Old Coast League -- PCL History

Coast Leaguers

Research info Request on Clare Patterson

Genny Kenslow's maternal grandfather was Lorenzo Clare Patterson. He played outfield for Ark City (Kansas) Grays in 1908, Guthrie (Oklahoma)Senators in 1909, drafted by Cincinnati in 1909, Ft. Wayne (Indiana) 1910, Quincy (California) 1910, Burlington (California) 1911, Kewanee (California) 1911, Oakland Oaks PCL 1911 & 1912. Was drafted to St. Louis for 1913 but was not able to play for them. Contracted TB and died March 1913. He led the PCL league in stolen bases (he didn't need to steal, he evidently was swift around the bases) had a batting average from 350 to over 400. He was the "comedian" of the PCL league and was so well thought of that a double header benefit game was held to raise money for him when he got sick. He died when Genny's mother was 17 months old.

Genny looking for baseball cards from the Zeenut series and Home Run Kisses. She also would appreciate any information on him.

I can be contacted Genny Kenslow by This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

What's the Truth about Jimmy Claxton?

It has always been said that Jimmy Claxton was presented to the Oakland Oaks as an American Indian straight off the reservation. At least that is what has always been written to explain how an African American played in a non-segregated game of professional baseball in 1916. I find it really hard to believe that the Oakland Oaks were naive to Claxton's race, or that they thought fans would be too.

Within Oakland in 1915 there was a very competitive colored team—The Lynne Stanley Giants. They did not play in a segregated league, they competed with the top (White) teams trough out the greater San Francisco bay area. They where held in high regard in the sports pages and ranked in the top division, if not at the top. Lynne Stanley was a local Oakland businessman and baseball fan. In 1916, the Giants became the Oak Leafs, and Lynne Stanley became an active member of the Oakland Baseball Citizen's Committee -- The Oakland Oaks Boosters. The committee's slogan was "Oakland must have a winner".

Fitzgerald and the 1930 Seattle Indians

In 1930, former Pacific Coast league Star Justin Fitzgerald, was a scout for the Seattle Indians. Justin was also manager of one of the top rated semi pro team in Northern California, the San Mateo Blues. If that wasn't enough baseball to occupy his time he also managed the University of Santa Clara baseball team. In 1930 three young stars could be found in the Seattle Indians lineup--Marv Owen, Bill Lawrence and Guido Simoni. All three were prospects from the San Francisco bay area. Marv and Guido played for Fitz at Santa Clara. Bill grew up in Fitz's home town of San Mateo, Ca. They all cut their teeth playing a few games for the Blues, proving they could run in fast company. Marv Owen enjoyed the greatest success playing with the Tigers in the major leagues.

Ping Bodie and the $600 dollar beer

It was said that Ping Bodie played baseball in an era of hoop skirts and nickel beers. Bodie was a colorful character in the days of drab hued flannel uniforms. Ping’s anecdotes are legendary. One needs not question their authenticity; just enjoy the humor of his persona. When Bing broke into the major leagues he looked like a man who enjoyed life to its fullest. Robust for a man who’s profession was chasing fly balls hit by lean and speedy athletes. Fans and Sports writers liked to say that Bodie could cover more ground in the outfield than any other fielder, by merely sitting down.