Tag: sports

Biggest baseball library west of Cooperstown in San Diego!

Visitor to eighth floor of San Diego's downtown public library checks out photographs in the Sullivan Family Baseball Research Center.
Visitor to eighth floor of San Diego’s downtown public library checks out photographs in the Sullivan Family Baseball Research Center.

Many San Diegans don’t realize that our city–our amazing new Central Library, to be exact–contains a unique and important repository of American history. The Sullivan Family Baseball Research Center, located on the eighth floor of the downtown library, is home to the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR) Collection. It constitutes the largest baseball library west of Cooperstown! Shelves of books, magazines, journals, scrapbooks and other historical documents, and many photographs, have recorded in detail the fascinating history of American baseball. And it’s all open to the public!

The research center is directly adjacent to the spacious, high-domed reading room. In the center of the collection is a shiny sculpture of a player swinging a bat, titled Male baseball #1, created in 2009 by artist Yoram Wolberger. On one wall among many old photos, a video screen shows scenes from baseball history. This is one super cool section of the library!

According to the website of the Society for American Baseball Research: “The Baseball Research Center opened in 2001, with an initial collection of books and microfilm donated by SABR’s Ted Williams Chapter. In the years since, it has grown to more than 3,000 publications, books, and journals, and 300 microfilm reels.”

Today, the collection is housed in museum-like grandeur, and to peruse the many photographs and titles is like taking a wonderful, nostalgic journey back through time. Anyone who is a fan of baseball in San Diego needs to check it out!

Bronze and chrome Yoram Wolberger statue of a baseball player swinging a bat.
Bronze and chrome Yoram Wolberger statue of a baseball player swinging a bat.
Many historical photographs can be enjoyed on one wall of the baseball research center.
Many historical photographs can be enjoyed on one wall of the baseball research center.
Anyone who is interested in sports, and America's Pastime in particular, should visit the SABR Collection in San Diego.
Anyone who is interested in sports, and America’s Pastime in particular, should visit the SABR Collection in San Diego.
The collection includes many books, periodicals and artifacts concerning the great sport of baseball.
The collection includes many books, periodicals and artifacts concerning the great sport of baseball.
Photo of one display case, which contains a copy of Baseball Magazine, plus various programs and record books.
Photo of one display case, which contains a copy of Baseball Magazine, plus various programs and record books.
Another exhibit, with an old newspaper, World Series Records, Sporting News publication, team photograph.
Another display case, with an old newspaper, World Series Records, Sporting News publication, team photograph.
Shelves in the library contain hundreds of baseball reference books and registers.
Shelves in the library contain hundreds of baseball reference books and registers.
One small exhibit focuses on fan photography, called Fantography.
One small exhibit focuses on fan photography, called Fantography.
Cool photo of the KGB Chicken between two Padrettes. Ted Giannoulas later became known as The Famous San Diego Chicken.
Cool photo of the KGB Chicken between two Padrettes. Ted Giannoulas later became known as The Famous San Diego Chicken.
Image of San Diego past superstar Dave Winfield in stadium greeting fans.
Image of San Diego past superstar Dave Winfield in stadium greeting fans.
Wonderful photo of San Diego Padres legendary Hall of Fame player Tony Gwynn with his family out on the playing field.
Wonderful photo of San Diego Padres legendary Hall of Fame player Tony Gwynn with his family out on the playing field.

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Photo mural of baseball long ago in San Diego.

Padres fans walk down 11th Avenue toward Petco Park on a game day. They pass a mural featuring photos of baseball in San Diego many years ago.
Padres fans walk down 11th Avenue toward Petco Park on a game day. They pass a mural featuring photos of baseball in San Diego many years ago.

On 11th Avenue, a few blocks north of Petco Park, anyone walking down the sidewalk can pause for a moment to enjoy a cool photo mural. Three large panels feature nostalgic old black-and-white photographs of baseball many years ago in downtown San Diego.

This public art project was created in 2004, with the help of the San Diego Padres, the Centre City Development Corporation and the San Diego Historical Society.

First panel of photo mural shows baseball teams from San Diego and Coronado in 1874. Ball field is on the block bounded by Sixth, C Street, Seventh and Broadway.
First panel of mural shows baseball teams from San Diego and Coronado in 1874. Ball field is on the block bounded by Sixth, C Street, Seventh and Broadway.
Close look at an old photograph of baseball players in San Diego nearly 150 years ago.
Close look at a cool old photograph of baseball players in San Diego nearly 150 years ago.
Second panel of photo mural shows kids in the Rose Park Playground at Eleventh and Island in 1915.
Second panel of photo mural shows kids in the Rose Park Playground at Eleventh and Island in 1915.
San Diegans loved the enduring sport of baseball a hundred years ago.
As they do today, many San Diegans loved the enduring sport of baseball a hundred years ago.
Third panel of photo mural shows a portion of San Diego's Embarcadero in 1936. Lane Field, at Broadway and Pacific Highway, is under construction.
Third panel of mural shows a portion of San Diego’s Embarcadero in 1936. Lane Field, at Broadway and Pacific Highway, is under construction.

Lane Field, which was located at the west end of Broadway right next to the bay, was the home of the San Diego Padres from 1936 to 1957. That’s back when the Pads belonged to the Pacific Coast League. A young Ted Williams played there. It’s said the longest home run ever hit in baseball history was at Lane Field. A ball flying out of the park landed in a train’s boxcar near the Santa Fe Depot, and turned up later in Los Angeles. Unfortunately, the identity of the player who hit an astonishing 120 mile home run remains unknown!

These cool photographs in San Diego's East Village preserve history and reflect memories of a time long ago.
These photographs in San Diego’s East Village preserve history and reflect memories of a time long ago.

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Faces of victory at Rock ‘n Roll run in San Diego.

Mickey hands greet runners at the 2015 San Diego Rock 'n Roll Marathon.
Mickey hands greet runners at the 2015 San Diego Rock ‘n Roll Marathon.

This morning I headed down through East Village to view the finish of the San Diego Rock ‘n Roll Half Marathon. I was rooting for our local running legend Mebrahtom “Meb” Keflezighi, who many years ago went to San Diego High School about a mile from where I live. At 40 years old he’s one of the greatest long distance runners on planet Earth! He was running the half marathon this time. For 2015, United States Track & Field chose this popular San Diego race to be the home of its Masters Half Marathon National Championships.

As I headed over to Park Boulevard and then wound my way south, I saw that the marathoners were well underway. At about the 4 mile mark, their course curled through downtown before heading back up north. Both the full and half marathons ended near Petco Park, and I eventually planted myself one block short of the finish line, at the corner of 13th and J Street. Would Meb win?

Please enjoy some cool photos!

Marathon participants at the mile 4 marker, racing through downtown San Diego.
Marathon participants at the mile 4 marker, racing through downtown San Diego.
Someone is holding up a big Meb face!
Someone is holding up a big Meb face!
Many flags, signs and costumes were seen all along the race course.
Many flags, signs and costumes were seen all along the race course.
Less than a mile from the finish line, no runners have arrived yet.
Less than a mile from the finish line, no runners have arrived yet.
The runners will be crossing this cool Rock 'n Roll Marathon graphic on 13th Avenue.
The runners will be crossing this cool Rock ‘n Roll Marathon graphic on 13th Avenue.
Some photographers sit idle, waiting for the race to come their way.
Some photographers sit idle, waiting for the race to come their way.
LUCK is created in the mind. A crowd has begun to gather not far from the finish line.
LUCK is created in the mind. A crowd has begun to gather not far from the finish line.
One block from the finish, and the half marathon runners should be here in a couple minutes!
One block from the finish, and the half marathon runners should be here in a couple minutes!
Here come Meb Keflezighi and Jordan Chipangama side-by-side! Who will win.
Here come Meb Keflezighi and Jordan Chipangama side-by-side! Who will win?
The top half marathon runners are now arriving on this cloudy San Diego morning.
The top half marathon runners are now arriving on this cloudy San Diego morning.
Faces contain strain, determination and elation as the finish line nears.
Faces contain strain, determination and elation as the finish line nears.
Meanwhile, flowers are being sold to onlookers beside the race route.
Meanwhile, flowers are being sold to onlookers beside the race route.
Here come more runners. Is it the top women's finisher.
Here come more runners. Is it the top women’s finisher?
It's the women's half marathon winner, Eri Hayakawa!
It’s the women’s half marathon winner, Eri Hayakawa!
Triumphant faces at the 2015 San Diego Rock 'n Roll runs.
Many triumphant faces at the 2015 San Diego Rock ‘n Roll runs!

The winner of the men’s half marathon, with a final burst of speed, was Jordan Chipangama at 01:02:24. Meb Keflezighi came in second at 01:02:26, just two seconds behind!

The women’s half marathon winner was Eri Hayakawa at 01:10:47.

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Spreckels Organ raises funds for Operation Rebound.

Jeff, a challenged athlete who benefits from Operation Rebound, at a special marathon Spreckels Organ concert.
Jeff, a challenged athlete who benefits from Operation Rebound, at a special marathon Spreckels Organ concert.

Right now I’m sitting at my computer on Cortez Hill, not far from Balboa Park. Sometimes I imagine–for a brief moment–that I can hear music drifting in through the window. Whether my ears are deceiving me or not, I do know that the huge Spreckels Organ is booming across the beloved urban park at this very exact moment.

How do I know this? Because San Diego’s own Civic Organist, Dr. Carol Williams, is playing the king of musical instruments today for twelve and a half hours straight! In addition to setting a new official Guinness World Record for organ playing, she’s raising money for Operation Rebound!

Operation Rebound is a division of the Challenged Athletes Foundation. They help American military personnel, veterans and first responders who face permanent disability, but who have a passion to compete in sports.  An active lifestyle can help greatly when it comes to both mental and physical health.  Here is their website.

The unique event today at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion helps to raise money, so that wounded warriors can obtain expensive prosthetics, specialized equipment, and funds for travel as they compete in sporting tournaments.

It is a most worthy cause.

You can donate right now!  Even a few bucks helps!  To do so, click here!

Operation Rebound table had images of wounded warriors who have turned or returned to sport. This organization helps challenged athletes with their expenses.
Operation Rebound table had images of wounded warriors who have turned or returned to sport. This organization helps challenged athletes with their expenses.
Dr. Carol Williams, San Diego's Civic Organist, is playing for over 12 hours to help raise money, plus set a new world record!
Dr. Carol Williams, San Diego’s Civic Organist, is playing for over 12 hours to help raise money, plus to set a new world record!
The beautiful Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park was the scene of an important Memorial Day weekend event.
The beautiful Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park is the scene of an important Memorial Day weekend event.
Jeff talks movingly about how Operation Rebound has helped him. Wounded warriors who engage in sports often need funds for prosthetics, travel to tournaments and special equipment.
Jeff talks movingly about how Operation Rebound has helped him. Wounded warriors who engage in sports often need funds for prosthetics, travel to tournaments, and special equipment.
At a table nearby, people were creating greeting cards that thank our troops for sacrificing for our freedom.
At a table nearby, people were creating greeting cards that thank our troops for sacrificing for our freedom.
One handmade heartfelt card reads--You Rock! Thank you for your bravery, dedication, and amazing strength.
One handmade heartfelt card reads: You Rock! Thank you for your bravery, dedication, and amazing strength.

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San Diego museum honors Little League Champs!

From the South Bay to the World Series, a very special exhibit at the New Americans Museum.
From the South Bay to the World Series, a very special exhibit at the New Americans Museum.

It’s been over five years already? Time flies!

I can still remember the excitement throughout San Diego as a bunch of local kids stole our hearts and battled their way to become Little League World Series Champions in 2009!

During my visit to the New Americans Museum today, I checked out a special exhibit which relives and commemorates the historic victory. The Park View team, based in Chula Vista, California (in San Diego’s South Bay not far from the Mexican border), scored a dramatic, storybook 6-3 come-from-behind victory over Chinese Taipei.

Super cool!

San Diegans rooted for our local kids as they battled the world's best baseball teams.
San Diegans rooted for our local kids as they battled the world’s best baseball teams.
Photo shows President Obama honoring the 2009 Little League World Series champs.
Photo shows President Obama honoring the 2009 Little League World Series champs.
Memorabilia on display in San Diego museum recalls the historic victory of young Park View baseball players.
Memorabilia on display in San Diego museum recalls the historic victory of young Park View baseball players.
Park View Little League 2009 coach Ric Ramirez talks with visitors at cool New Americans Museum exhibit.
Park View Little League 2009 coach Ric Ramirez talks with visitors at New Americans Museum exhibit.
Awesome kids from San Diego's Chula Vista community win the Little League World Series in Williamsport in 2009!
Kids from San Diego’s proud Chula Vista community won the 2009 Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

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Museum celebrates diversity in American baseball.

The New Americans Museum at NTC Liberty Station opens an important exhibit. Becoming All-American Diversity, Inclusion, and Breaking Barriers in Major League Baseball.
The New Americans Museum at NTC Liberty Station opens an important exhibit titled Becoming All-American: Diversity, Inclusion, and Breaking Barriers in Major League Baseball.

Today I experienced something undeniably cool. The New Americans Museum, located at NTC Liberty Station, held Becoming All-American Family Day. The fun event celebrated the opening of the museum’s new exhibit, Becoming All-American: Diversity, Inclusion & Breaking Barriers in Major League Baseball.

In keeping with the small museum’s American immigration and diversity theme, this inspiring exhibit showcases Major League Baseball players who broke through racial barriers during the long history of the quintessentially American sport.

If you live in San Diego and you’re a fan of history or baseball, make sure to check it out! You might also visit the many other interesting museums nearby! Liberty Station, the redeveloped site of the old Naval Training Center, is brimming with flowers, sunshine, fountains, shops, culture and history.

Becoming All-American: Diversity, Inclusion, and Breaking Barriers in Major League Baseball runs April 24 to July 5.

The New Americans Museum is located at the beautifully redeveloped old Naval Training Center in Point Loma.
The New Americans Museum is located at the beautifully redeveloped old Naval Training Center in Point Loma.
Becoming All-American Family Day was held to celebrate a fascinating new exhibit.
Becoming All-American Family Day was held to celebrate a fascinating new exhibit.
Cool displays in a unique immigrant-themed museum showcase diverse players through the history of professional American baseball.
Cool displays in a unique immigrant-themed museum showcase diverse players through the history of professional American baseball.
Colorful painting of Gene Locklear, Native American of Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina. He played for several teams, including the San Diego Padres.
Colorful painting of Gene Locklear, Native American of Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina. He played for several teams, including the San Diego Padres.
A quote from Gene Locklear. Education, that's the only way it's going to change...
A quote from Gene Locklear. “Education, that’s the only way it’s going to change…”
Black, white...and shades of gray. In American society, Jews, Irish, Latinos and Asians were sometimes considered white...and sometimes not.
Black, white…and shades of gray. In American society, Jews, Irish, Latinos and Asians were sometimes considered white…and sometimes not.
Museum display honors the legacy of Roberto Clemente with his quote. My greatest satisfaction comes from helping to erase the old opinion about Latin Americans and blacks.
Museum display honors the legacy of Roberto Clemente with his quote. “My greatest satisfaction comes from helping to erase the old opinion about Latin Americans and Blacks.”
Timeline on wall shows notable baseball players through history, eventually shattering racial stereotypes and barriers.
Timeline on wall shows notable baseball players through history, eventually shattering racial stereotypes and barriers.
Harry Kingman in 1914, the only Major League player to have been born in China.
Harry Kingman in 1914, the only Major League player to have been born in China.
Putting on a baseball uniform was like wearing the American flag. Japanese baseball player and manager Kenichi Zenimura, placed in internment camp during WWII, organized a league.
Putting on a baseball uniform was like wearing the American flag. Japanese baseball player and manager Kenichi Zenimura, placed in internment camp during WWII, organized a league.
Museum visitor reads display about Ted Williams, American baseball legend who grew up in San Diego. He had Welsh, Irish, Mexican, Basque, Russian and Native American roots!
Museum visitor reads display about Ted Williams, American baseball legend who grew up in San Diego. He had Welsh, Irish, Mexican, Basque, Russian and Native American roots!
Padres baseball mascot the Swinging Friar plays with kids at the batting inflatable outside during the museum event.
Padres baseball mascot the Swinging Friar plays with kids at the batting inflatable outside during the museum’s family event.
The wisdom of courageous hero Jackie Robinson. A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.
The wisdom of courageous hero Jackie Robinson. “A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.”

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2015 Padres player banners near Petco Park.

27 Matt Kemp LF
27 Matt Kemp RF

A new baseball season is about to begin! There’s fresh hope this year in San Diego, because the Padres have loaded up with outstanding talent. The promise of a greatly improved offense and solid pitching are grounds for great optimism.

This morning I walked through East Village past Petco Park and took photos of cool banners hanging from street lamps near the stadium. The banner graphics include many high profile Padres players. I was in a hurry to catch the trolley, so I probably missed a few…

38 Tyson Ross SP
38 Tyson Ross SP
4 Wil Myers RF
4 Wil Myers CF
3 Derek Norris C
3 Derek Norris C
33 James Shields SP
33 James Shields SP
9 Jedd Gyorko 2B
9 Jedd Gyorko 2B
53 Joaquin Benoit RP
53 Joaquin Benoit RP
10 Justin Upton LF
10 Justin Upton LF
34 Andrew Cashner SP
34 Andrew Cashner SP

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Why the San Diego Padres now have Jedi powers.

Luke, I am your Padre!
Luke, I am your Padre!

Check out this fun street art!  A humorous image was recently painted on a shop window in San Diego. The truth has been revealed!

The San Diego Padres will subdue their baseball enemies this year by using powerful Jedi powers. I might even go to the dark side and root for Darth Vader if that’s what it takes to win a World Series.

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Chargers fans rally for new San Diego stadium.

Thousands of Chargers fans head toward Qualcomm Stadium for a special public hearing.
Thousands of Chargers fans head toward the entrance of Qualcomm Stadium for a special public hearing.

Many San Diegans are passionate about their Chargers. The very real possibility that the much-loved NFL team might leave our city has energized the loyal fan base.

This evening a big rally and special public hearing concerning the possible construction of a new stadium in San Diego took place at venerable but decaying (almost half a century old) Qualcomm Stadium.

I work in Mission Valley very close to The Q, so after I clocked out I headed over to check out what was going on in the parking lot. Loads of fans turned out–thousands! Some arrived early and tailgated as if it were a Sunday football game.

Here are some colorful pics before it got dark outside!

Social media driven Save Our Bolts rally attracted a huge crowd of diehard fans.
Social media driven Save Our Bolts rally attracted a huge crowd of diehard fans.
Rapper helped the passionate crowd chant Save Our Bolts for multiple live news cameras.
Rapper led passionate crowd chanting Save Our Bolts for many live news cameras.
Legions of local football fans waved banners of blue and gold.
Legions of local football fans waved banners of blue and gold.
Handmade signs express hope that Chargers football remains in San Diego.
Handmade signs express hope that Chargers football remains in San Diego.
These mega fans were proudly displaying a unique, patriotic Chargers flag.
These mega fans were proudly displaying a unique, patriotic Chargers flag.
Check out this super cool Chargers custom pickup truck!
Check out this super cool Chargers custom pickup truck!
A long line of people waited to enter Qualcomm Stadium to attend or watch the public hearing.
A long line of people waited to enter Qualcomm Stadium to attend or watch the public hearing.
Lots of kids were excited to be part of the big event.
Lots of kids were excited to be part of the big event.
Many fans, once inside, would observe the proceedings on the old stadium's Jumbotron.
Many fans, with hearts full of hope, would observe the proceedings on the old stadium’s Jumbotron.
Ladies thank Mayor Faulconer for expediting the process to hopefully keep our much-loved NFL team in San Diego.
Ladies thank Mayor Faulconer for expediting the process to hopefully keep our much-loved NFL team in San Diego.

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Huge new scoreboard installed at Petco Park!

Giant crane in Petco Park's outfield has installed a huge new scoreboard!
Giant crane in Petco Park’s outfield has installed a huge new scoreboard!

As you might have read in my last blog post, this morning I walked around Petco Park, home of the San Diego Padres. Guess what I saw! An absolutely hugemungous, super ginormous new scoreboard has been installed for the upcoming 2015 season! The high resolution board is the third largest in Major League Baseball, surpassed in size only by videoboards in Seattle and Kansas City. With a screen so big, why bother watching the action on the field? (Just kidding.)

I noticed a variety of other preparations underway around San Diego’s cool downtown stadium. Here are a few more pics…

This high resolution videoboard is the third largest in Major League Baseball!
This massive high resolution videoboard is the third largest in Major League Baseball!
Guys get some ticket machines ready for the upcoming 2015 baseball season.
Guys get some ticket readers ready for the upcoming 2015 baseball season.
Hosing down seats behind the Beach. The ball field is being prepped for professional baseball after the recent Monster Jam event.
Hosing down seats behind the Beach. The ball field is being prepped for professional baseball after the recent Monster Jam event.

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