Old Coast League -- PCL History

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.

Does Lefty belong in the Hall of fame? I don't debate it, I just feel strongly that he does. Other's may not see it a I do. Lefty spent seven years in the major and minor leagues as a pitcher. Big strong left handed pitchers are always a premium. But Lefty never really made his mark on the mound in either league. I guess the Yankees only thought about converting one lefty into the regular lineup in 1920. Imagine if they had know there were two.

Buzz started out as a pitcher, but ended up as one of the greatest batters in Pacific Coast League history, batting a career .342. The Oakland Tribune stated, “It was young Arlett's first start in any faster company than the bushers around Oakland” and that “Buzz showed himself a hitter”. The San Francisco Chronicle said "Much is Expected of Young Pitcher, Alameda Boy May Be Future Star" He was only 19 years old and there was a lot of talk that his future was bright. He ended up winning 108 with 93 losses, but his true success wasn't on the mound it was at the plate where he became a feared home run hitter, hitting 251 pcl HRs.

An Old Coast League Fan

In the late 1980's I sat down with my Great-Uncle Emile. He was in his early 90's. Emile Camozzi was my Grandfather's older brother. Emile was a native of San Francisco, born in 1894. He loved baseball. Play the short audio clip to hear Emile tell his childhood memory of old Recreation Park, home of the early PCL and the San Francisco Seals?

An Afternoon with Bill Lawrence

I didn't know much about doing an interview back in 1989. Little did I know that I'd get to play as if I was Lawrence Ritter of Glory of their times. I wrote “Big” Bill Lawrence a letter, asking him if he recalled my Grandfather. Bill was born and raised in San Mateo, Ca. San Mateo is where my Grandfather played as a Semi Pro for the San Mateo Blues. I figured that Bill may of watched my Grandfather play. I was correct, Bill grew up watching the local Semi pros play on Sundays. Bill wrote back and invited me to call him. My call led to a pleasant afternoon of conversation.

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