Classic American West Coast Boxing

[Rick Farris]

Next Year . . .

As of today, I'm not certain how much involvment I'll have with the WBHOF next year.
I will still head up the Selection Committee early next year, and follow thru with getting ballots out, receiving them, counting votes, etc.
I'll update the "honor roll", help them with their historical research, etc. That's about it. I needn't pass out or accept awards.
Saturday night was fun for me. Being a part of Frank's receiving the Johnny Flores Award was something I will never forget.
The same can be said for Lucia Rijker's induction. I appreciate it because it was a "historical event", and boxing history is my passion.
I like to see good things happen to good people. Frank and Lucia are both very good people, and both have left a permanent imprint on the world of boxing.
Regardless, next year a table will be reserved in the name of our Boxrec group.
Frank, Connie, Roger, Maria, Randy, Jeri, Dan, Pop, Monica, Brian, Chuck, myself, etc. will all be invited.
Between now & then, we have the CBHOF event on June 26th at a great venue.
One day, there just might be an event of this type, the size of the WBHOF, but done with the organization & efficiancy of the Cal HOF.
They will actually have the common sense to dim the lights before projecting an image on a screen.
Footage will be compelling and exciting. It's not hard to get somebody's attention but you have to keep their attention.
I believe that with just a little focus it would be easy to create such an event.
People want to be entertained, when they are not, they get bored and don't see what they came to see.
One day, if just once, I would like to be a part of such an event. Never know what's around the corner . . .



-Rick Farris

[Randyman]

Guys, Jeri and I and Ed had a great time this weekend. The highlight was being there with Frank as he accepted his plaque. It doesn't get any better than that. I enjoy the company of all the guys from this thread. It's a perfect fit.

I was happy for Lucia Rijker's induction and I thought she handled herself with class. That's some Lady. She seems well grounded. Jeri really liked her. She stole the show and then some. She deserved it.

Not all the photos that I took on Saturday and Sunday came out. many of them are too dark or blurry. I don't think it's the camera, I think it's the photographer. I'll post what I have. I'm disappointed.

Jeri and I had to drive back to the Marriott tonight after I got off of work. She left her jacket in the room. Thankfully they stored it for her.

I'm already looking forward to next years event.

Randy

[Randyman]

Frank and Connie. Two great people!

[Randyman]

Gaspar Ortega and Joe Cortez

Roger and Maria and Jeri and I had breakfast with Gaspar and his wife Ana. Two very nice people. Gaspar was quiet and unassuming. Jeri had no idea he was once a fighter until I told her. Later when we got home I found some photos on the internet to show her. She was impressed by how quiet he was. You wouldn't know he was a hall of fame fighter. That's a mark of greatness and character.

Randy

[Randyman]

"When Irish Eyes are Smiling"


Dan Hanley Jr and Sr and Rick Farris with Roger Esty and Frank Baltazar in the background.

[Randyman]

Frank Baltazar, Ed Hernandez and Roger Esty with his painting of Bobby Chacon. Great guys and great friends!

Randy

[kikibalt]

Guys, Jeri and I and Ed had a great time this weekend. The highlight was being there with Frank as he accepted his plaque. It doesn't get any better than that. I enjoy the company of all the guys from this thread. It's a perfect fit.

I was happy for Lucia Rijker's induction and I thought she handled herself with class. That's some Lady. She seems well grounded. Jeri really liked her. She stole the show and then some. She deserved it.

Not all the photos that I took on Saturday and Sunday came out. many of them are too dark or blurry. I don't think it's the camera, I think it's the photographer. I'll post what I have. I'm disappointed.

Jeri and I had to drive back to the Marriott tonight after I got off of work. She left her jacket in the room. Thankfully they stored it for her.

I'm already looking forward to next years event.

Randy

Randy, what is the 'Optical Zoom" on you camera?

[Randyman]

Bobby showing his love for Rog!

Randy

[dagosd2000]

SHOW AND TELL

If you had to vote for the inductee at the WBHOF who gathered the most attention,it was Lucia Rijker. Everywhere she went, a crowd surrounded her. Brian referred to her as intrigueing.Rick told me she was intelligent and could converse smartly on any subject. The Farrises adore her and Lucia shares a love and respect for them as well. To read Lucia's email to Rick is a confirmation.

Rick had talked to me about presenting my painting of her as part of the award ceremony. He called me to ask if I would bring my painting of her. Of course.

The directors' dinner on Friday was where Rick wanted me to present Lucia with the painting. I've given women paintings before. This gesture probably validates where I have a hard time putting the emotions and feelings of women together in a logical perspective. I know I'm off base if I have to use the word"logical"when trying to describe women. Lucia that night kept me off balance as usual.

Rick went to her table where she was still being mobbed. Photographers and fans.The curious. The ones with the ulterior motives with their gestures. Rick said something to me about what had happened at the press conference the night before. I guess Ruben Castillo made a "sexist" remark to Lucia in front of the crowd. She shot back.
"What do you think I am?Just a vagina?"
Well that comment turned on a little light inside of me. This woman is just as dangerous with her understanding of people as she is with the gloves on. Sure she's attractive. Maybe that's the way most men want her to come off as. Beauty before brawn. No parity here. You have to be a "vagina"first.

I saw a few men hold onto her as they complimented her on her award.
"I've always dreamed about you," said one fellow who didn't want to let go of her waist.

When Rick finally could get her away from the crowd at her table,I saw her searching with her eyes towards where Rick was guiding her. She was trying to comprehend rapidly of what was happening. A painting of me? "What's this all about" I saw in her eyes.

I stood up and sheepishly showed her the painting.
"This is for you,"I said. "I hope I did you justice."
Just then she started to blush and giggle.
"This is how you saw me?"
I was trying to be right on this. I told the truth.
"Yes,this is how I saw you."

Lucia looked at Rick. It was like she wanted Rick to confirm that this is the way she looked. I wanted to take a picture of her and Rick. She was still laughing and blushing.She had a hard time with her words. She seemed vulnerable. I snapped two pictures. She came over to me.
"That was sweet of you,"she said.
I gave her a kiss on the cheek.
"Thank you very much,"I said.
I couldn't think of anything else to say. I didn't want to force anything.

At the dinner the next night,she received her inductee award. Everyone swarmed around her. As she was making her acceptance speech she said that women could do anything they set out to do. If you wanted to be a professional boxer and a champion you could do it. I could here some gals in the audience shout and whistle. Lucia was really getting worked up. Something was driving her. If there was a prepared speech,the words became spontaneous.

In the lobby after the banquet I saw Rick. He said that Lucia loved the painting. He also told me that she had been through a lot. Lucia has been out of boxing for a while now,but I don't think she will ever stop fighting.

[Randyman]

Guys, Jeri and I and Ed had a great time this weekend. The highlight was being there with Frank as he accepted his plaque. It doesn't get any better than that. I enjoy the company of all the guys from this thread. It's a perfect fit.

I was happy for Lucia Rijker's induction and I thought she handled herself with class. That's some Lady. She seems well grounded. Jeri really liked her. She stole the show and then some. She deserved it.

Not all the photos that I took on Saturday and Sunday came out. many of them are too dark or blurry. I don't think it's the camera, I think it's the photographer. I'll post what I have. I'm disappointed.

Jeri and I had to drive back to the Marriott tonight after I got off of work. She left her jacket in the room. Thankfully they stored it for her.

I'm already looking forward to next years event.

Randy

Randy, what is the 'Optical Zoom" on you camera?

I'll have to check that out Frank, I don't know right off hand. I guess the fact that I don'tknow explains why so many photos didn't come outright.

Randy

[Randyman]

Chuck Johnston and I. They don't come any nicer than Chuck.

Randy

[Randyman]

The Better Halves

Connie, Maria and Jeri

Randy

[Randyman]

Our Table

[kikibalt]

I'll have to check that out Frank, I don't know right off hand. I guess the fact that I don'tknow explains why so many photos didn't come outright.

Randy

Randy...To get good pics. you need to have nothing less than "10 Optical Zoom", thats so when you zoom in, your pics. will not come out blurry, the lower the number under ten, an the closer you zoom in, the blurrier your pics will come out.

[Randyman]

You won't find a more deserving guy for this award than Frank Baltazar. I took several photos of Frank but these were the only acceptable ones. Sorry about that.

Randy

[Randyman]

I'll have to check that out Frank, I don't know right off hand. I guess the fact that I don'tknow explains why so many photos didn't come outright.

Randy

Randy...To get good pics. you need to have nothing less than "10 Optical Zoom", thats so when you zoom in, your pics. will not come out blurry, the lower the number under ten, and the closer you zoom in, your pics. will come out blurrier.

Thanks for that info Frank. Now I have something to look for. I figured it was me and not the camera. I check on that.

Randy

[Randyman]

The Lady is a Champ




Lucia Rijker

Again, sorry about the quality of the photos.
Randy

[kikibalt]

You won't find a more deserving guy for this award than Frank Baltazar. I took several photos of Frank but these were the only acceptable ones. Sorry about that.

Randy

Randy...Thanks for your kind words and for the nice photos.

[kikibalt]

Nite! time to hit the hay....

[Randyman]

Jeri and Lucia



Jeri couldn't say enough good things about Lucia. She has a new fan in Jeri.

Randy

[Randyman]

You won't find a more deserving guy for this award than Frank Baltazar. I took several photos of Frank but these were the only acceptable ones. Sorry about that.

Randy

Randy...Thanks for your kind words and for the nice photos.

Yo're welcome Frank.

Randy

[Randyman]

Tony "The Tiger" Lopez, Gil King and I'm not sure of the third guys name. Any one?

Frank, I mentioned to Tony that I was here with Tony"The Tiger" Baltazars' dad. He stood up straight and his eyes light up and he said " is he here right now?" "No I said, you just missed him". I think he wanted to meet you.

Randy

[Randyman]

Gaspar Ortega, Roger and Maria Esty

[Randyman]

Gaspar Ortega and I.

Randy

[Randyman]

Emile Griffith, Roger Esty and Gaspar Ortega. This is what it's all about Gents!

Randy