Classic American West Coast Boxing

[Rick Farris]

On Saturday Tony is going to be on the thread, if you want to do a "G & A" thing with him let me know and I'll set the time.

Frank, I have a few questions. Maybe we can set a time, as you mentioned.
This is a good opportunity.

-Rick

[kikibalt]

Bobby, Tony and their families are here, Bobby got in yesterday and Tony today, ready for home made menudo and Juanito's tamales....

Con pata!
Frank, I wish you and your family a great Christmas. I have been thinking of Frankie Jr., Tony & Bobby in recent days.
There are so many brilliant stories that must be told, the Baltazar boys (as individuals) are three of them.
You have been blessed. Your family certifies that. You deserve what you have, your Connie is a wonderful woman.
No family escapes challenges, pain or loss. But a real family pulls together the best they can.
Give my best to the three boys who will one day be part of stories I write (hopefully), and to James & Linda, as well.

You were part of a small machine that reaped great results for youth in L.A. . . . The Junior Golden Gloves.
I remember you exactly as you were. Thin, healthy, lots of hair, smart, focused and strong.
You were the "kid" compared to Flores and Louie and Jake. They were all in their 50's, you were barely thirty!
You were the generation "between" the old guard and the kids.
I've never heard a negative word in relation to Frank Baltazar.
I was honored to be a part of your receiving the first Johnny Flores Award.
God cut Johnny Flores and Frank Baltazar from the same piece of cloth.

-Rick Farris

What can I say, but thank you Rick.

[kikibalt]

On Saturday Tony is going to be on the thread, if you want to do a "G & A" thing with him let me know and I'll set the time.

Frank, I have a few questions. Maybe we can set a time, as you mentioned.
This is a good opportunity.

-Rick

I'll see what time Tony wants to do it and what ever time he say I'll post it.

[Rick Farris]

Question for Tony Baltazar . . . (For saturday at the appropriate time)

Tony, on Friday June 24th, 1966, the Junior Golden Gloves held their 14th annual tournament at the Olympic Auditorium.
On thursday, the night before the event, the Olympic had sold out for a major heavyweight match between unbeaten Joey Orbillo of Wilmington, vs. Eddie Machen.

To publicize the Jr. Golden Gloves event the following night, promoter Aileen Eaton agreed to allow a junior glover to put on a professional-like shadow boxing exhibition. The junior glover who'd do the shadow boxing before a live television audience was you. Like you, I was scheduled to fight the next night in the '66 finals, but I was also in the house because my dad had tickets.

An upcoming lightweight, Mando Ramos, was featured in the televised prelim, KOing Davey White in the 2nd round of a six-rounder.
Then during the intermission between the semi-main and main event, we see you enter the ring in a robe made of zarape. You then put on an exhibition that brought the crowd to their feet. You received a well deserved standing ovation.

You were just five years old on that night more than 43 years ago. I've other questions about your pro and amateur career, but I never forgot that shadow boxing show you put on. It was a long time ago, do you remember that night?


-Rick Farris

[Rick Farris]

On Saturday Tony is going to be on the thread, if you want to do a "G & A" thing with him let me know and I'll set the time.

Frank, I have a few questions. Maybe we can set a time, as you mentioned.
This is a good opportunity.

-Rick

I'll see what time Tony wants to do it and what ever time he say I'll post it.

[raylawpc]

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!



Jim Jeffries and friends circa 1948 - Christmas trivia: Can anybody (except Rick) identify the girl on the left?

Same to you Tom, Merry Christmas.

I remember you posted this photo before and you identified but I can't remember what you said, I vaguely recall her initials are D.R. but I'm not sure so I won't spoil the question for you.

Randy

I won't tell who the young lady is, but she and my mother were classmates at Burbank High School. Her real first name was Mary Francis, and her high school nickname was "Frannie". I worked with her decades later on a short-lived Aaron Spelling series she starred in briefly in 1980. As a young contract player at MGM, she worked with my grandfather when she was on "loan" to Warner Bros. At the time she was a Girl Scout, and would sell cookies to cast & crew members while working on the production. She is a REAL Hollywood legend, and the stories she can tell about the studio execs of her era (such as L.B. Mayer) are shocking. I like her, of course, I like most of the old school Hollywood legends. I actually have a story about this actress, whom I lit in one of my first jobs as a lighting director. I wish I could get a hold of a photo my mother has. In the photo, the actress and my mother were both members of the Burbank H.S. marching band. Kind of a corny pic of the band, I forget what instrament the actress played. She was married to Eddie Fisher, as was Liz Taylor and Connie Stevens. Well, I guess I pretty much gave up her identity. But I didn't reveal that her daughter Carrie starred in the original Star Wars series.


-Rick Farris

Gee, thanks for not giving it away, Rick!

[raylawpc]

Which of the three is D. R.....
____________________________

She's the one kneeling to Jeff's extreme right (our left).

By the way, just talked to my mother who told me that Debbie Reynolds was Miss Burbank in 1948.
From this she got an acting contract at Warner Bros. (When my grandfather worked with her).
Warners dropped her contract and MGM gave her one. MGM made her a star.
At the time the photo with Jeffries was taken, she had just gotten her contract with Warners.

By the way, my mother appreciated Tom's photo. (and I appreciate it being with Jim Jeffries) We both thank you!


-Rick Farris

Ask your Mom if she can identify the other two girls in the picture. The caption I have listed them as "unknown."

[kikibalt]

Tony will be on the thread at 10 AM, Saturday

[bennie]

Merry Christmas, USA.


From snowy England.

[kikibalt]

Merry Christmas, USA.


From snowy England.

Bennie, where the hell have you been? we need you here!

Merry Xmas to you and yours

[Chuck1052]

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to everyone!

- Chuck Johnston

[kikibalt]

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to everyone!

- Chuck Johnston

Same. same Chuck

[Randyman]

Merry Christmas, USA.


From snowy England.

Same to you Bennie. Good to see you back on the thread!

Randy

[Randyman]

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to everyone!

- Chuck Johnston

Merry Christmas, Chuck

[Randyman]

Rick, your story brought to mind something from years ago, so I hope you don't mind if I piggyback on your story …….

Life’s Little Lessons

Back in 1993 when I was taking my son Andrew to the Brooklyn Street Gym in Boyle Heights, a guy named Troy started coming around and working out. One of the guys there started training him. The trainer was not a real boxing person but was someone who had trained in the art of Ninjitsu, a Japanese form of Martial Arts but not just limited to fighting. Troy was a black belt in Karate, I can’t remember what style, so in some ways it was a match made in heaven.. Troy was about 25 years old, 6’ 6” and was a Fabio look alike. He looked more like body builder than a fighter., he looked to weigh about 230 or so, and solid. He was a very nice guy despite the fact that he was as vain as hell. Troy and my son hit it off really well.

After a few months of learning the basic fundamentals of boxing, shadowboxing, hitting the bags and getting in shape, the day came when he was going to spar for the first time. His sparring partner that day was to be an 17 year old amateur fighter. I don’t recall his name nor did I ever hear anything about him later. The guy was somewhat small for a heavyweight, not too much taller than me but he was built like a refrigerator. Troy was really fired up that day. He invited his older brother Tory to come and see him spar.

When Andrew was done working out that day we walked over to Siete Mares (A Mexican Fish Taco Joint) and as Andrew and I were eating Troy comes bursting through the door and says to my son and I “I’m sparring today”! “Really?” I said. After he gave the run down on who he going to spar with he held up his fist he said “I’m gonna to kick this guys ass and knock him out”! He started going on and on about what he was going to do. It was starting to get ridiculous. I mentioned that he was just sparring not fighting and he should just go in there and learn but it fell on deaf ears. Andrew took a shot at it too but Troy would not be denied this great victory.

When we were done eating we walked back to the gym and Troy introduced me to his brother Tory as he was putting on his gear. I never saw a more confident guy in my life. I really felt sorry for him. So did Andrew. He stepped into the ring and started bouncing around like Ali. The other kid climbs trough the rope and a crowd gathered around the ring. Big brother Tory was just as confident as Troy.

The bell sounded and Troy came out with everything he had and missed every punch he threw as the kid moved and jab and started to land almost every punch he threw. Troy was done in the first minute. He was staggering and reeling around the gym. He didn’t have a clue. It was a pathetic showing. He had no heart for fighting and he knew it at that very second. The look on his brothers face said it all. What made it worse for Troy was that almost every person in the gym was laughing as loud and as hard as they could. The fight crowd can be heartless sometimes.

Amazingly enough he came out for the second round. He was bloodied and beaten. He was knocked down or fell from exhaustion a few times but offered nothing in return. He looked like he wanted to cry. So did big brother. It was humiliating. I felt sorry for Troy but he made the choice and the other kid had no choice but to return fire.

They stopped it in the middle of the round and some drunk from the small crowd that had gathered, filled with liquid courage, jumped into the ring and shoved Troy. Demanding to fight him at that very moment. Troy just stood there with his head down. He was as ashamed of himself as anyone I have ever seen. He avoided eye contact with Andrew and I as he said goodbye and left the gym. He couldn’t get out fast enough. Like I said, I felt sorry for the guy.

Troy never came back to the gym and I never saw him again. There were several lessons to be learned that day. I hope he learned them.

Randy . . . This is a great story. It was also a great lesson for your son (although Andrew didn't need it.)
I know who produced Andrew De La O . . . the BEST!

-Rick Farris

Thanks, Rick

[Randyman]

Bobby, Tony and their families are here, Bobby got in yesterday and Tony today, ready for home made menudo and Juanito's tamales....

Con pata!
Frank, I wish you and your family a great Christmas. I have been thinking of Frankie Jr., Tony & Bobby in recent days.
There are so many brilliant stories that must be told, the Baltazar boys (as individuals) are three of them.
You have been blessed. Your family certifies that. You deserve what you have, your Connie is a wonderful woman.
No family escapes challenges, pain or loss. But a real family pulls together the best they can.
Give my best to the three boys who will one day be part of stories I write (hopefully), and to James & Linda, as well.

You were part of a small machine that reaped great results for youth in L.A. . . . The Junior Golden Gloves.
I remember you exactly as you were. Thin, healthy, lots of hair, smart, focused and strong.
You were the "kid" compared to Flores and Louie and Jake. They were all in their 50's, you were barely thirty!
You were the generation "between" the old guard and the kids.
I've never heard a negative word in relation to Frank Baltazar.
I was honored to be a part of your receiving the first Johnny Flores Award.
God cut Johnny Flores and Frank Baltazar from the same piece of cloth.

-Rick Farris

Truer words were never said.

[Rick Farris]

Tony will be on the thread at 10 AM, Saturday

Sounds good, Frank. I finish my workout with the guy I train about 11am or just after, I will log on as soon as I can.

-Rick

[Rick Farris]

Which of the three is D. R.....
____________________________

She's the one kneeling to Jeff's extreme right (our left).

By the way, just talked to my mother who told me that Debbie Reynolds was Miss Burbank in 1948.
From this she got an acting contract at Warner Bros. (When my grandfather worked with her).
Warners dropped her contract and MGM gave her one. MGM made her a star.
At the time the photo with Jeffries was taken, she had just gotten her contract with Warners.

By the way, my mother appreciated Tom's photo. (and I appreciate it being with Jim Jeffries) We both thank you!


-Rick Farris

Ask your Mom if she can identify the other two girls in the picture. The caption I have listed them as "unknown."

Tom . . . I spoke with my mother after forwarding the pic to her. She didn't remember the other girls but was going to look into her high school year book and try to identify them. At the time, Burbank's Industry was booming and still is. Besides Lockheed Aircraft, there were five major studio lots within it's borders. Warner Brothers, Walt Disney, Universal International, Columbia Ranch and a new NBC Studio which was built around 1950 and hosted "The Tonight Show" with both Johnny Carson and Jay Leno until this year. I was born in a hospital across the street from Disney Studio, with NBC on the other side and Warner's just down the street. With family in the business, it's no surprise that I would find work there after I stopped boxing.

-Rick Farris

[Rick Farris]

For Tom . . .

You might already be aware of this site:

www.burbankia.com

It has a lot of history about the City of Burbank, including history related to Jim Jeffries, Jeffries' Barn, Studios, etc.



-Rick Farris

[Rick Farris]

The Jeffries Barn
By Wes ClarkJames


Jeffries is considered to be one of the great heavyweight boxers of his era, perhaps the best of all time. He owned Burbank property on the corner of Victory Boulevard and Buena Vista Avenue in Burbank. On that property stood the Jeffries Barn, where Thursday night boxing matches were held from 1931 to Jeffries' death in 1953. It is interesting to note that John Garfield's big boxing scene in the Dead End Kids film "They Made Me a Criminal" (1939) was filmed in Jeffries' barn. After his death the barn was dismantled and moved to the Knott's Berry Farm amusement park in Orange County. The land was a vacant lot until 1976, when a shopping plaza was built.

From "A History of Burbank" (1967, Burbank Unified Schools):

In 1904, national attention was drawn to Burbank when James J. Jeffries, the heavyweight boxing champion of the world, bought 107 acres for a ranch on Victory Boulevard. He paid $2,000 down and assumed a $10,000 mortgage. Only ten acres were placed under cultivation, and the rest was sagebrush and sand. Jeffries later developed another 93 acres and planted alfalfa. The market price for alfalfa dropped shortly after this time and it did not pay Jeffries to harvest his crop. He decided to put cattle on the land to eat the alfalfa. This proved to be a prosperous enterprise. Jim Jeffries became one of the country's foremost suppliers of thoroughbred bulls. Most of them were sold in Mexico and South America thus establishing Burbank's first foreign trade relations.

Jeffries built a large ranch home and a barn on the corner of where Victory Boulevard and Buena Vista Street now intersect. According to my father-in-law Don Bilyeu (who lived in Burbank at the time and visited the Jeffries Barn a number of times to watch fights), the house and barn were separated by Buena Vista. The house was on the southeast corner (where a shopping plaza is now), and the barn was located on the south west corner (where Ralph's front parking lot is now). Jeffries gradually sold parts of his ranch until only his home and barn were left when he died, March 3, 1953. The barn may now be seen at Knott's Berry Farm where it was moved to make room for a labor union building which used to occupy the site. The home deteriorated after Jeffries died and was torn down years ago.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Footnote:

I have been told that Jeffries Barn no longer exists, that it was taken down to make room for more amusement park rides? I have not been there in years. I know that the barn was "protected property" having been given a historic designation. What happened to it? Wh knows. Tom, have you heard this???

[raylawpc]

I was told the barn was demolished by the folks at Knotts Berry Farm a couple of years. I haven't verified it.

[Bobbin & Weavin]

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to everyone!

- Chuck Johnston

Hey Everyone,
Haven't spoken up lately, but have been keeping up reading your posts, thanks for a great year of boxing knowledge and then some!
I hope you all have a great Christmas and an even better New Years followed by a great 2010.
Bruce
Alive and well in NorCal

[Rick Farris]

I was told the barn was demolished by the folks at Knotts Berry Farm a couple of years. I haven't verified it.

Tom, I must have heard this from one of your posts. I haven't been there in years. I was planning to head down that way with Monica just to see for myself, but haven't had the time. Knotts Berry Farm was originally just that, a berry farm with a restaurant that featured Chicken dinners and berry pies. Walter Knott died decades back, when I was a kid. For awhile during my youth, my family lived in Garden Grove, an Orange County city that bordered Buena Park where the Knotts is located. My friends would ride our bikes to Knotts, hop the fence behind the security guard's office and roam the park. I would always go straight to Jeff's Barn, there was a pretty good boxing historian named Al Nelson who ran a small boxing museum inside a portion of the barn. I recall he had a pair of Sonny Liston's training gloves on display which weighed 20oz. When Nelson passed so did the museum. Today Knott's is owned by a large corporation that controls many theme parks nation-wide. That little piece of information explains everything. Corporations aren't about history or humanity.


-Rick Farris

[Rick Farris]

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to everyone!

- Chuck Johnston

Hey Everyone,
Haven't spoken up lately, but have been keeping up reading your posts, thanks for a great year of boxing knowledge and then some!
I hope you all have a great Christmas and an even better New Years followed by a great 2010.
Bruce
Alive and well in NorCal

Good to hear from you, Bruce. The best to you & your family.

-Rick Farris

[Rick Farris]

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to everyone!

- Chuck Johnston

Have a great day, Chuck!