasons players better and want to share with the fans what response they gave to the question: What’s one thing you can’t live without?

C Ryan Delgado: My family

RF Dusty Robinson: Baseball

RHP Seth Frankoff: Sweet Tea

OF Bobby Crocker: Peanut Butter

RHP Blake Hassebrock: Progress

RHP Jonathan Joseph: My Daughter

1B Tony Thompson: Who’s Line Is It Anyway?

RHP Drew Granier: Water and Food

RF Josh Whitaker: My Phone

Each week we have the opportunity to recollect the success of the 1963 season with the members of the 1963 Ports Championship team. Read as they share their thoughts on the magical season, their favorite stories and to catch-up on what on what they have been up to 50 years later. In this edition of Docking with the Ports, we sit down with Joe Rowden.

Name: Joe Rowden

Position: Pitcher

Birthplace: Iberia, MO

Date of birth: November 27, 1942

High school: Iberia R-V

College: B.S. in Business Administration, Accounting from Lincoln University in Jefferson City, MO

The Ports

• What is your favorite memory from your time on the Ports in 1963?
  • Meeting the people of the Stockton community, the Ports players, and administrators.
• What accomplishments from your days with the Ports are you most proud of?
  • Winning a game in relief versus the Santa Barbara Dodgers.
• What favorite memory do you have about your 1963 teammates?
  • The uniqueness and talent they possessed.
• Who was the most memorable character from your 1963 Ports team?
  • Paul Blair or Dick Hickerson.
  

  With his teammate Dick Hickerson.

   

• What was your favorite ballpark in the Cal League to play in?
  • Billy Hebert Field.
• Who was the toughest opponent you faced?
  • Wes Parker from the Santa Barbara Dodgers.
• What was Stockton like when you were with the Ports in 1963?
  • A college town, University of the Pacific.
• What was the best part about winning the 1963 California League Championship Title?
  • The sense of accomplishment for the Stockton community and for the Ports players.

Since then…

• Where do you currently reside?
  • Dixon, MO.
• What major league team do you currently follow?
  • St. Louis, Kansas City, and the Baltimore Orioles.
• Spouse/children/grandkids
  • Spouse: Brenda, married 35 years.
  • Children: Matt, Monte, Jada, Travis, and Troy.
  • Grandkids: 10
• Do you keep in touch with any of your 1963 teammates? If so, whom?
  • No, but I think about my teammates.
• What are you doing now after baseball?
  • Worked and retired from the Missouri Department of Transportation. I have a beef cattle farm, which I operate. The farm is a good retreat for me.
• What has been your biggest success in your career following your time with Stockton?
  • Being a dad.
• If you could give any piece of advice to current Ports players, what would it be?
  • Work hard, stay focused, and listen to managers and coaches.

Fans were excited for the Stockton Ports and Sacramento River Cats exhibition game as it kicked off the return of the minor league baseball season. Spotted during their return visit to Banner Island Ballpark were Former Ports players, left fielder Conner Crumbliss and second baseman Jemile weeks, playing for the River Cats this season.

During their time with the Ports, the two players had successful seasons. Weeks played for Stockton in 2009 for half a season before he was promoted to Double-A Midland Rockhounds. The A’s first-round draft pick of the 2008 draft had a batting average of .299 with 7 homeruns and 31 RBIs in 50 games. Weeks progressed to the Major Leagues with the Oakland A’s in 2011 and also played with them in 2012.

Weeks is looking at this season with the River Cats as a way to improve his game from last season. He said to make improvements in his game, he wants to come out with a different mentality and stick to what works.

In addition to Crumbliss, Weeks is playing with other former Ports players, Grant Green and Pedro Figueroa. He admits it feels good to be playing with them again. The second baseman said, “I mean those are great guys, I played with them all the way up and it’s good to be back reunited with these guys.” He is hoping they can do some positive things this year, putting faith in the chemistry they already have built. Weeks said, “I think if you play with the guys you’ve played with before, you understand what they might do in certain situations, the comfort level is a little bit better.”

Weeks and Crumbliss did not play the same season for the Ports, so they’ll get a chance this year to bond as teammates.

Crumbliss played during the 2011 season, hitting 7 homeruns and having .404 on-base percentage. Last season he played for the Midland Rockhounds and lead all A’s minor leaguers with 94 runs, 120 walks, and an on-base percentage of .414. With Midland, the left fielder participated in “Pass the Hat,” which is for every homerun a specific player hits, fans will donate money.

Crumbliss said, “It’s pretty awesome. Depending on the night, if you get like a Thursday or Friday you can get quite a bit of money on that. I think one night last year I hit like three homeruns and got like a thousand.” But every night wasn’t as successful, he said, “I had another on a Monday and I got like 30 bucks.”

The Ports Alumni are looking forward to many things this season playing for the River Cats. Weeks is looking forward to competing every day. He said, “Playing every day and getting into the new challenges.”

Crumbliss is excited to experience what Triple-A has to offer. He stated, “This is going to be my first taste in Triple-A so just getting used to traveling by plane and the different ballparks that kind of stuff, the different talent level and just trying to adjust.”

Looking back at his season with the Ports, his favorite memory was clinching the Championship Series. He said, “You know I don’t know what everyone was expecting going into the playoffs that year but it was a lot of fun.”  He was sad the team came up short against Lake Elsinore.

Both players were reminiscent of their time playing for the Ports appreciating many aspects of the ballpark from the field to the aesthetic beauty of the stadium. However, the most significant was how much they miss the fans and the atmosphere they created. Weeks expressed this when he said, “I got a lot of love when I was here.”

Crumbliss said, “Stockton was great, I enjoyed it. The fans were cool. It was a great place to play.”

Each week we have the pleasure to catch up with members of the 1963 Ports Championship team to share their thoughts on the magical season, their favorite stories and to catch-up on what on what they have been up to 50 years later. In this edition of Docking with the Ports, we sit down with Roger Sorenson.

Name: Roger Sorenson

Position: Right or Left Field, on either side of the speedy Center Fielder

Birthplace: Fort Sumner, New Mexico on a WWII Army glider base

Date of birth: 1/21/43

High school: Lynwood High School, California

College: Three different junior colleges, and then Long Beach State, Westmont, and USC

The Ports

• What is your favorite memory from your time on the Ports in 1963?
  • I was only there for the last half of the season and I played a little more than I thought I would. My favorite memory was being on the championship team with a lot of good guys and talented ballplayers.
• What accomplishments from your days with the Ports are you most proud of?
  • That’s tough because I didn’t have a good year. Wally Bunker was a recent signee, and he and I were roommates. My accomplishment was the fact that he was my roommate, so he benefited from my even temperament and chaperoning. He had his best season in baseball and went 10-1 that year.
• What favorite memory do you have about your 1963 teammates?
  • There were a couple characters, like Lloyd Fourroux and Dick Yencha. I remember Paul Blair—I called him chatty Cathy. He was a good outfielder with a lot of range. One memory that
    

    Team photo of the 1963 Ports Championship team.

    stands out: I was not feeling well, and I got a start in Bakersfield. I had a headache the whole day. There was a long fly ball to left-center, and I crashed into the wooden fence at full speed. I was dazed, I looked up, and Paul Blair was looking down at me. I said, “Paul, why didn’t you tell me the fence was there?” And he said, “Because you was about to make a terrific catch!” It was ironic: instead of warning me off, he wanted me to make a great catch. I felt great after that. I also read Dick Hickerson’s story about Jay Johnstone. I was playing right field that day, and I remember that. I ran into Jay many years later, but I couldn’t get myself to tell him I was playing right field that day. Why should some minor league guy try to embarrass a big leaguer? I never brought myself to tell him. We had some great outfielders that year: Lloyd Fourroux, Curt Motten, and Paul Blair.

• Who was the most memorable character from your 1963 Ports team?
  • In the positive sense, Wally Bunker. I roomed with him, and he went to the big leagues. When observing people, Lloyd Fourroux. I heard stories where he had some problems with UFOs (which sometimes might be baseballs; he might make an error or two). He used to wear a helmet in the outfield. He was a great ballplayer.
• How involved were you and your teammates in the community?
  • As I recall, we did one or two youth clinics during the summer.
• 1963 was a memorable year in American history. Did the current events at the time affect your team at all?
  • I remember reading Dick Hickerson’s response, about Kennedy being assassinated after the season. That was the only thing I remember, because we were playing ball. It was important to get guys into the reserves, because then they could serve for six months in wintertime. Otherwise, if they got drafted, they served for two years. That time is hard to make up. My interest in politics didn’t come until later. The year before, I played rookie ball down south, and that was different than on the West Coast. Most guys just wanted to win, and that was the priority.
• What was your favorite ballpark in the Cal League to play in?
  • Santa Barbara. It was an old park, a wooden structure, with billboards on the outfield fences. It was my home park in college ball for Westmont. I would have shown the guys around Santa Barbara, but I didn’t have the keys to the bus.
• Who was the toughest opponent you faced?
  • The three outfielders that played in front of me. They were great ballplayers. I don’t mean anything negative on that. That was it.
• What was Stockton like when you were with the Ports in 1963?
  • As I recall, there was a baseball stadium, there was my apartment, and a couple local restaurants. That was all I saw. It was a small-type town. I don’t have a lot of memories of it. Ron Stone played there early. I came from Appleton, and the team was on the road when I got there, so I turned my car around and drove to Reno. We were young kids, not even legal age, so we were not partying or night clubbing. There was playing baseball, feeding your face, and getting your rest. It was hard to know how to organize or prioritize your activities other than baseball.
• What was the best part about winning the 1963 California League Championship Title?
  • Being a champion is number one. We had a nice gathering at a country club afterwards. The only thing we were missing was the ticker tape parade. I’m still waiting on my championship ring, though.
• During your time with Stockton, was there a major league baseball player that you looked up to? Modeled your playing after?
  • Brooks Robinson. I met him in Spring Training in 1963. He spent some time with me and struck me as being a down-to-earth, great person. He was not full of himself. I met him years and years later at an airport or something. I went up and talked to him, and he talked to you like a long-lost friend. If he didn’t remember me, he sure made it sound like he did. As a young kid, I looked at Duke Snyder because he was from my hometown area. I played some rec league baseball and his sister-in-law was in charge. I had associations with his wife’s side of the family. There are a lot of people that you look up to, but I’ve never been one to idolize the guys. I appreciate what they do.

Since then…

• Where do you currently reside?
  • San Clemente, CA
• What major league team do you currently follow?
  • I look and see how the Orioles and Twins are doing because those are the two teams I was with. It varies from time to time. If it was somebody I played ball with or knew, I followed that team. I followed the Phillies because my brother played with Charlie Manuel, so I met and spent time with him. He also had one of my good friends, Steve Smith, as his third base coach. I follow people with a personal connection.
• Spouse/children/grandkids
  • The line score for me is two dogs, one wife, and no kids. My wife Elaine and I have been married for 38 years and I have known her for close to 45. The reason I didn’t have any kids is
    

    Roger & his wife of 38 years, Elaine

    because I thought the world had enough 15-handicappers.

• Did you ever make it back to Stockton after you were finished playing for the Ports?
  • I have but never stopped by to see anyone I had known. I meant to look up Ron Stone, but I figured he’s no longer there. We used to take trips to gold country. We have friends in Bakersfield and Modesto, but we haven’t necessarily spent a lot of time in Stockton.
• Have you followed the Ports at all since you were on the team?
  • No, but I am now or will be.
• Do you keep in touch with any of your 1963 teammates? If so, whom?
  • No, people come from all parts of the country. You may not be in same organization or on the same team next year. We didn’t have email, computers, cell phones, or Facebook back then. It was hard to keep in contact back then. The only person I’ve had contact with was Tim Sommer. I played with him in Appleton. We had a conversation a couple years ago about his book. It was a really a good book, a wonderful read, and anyone who played Minor League ball or was a fan will enjoy it.
• What are you doing now after baseball?
  • I’ve been retired for 10 or so years, and I spent 30-some years in the fire service. I enjoyed that quite a bit. It’s a teamwork concept like sports, and an athletic background helps in your job. I didn’t play many years in Minor League Baseball, but looking back, it was probably good that I didn’t hang around for a few more years. Things happen for a reason, and I wouldn’t have gotten the job I had. I went back to school, got a job with the fire department, and before long, it had been 34 years and it was time to say bye-bye.
• What has been your biggest success in your career following your time with Stockton?
  • Having an enjoyable, fulfilling career. I loved going to work everyday, and that’s an accomplishment. I ended up getting a couple of promotions, which is more headway than I made in baseball.
• If you could give any piece of advice to current Ports players, what would it be?
  • Physically: hustle. Always hustle but always make sure that wherever you wind up, at least you can say that you gave yourself every chance and prepared yourself in every way so that you don’t have regrets. You don’t always have control over what will happen. Saying, “I should have done this,” is the worst thing that can happen. Cover all your bases so you can say, “I gave it my best shot,” when you walk away. I saw a lot of guys that didn’t quite make it. I never had any regrets. As far as my potential, I could have done a few things different and played a few more years. Don’t have any coulda-shouldas left over.

  In the box score below, Paul Blair lead the team with two hits & two RBI.

  • 

The Ports visit memory lane with another member of the 1963 Ports team, left-handed pitcher Harley Anderson. Anderson was born in Sheboygan, Wisconsin August 22, 1938.  He attended Phoenix College and Arizona State University.

The Ports

Q. What is your favorite memory from your time on the Ports in 1963?

A. Winning the championship was half the battle.

Q. What accomplishments from your days with the Ports are you most proud of?

A. I pitched very well, and even went to Triple-A for a couple seasons. Without my time on the Ports, I wouldn’t have gotten that far.

Q. 1963 was a memorable year in American history. Did the current events at the time affect your team at all?

A. I don’t think so. We just went out and played hard. We had a great manager.

Q. What was your favorite ballpark in the Cal League to play in?

A. Bakersfield was pretty good.

Q. Who was the toughest opponent you faced?

A. Santa Barbara, they were tough.

Q. What was Stockton like when you were with the Ports in 1963?

A. It was a great town. Staying there was great. It was very nice. The people were gre

at.

Q. What was the best part about winning the 1963 California League Championship Title?

A. It was great that we won. It was outstanding that we did something we hadn’t been done for a while, a great, outstanding accomplishment. We had great teammates. They were good, good guys.

Q. During your time with Stockton, was there a major league baseball player that you looked up to? Modeled your

playing after?

A. I don’t think I played after anybody. I do remember Whitey Ford; I threw better than him but he was a great pitcher.
Since then…
Q. Where do you currently reside?

A. Scottsdale, AZ

Q. What major league team do you currently follow?

A. Now I’m a Diamondback fan. I was a Cubbie fan. I’m still a Cubbie fan. I w

ant the Diamondbacks to win now that I’m here, but deep down inside I want the Cubbies to win.

Q. Spouse/children/grandkids

A. My wife Nancy and I have a son and a daughter, and now we have two grandkids.

Q. Did you ever make it back to Stockton after you were finished playing for the Ports?

A. I haven’t been back since I played there, 50 years ago.

Q. Have you followed the Ports at all since you were on the team?

A. I followed the Ports when I was scouting for a while. When you played there, you want to know what’s going on.

Q. Do you keep in touch with any of your 1963 teammates? If so, whom?

A. No, I haven’t. It will be interesting to see some of these guys at the reunion.

Q. What are you doing now after baseball?

A. Courier for National Bank of Arizona

Q. What has been your biggest success in your career following your time with Stockton?

A. I scouted for 25 years with the Washington Senators, Rangers, and Cubs. It was a great, great time.

Q. If you could give any piece of advice to current Ports players, what would it b

e?

A. Play hard. If you work hard and play hard, you’re a winner.