Classic American West Coast Boxing

[scartissue]

My Grandson, Zachary

Rick Farris

Rick, sorry I've been AWOL. You have to be beaming with pride there, dude. He looks like a real scrapper. What a great pic.

Scartissue

[Rick Farris]

Los Angeles embarrasses St. Louis once again . . .

Dodgers - 9
Cards - 4

That's two wins, in two days, and right in Busch Stadium. Total points scored: Dodgers-22 / Cards-6
It's like the Dodgers winning both games by a score of 11-3.
In football that would be a fairly close score, in baseball

This is what the Dodgers have done for me lately, in case anybody is interested.

Alas, I'm not a 'what have you done for me lately' guy. It's a long season, and it still ain't over. Let's see whose laughing with the final standings.

I just discovered that the Dodgers also beat the Cards on Monday, 2-1. They swept them at home 3-0. All since this conversation started.
And you can figure in this math. Since coming to Los Angeles the Dodgers have won 9 world series, which is an average one world series title every six years. The Cards have won 10 world title in their 120+ years in St. Louis, an average of one every 12 years. Now if you want us to throw in the Brooklyn Dodgers world championships, the numbers get uglier. As it is, the Los Angeles Dodgers (even after a long hiatus from a world series title) still averages 2 world series championships in the time it takes the Cards to win one. So after we finish with a losing record this year (and at the bottom of the pile) they will still have numbers that St. Louis could not possibly equal for decades. Just for fun, you might want to check the figures and see exactly what the score cards is between the Dodgers and Cards this year. The Dodgers have proven they are having big time problems with just about every team but the Cards. Lucky for the Cards they come from a town where there isn't much to do, or you'd discover your "loyal fans" aren't so loyal.

[Rick Farris]

My Grandson, Zachary

Rick Farris

Rick, sorry I've been AWOL. You have to be beaming with pride there, dude. He looks like a real scrapper. What a great pic.

Scartissue

Thanks Dan!

[Rick Farris]

My Grandson, Zachary

Rick Farris

Congratulations Rick

Thanks, Remy!

[coach greg v]

Los Angeles embarrasses St. Louis once again . . .

Dodgers - 9
Cards - 4

That's two wins, in two days, and right in Busch Stadium. Total points scored: Dodgers-22 / Cards-6
It's like the Dodgers winning both games by a score of 11-3.
In football that would be a fairly close score, in baseball

This is what the Dodgers have done for me lately, in case anybody is interested.

Alas, I'm not a 'what have you done for me lately' guy. It's a long season, and it still ain't over. Let's see whose laughing with the final standings.

I just discovered that the Dodgers also beat the Cards on Monday, 2-1. They swept them at home 3-0. All since this conversation started.
And you can figure in this math. Since coming to Los Angeles the Dodgers have won 9 world series, which is an average one world series title every six years. The Cards have won 10 world title in their 120+ years in St. Louis, an average of one every 12 years. Now if you want us to throw in the Brooklyn Dodgers world championships, the numbers get uglier. As it is, the Los Angeles Dodgers (even after a long hiatus from a world series title) still averages 2 world series championships in the time it takes the Cards to win one. So after we finish with a losing record this year (and at the bottom of the pile) they will still have numbers that St. Louis could not possibly equal for decades. Just for fun, you might want to check the figures and see exactly what the score cards is between the Dodgers and Cards this year. The Dodgers have proven they are having big time problems with just about every team but the Cards. Lucky for the Cards they come from a town where there isn't much to do, or you'd discover your "loyal fans" aren't so loyal.

>rick ray to go to show you how I listen to you guys a big heavyweight came to see me to use my boxing gym. I looked him over and asked so you wanna be a fighter. he says yes sir I say ARE U A WHAT HAVE U DONE FOR ME LATELY KINDA GUY?????He said excuse me. I said skip it and started to laugh. Well health wise I was able to stay in the gym working for a hour. So i am happy. come on up to the arctic sh..kickers boxing club....

[raylawpc]

Los Angeles embarrasses St. Louis once again . . .

Dodgers - 9
Cards - 4

That's two wins, in two days, and right in Busch Stadium. Total points scored: Dodgers-22 / Cards-6
It's like the Dodgers winning both games by a score of 11-3.
In football that would be a fairly close score, in baseball

This is what the Dodgers have done for me lately, in case anybody is interested.

Alas, I'm not a 'what have you done for me lately' guy. It's a long season, and it still ain't over. Let's see whose laughing with the final standings.

I just discovered that the Dodgers also beat the Cards on Monday, 2-1. They swept them at home 3-0. All since this conversation started.
And you can figure in this math. Since coming to Los Angeles the Dodgers have won 9 world series, which is an average one world series title every six years. The Cards have won 10 world title in their 120+ years in St. Louis, an average of one every 12 years. Now if you want us to throw in the Brooklyn Dodgers world championships, the numbers get uglier. As it is, the Los Angeles Dodgers (even after a long hiatus from a world series title) still averages 2 world series championships in the time it takes the Cards to win one. So after we finish with a losing record this year (and at the bottom of the pile) they will still have numbers that St. Louis could not possibly equal for decades. Just for fun, you might want to check the figures and see exactly what the score cards is between the Dodgers and Cards this year. The Dodgers have proven they are having big time problems with just about every team but the Cards. Lucky for the Cards they come from a town where there isn't much to do, or you'd discover your "loyal fans" aren't so loyal.

You're the 'what have you done for me lately' guy, and now you are using 'what did you do for me 20+ years ago' to try to make your point?

Since I came to St. Louis in 1986, the Cards have made three world series appearances, winning once, and won their division 8 times. They’ve come in second in the division the last two years, and they are currently in second place, meaning they are one of the top six teams in the NL. Even if I was a ‘what have you done for me lately’ guy like you, I can't see why I wouldn't be loyal to the Cardinals . . .

You make it sound like disloyalty is an positive character trait.

[raylawpc]

Alas, I'm not a 'what have you done for me lately' guy. It's a long season, and it still ain't over. Let's see whose laughing with the final standings.

I just discovered that the Dodgers also beat the Cards on Monday, 2-1. They swept them at home 3-0. All since this conversation started.
And you can figure in this math. Since coming to Los Angeles the Dodgers have won 9 world series, which is an average one world series title every six years. The Cards have won 10 world title in their 120+ years in St. Louis, an average of one every 12 years. Now if you want us to throw in the Brooklyn Dodgers world championships, the numbers get uglier. As it is, the Los Angeles Dodgers (even after a long hiatus from a world series title) still averages 2 world series championships in the time it takes the Cards to win one. So after we finish with a losing record this year (and at the bottom of the pile) they will still have numbers that St. Louis could not possibly equal for decades. Just for fun, you might want to check the figures and see exactly what the score cards is between the Dodgers and Cards this year. The Dodgers have proven they are having big time problems with just about every team but the Cards. Lucky for the Cards they come from a town where there isn't much to do, or you'd discover your "loyal fans" aren't so loyal.

>rick ray to go to show you how I listen to you guys a big heavyweight came to see me to use my boxing gym. I looked him over and asked so you wanna be a fighter. he says yes sir I say ARE U A WHAT HAVE U DONE FOR ME LATELY KINDA GUY?????He said excuse me. I said skip it and started to laugh. Well health wise I was able to stay in the gym working for a hour. So i am happy. come on up to the arctic sh..kickers boxing club....

You aren't listening to me. I'm definitely NOT a 'what have you done for me lately' guy. I happen to think loyalty is a positive character trait.

[CNorkusJr]

I just couldn't help myself, had to post this ;;-) ....

This reminds me of a joke:

A hunter is out hunting ducks in the woods. After a couple of hours and no ducks coming his way,he starts to walk around. He ends up in a clearing behind an old barn.Suddenly a gaggle of ducks come flying overhead,the hunter levels his gun and "POW",manages to see one duck fall from the sky.

As the hunter is going over to pick up the duck he shot-the farmer/owner comes out of his barn and says to the duck hunter "What the hell do you think your doing ?"
The hunter replies-"I spent hours looking for ducks and I finally got one".

The farmer says "wait one minute-your on my property and that sir,is MY duck"
The hunter says "C'mon,just one duck,you got millions here,how about letting me have it and I'll leave".They argue for awhile about who gets the duck.

The farmer says "Let's settle this man to man. We will take turns kicking each other in the nuts till one man gives up-then the guy remaining keeps the duck".

The hunter thinks for awhile and reluctantly agrees.
The farmer says "Since I own this property and its my idea, I kick you in the nuts first"

The hunter braces himself as well as he can and "Whomp", the farmer explodes a mighty kick between his legs that can be heard all around. A loud groan comes from the hunter as he buckles down to one knee,trying to catch his breathe. After a minute or two,he manages to rise and struggling, to say to the farmer "Ok its my turn to kick you".

The farmer says" Nevermind you can keep the duck" and walks away.

[raylawpc]

I just couldn't help myself, had to post this ;;-) ....

This reminds me of a joke:

A hunter is out hunting ducks in the woods. After a couple of hours and no ducks coming his way,he starts to walk around. He ends up in a clearing behind an old barn.Suddenly a gaggle of ducks come flying overhead,the hunter levels his gun and "POW",manages to see one duck fall from the sky.

As the hunter is going over to pick up the duck he shot-the farmer/owner comes out of his barn and says to the duck hunter "What the hell do you think your doing ?"
The hunter replies-"I spent hours looking for ducks and I finally got one".

The farmer says "wait one minute-your on my property and that sir,is MY duck"
The hunter says "C'mon,just one duck,you got millions here,how about letting me have it and I'll leave".They argue for awhile about who gets the duck.

The farmer says "Let's settle this man to man. We will take turns kicking each other in the nuts till one man gives up-then the guy remaining keeps the duck".

The hunter thinks for awhile and reluctantly agrees.
The farmer says "Since I own this property and its my idea, I kick you in the nuts first"

The hunter braces himself as well as he can and "Whomp", the farmer explodes a mighty kick between his legs that can be heard all around. A loud groan comes from the hunter as he buckles down to one knee,trying to catch his breathe. After a minute or two,he manages to rise and struggling, to say to the farmer "Ok its my turn to kick you".

The farmer says" Nevermind you can keep the duck" and walks away.

Hilarious Chuck, hilarious!!

[coach greg v]

I just discovered that the Dodgers also beat the Cards on Monday, 2-1. They swept them at home 3-0. All since this conversation started.
And you can figure in this math. Since coming to Los Angeles the Dodgers have won 9 world series, which is an average one world series title every six years. The Cards have won 10 world title in their 120+ years in St. Louis, an average of one every 12 years. Now if you want us to throw in the Brooklyn Dodgers world championships, the numbers get uglier. As it is, the Los Angeles Dodgers (even after a long hiatus from a world series title) still averages 2 world series championships in the time it takes the Cards to win one. So after we finish with a losing record this year (and at the bottom of the pile) they will still have numbers that St. Louis could not possibly equal for decades. Just for fun, you might want to check the figures and see exactly what the score cards is between the Dodgers and Cards this year. The Dodgers have proven they are having big time problems with just about every team but the Cards. Lucky for the Cards they come from a town where there isn't much to do, or you'd discover your "loyal fans" aren't so loyal.

>rick ray to go to show you how I listen to you guys a big heavyweight came to see me to use my boxing gym. I looked him over and asked so you wanna be a fighter. he says yes sir I say ARE U A WHAT HAVE U DONE FOR ME LATELY KINDA GUY?????He said excuse me. I said skip it and started to laugh. Well health wise I was able to stay in the gym working for a hour. So i am happy. come on up to the arctic sh..kickers boxing club....

You aren't listening to me. I'm definitely NOT a 'what have you done for me lately' guy. I happen to think loyalty is a positive character trait.

I know you and rick are neither that type of guy. I just love the saying

[coach greg v]

I just couldn't help myself, had to post this ;;-) ....

This reminds me of a joke:

A hunter is out hunting ducks in the woods. After a couple of hours and no ducks coming his way,he starts to walk around. He ends up in a clearing behind an old barn.Suddenly a gaggle of ducks come flying overhead,the hunter levels his gun and "POW",manages to see one duck fall from the sky.

As the hunter is going over to pick up the duck he shot-the farmer/owner comes out of his barn and says to the duck hunter "What the hell do you think your doing ?"
The hunter replies-"I spent hours looking for ducks and I finally got one".

The farmer says "wait one minute-your on my property and that sir,is MY duck"
The hunter says "C'mon,just one duck,you got millions here,how about letting me have it and I'll leave".They argue for awhile about who gets the duck.

The farmer says "Let's settle this man to man. We will take turns kicking each other in the nuts till one man gives up-then the guy remaining keeps the duck".

The hunter thinks for awhile and reluctantly agrees.
The farmer says "Since I own this property and its my idea, I kick you in the nuts first"

The hunter braces himself as well as he can and "Whomp", the farmer explodes a mighty kick between his legs that can be heard all around. A loud groan comes from the hunter as he buckles down to one knee,trying to catch his breathe. After a minute or two,he manages to rise and struggling, to say to the farmer "Ok its my turn to kick you".

The farmer says" Nevermind you can keep the duck" and walks away.

Hilarious Chuck, hilarious!!

>that is hilARIOUS

[Rick Farris]

>rick ray to go to show you how I listen to you guys a big heavyweight came to see me to use my boxing gym. I looked him over and asked so you wanna be a fighter. he says yes sir I say ARE U A WHAT HAVE U DONE FOR ME LATELY KINDA GUY?????He said excuse me. I said skip it and started to laugh. Well health wise I was able to stay in the gym working for a hour. So i am happy. come on up to the arctic sh..kickers boxing club....

You aren't listening to me. I'm definitely NOT a 'what have you done for me lately' guy. I happen to think loyalty is a positive character trait.

I know you and rick are neither that type of guy. I just love the saying

He's just pissed because the worst Dodger team in history came into his hometown and kicked his team's ass at least three days in a row.
The Dodgers suck this year, but even at their worst, they had no problem defeating his home team.
So let him rant about loyalty. The St. Louis Cardinals crapped in his lunch box, not me.

[kikibalt]

Filming at Mel's Diner in Hollywood

Rick Farris

[kikibalt]

MY BOY TELLS ME " YOU KNOW DAD , WITHOUT AN EDUCATION YOU WILL NOT KNOW YOUR HUEVOS FROM YOUR CHORIZO " I STOOD SPEECHLESS AND TOLD HIM HE WAS RIGHT !...Benny Mendez

[kikibalt]

Re-post from a few years back...

Frank Baltazar Sr. by Rick Farris

Los Angeles
Boxing Legends

By Rick Farris

Frank Baltazar Sr.

By the end of WWII, a new era in Los Angeles boxing had taken life. In the eyes of California boxing historians, such as Gabriel "Hap" Navarro, former promoter and matchmaker at the legendary Hollywood Legion Stadium, the post war years thru the 1950's, are considered the "Golden Era" of Los Angeles boxing.

At the time, L.A. headliners such as Enrique Bolanos, Manuel Ortiz, Art Aragon and dozens more, set box office records at the Olympic Auditorium, Hollywood Legion Stadium and Wrigley Field. In addition, the "City of Angeles" had a number of smaller clubs putting on regular shows, such as Ocean Park in Santa Monica, South Gate Arena and San Bernardino, to name a few.

A couple years after the war, a skinny 12-year-old would get his first taste of boxing from inside the ropes. This would be the birth of a life long journey for young Frank Baltazar, and it would take it's first breath at the beginning of Los Angeles boxing's toughest, most competitive era.

Today, six decades later, the skinny kid isn't quite as skinny, and the thick black hair not quite as dark, as when we first met, however, Frank Baltazar Sr. looks pretty much the same. Frank's handsome latino features contradict his seventy-plus years.

The first time I saw Frank was in the mid-1960's, shortly after he'd hung up the gloves, after a sixteen year amateur career. Frank's education in prizrfighting took place during the sports most glorious period in California, lessons learned in countless gyms, arenas and clubs thruout the Southland. His teachers were hardened "old school" veterans, and he practiced his skills in the ring, trading blows with some of the greats of the era

More than forty years after our first meeting, I'd have the honor of being present at a very special day for Frank Baltazar Sr., his family, and L.A. boxing in general. Last summer, Baltazar was inducted into the California Boxing Hall of Fame. Friends and family from miles away packed the event, and I have to say, the faces I saw that day took me back to a very special time, a time made a little more special for kids like myself, thanks to guys like Frank Baltazar Sr.

When I first crossed paths with Frank, he was nearly thirty, and had just taken over as director of the annual Junior Golden Gloves program, an event that had long been a breeding ground for some of the world's best boxing talent.

Superstars such as Mando Ramos, the Quarry brothers, Albert Davila, the Baltazar boys, the Sandoval's, Frankie Duarte, Randy Shields, Paul Gonzalez and Oscar DeLaHoya came out of the Los Angeles Junior Golden Gloves tournaments. All became world class professionals, some World Champions.

What Frank Baltazar Sr. brought to the Junior Golden Gloves was years of experience, not to mention three young sons; Frankie Jr., Tony and Bobby. Frank wasn't just a fighter, he was a father . . . and a master at both. Frank was a dad, a coach and a mentor.

In many ways, Frank Baltazar Sr. would prove to be a surragate father figure to many young boys over the years. Frank taught more than jabs and hooks, he taught young men about courage, charactor and common sense. These are the true hallmarks of a champion.

In retrospect, it seems as if Frank Baltazar Sr. was destined to be a part of boxing history. Frank was born in 1936, at Los Angeles County General Hospital, and grew up in the nearby city of Montebello. As a boy, Baltazar recalled listening to boxing on the radio.

"I would listen to the all the championship fights when they were broadcast", Frank remembered. "Joe Louis, Sugar Ray Robinson, Willie Pep. We didn't have television in those days".
Frank recalls how much he loved boxing as a kid, and how much he desired becoming a fighter. "My dad was a baseball fan, and he'd talk to me about baseball, but I was more interested in boxing". One day, 10-year-old Frankie Baltazar would get the surprise of his life.

"My father came home and told me that he had tickets for a championship fight", Baltazar remembered. "The fight was the first meeting between lightweight champ Ike Williams and Enrique Bolanos, in 1946. My dad and I went with my two uncles and sat about twenty rows back from ringside. Bolanos was up-and-down like a yo-yo that night, he really took a beating."

This would be the first of three classic bouts between the great Ike WIlliams and Mexican legend Enrique Bolanos. All three matches would be held at Wrigley Field in Los Angeles, between 1946-49, and Frank Baltazar would be ringside for all three.
"Only one of the three fights was close, and that was the second, with no knockdowns, Williams won on a split decision", Baltazar recalled. "In the third match, Williams gave him a beating,
knocking him down twice before Bolanos corner stopped it after four rounds. His eye was closed, he was in bad shape."

Like many young boxers, Frank Baltazar started his career right in the neighborhood, thru the training of a "backyard coach", whom the kids called "Tiger". "I never knew his real name", Baltazar recalled, "But he had been a pro, and had a make-shift gym in his yard. We had a couple pairs of old boxing gloves, I remember they were from Sears.

After " Tiger" showed the boys how to punch, the kids would don the gloves and box, practicing their new skills. After boxing, young Frank would pound the heavy bag, which was actually an old navy duffel bag hanging from a tree branch. "We didn't have much equipment, but we learned how to fight."

When the boys needed stronger opposition, Tiger would take them downtown to the CYO Gym, at 9th & Figureoa. "This is where I met Johnny Flores", Baltazar smiled.

Johnny Flores was known as "Mr. Golden Gloves" in Los Angeles. A decorated WWII battle hero, Flores was the co-founder of L.A.'s Junior Golden Gloves program, along with Louie Jaurequi of the Teamsters Gym. Flores would manage dozens of top contenders during his career, including former heavyweight contender Jerry Quarry, Ruben Navarro, and Dwight Hawkins.

Baltazar continued to train with Tiger, his backyard coach, for a little over a year, before switching over to the Teamsters Gym, where he boxed under Hoyt Porter, and eventually Juarequi. At the teamsters gym, Frank would be training side-by-side with some of the best boxers in town, including a hot young flyweight named Keeny Teran.

Thinking back on Teran, Baltazar stills remembers the excitement he felt in 1951, when his two favorite fighters, Enrique Bolanos, and his friend Keeny Teran, were both featured on the same card at Hollywood Legion Stadium. "Bolanos fought Eddie Chavez in the twelve round main-event, and Teran fought Gil Cadilli in a six-round semi main.

Teran and Cadilli were both ten round fighters at the time, but the Bolanos-Chavez fight was more important, so they stepped down to fight in the six round semi. I'll never forget that night, my two favorite boxers, both fighting on the same card. I was fifteen-years-old, what could be better?"

Baltazar would see thousands of matches during his life, but none better than the six round war that took place between Keeny Teran and Gil Cadilli. "I've never seen a better six round fight. If you remember the Bobby Chacon-Danny Lopez fight, well, that was what it was like. The crowd went crazy and the match declared a draw." In the main event, Enrique Bolanos, would defeat Chavez by decision.
When Frank was eighteen, he met his wife Connie. "That was in April, 1954 and eight months later, in December, we were married", Frank said. Less than two years after they married, Connie gave birth to their only daughter, Linda.

In 1958, Frank and Connie would become parents once again, when the first of their four sons was born. The boy was named Frank Jr., and only in the young father's wildest dreams could he have imagined that his namesake would become one of Los Angeles' all-time great prizefighters, a Hall of Famer.

Nearly three years later, the second Baltazar son made his life debut, and like the first, Tony Baltazar would also become one of the greatest boxers to ever hail from L.A. The fans knew him as Tony "The Tiger", but his opponents knew him for his devastating left hook, knockout power that would take him right into the Hall of Fame, with brother Frankie Jr.

It was only natural that Frank and Connie's third son, Bobby, would follow his older brothers into the ring. Born in 1963, Bobby 's accomplishments in amateur boxing were typical of the Baltazar family. Bobby defeated several world champions during his amateur days, including future bantamweight champ Richie Sandoval. Bobby turned professional and was unbeaten after six fights, winnng five by knockout, before getting married and deciding against continuing his boxing career.

In 1974, well into the amateur careers of the Baltazar brothers, Connie would give birth to their fourth son, James. Like his older brothers, the Baltazar's youngest son was an exceptional athlete, but boxing was not his first love. James first love was baseball, and later he was a standout football player. However, James received several concussions during his football years and this prevented him from pursuing a boxing career.

A year before James was born, Frank Sr. would travel to Boston with the 1973 Los Angeles Golden Gloves team, representing Southern California in the National Golden Gloves "Tournament of Champions."

Frank was head coach for an all-star Los Angeles team that included future world champ Art Frias, and world title challengers Frankie Duarte and Randy Shields. "Roy Hollis took home the National title in his weight class. He was the only L.A. boxer to do so that year", Frank pointed out.

In 1977, Don King and ABC-TV partnered to promote a televised professional boxing tournament that would crumble under the rumor of corruption, rigged ratings, etc. The ill-fated "U.S. Boxing Championships" may have been a failure for most concerned, but it provided Frank Baltazar Sr. an opportunity to meet and visit with one of his greatest boxing idols.

In April of that year, Frankie Baltazar Jr. had nine pro fights under his belt when Don King invited him to Miami Beach to face Francisco Villegas in the U.S. Championships. Frankie Jr. would knockout Villegas, however, the most exciting part of the trip for Frank Sr. wasn't his son's victory.

"Frankie and I went to Miami with Johnnie Flores, who was one of my cornermen for the fight", Frank Sr. remembered. "We needed somebody to take us around Miami while we were there, so Don King assigned us a driver.
You won't believe who King sent to drive us . . . JOE LOUIS!"

It turned out to be quite a day, because Johnnie Flores and Joe Louis had been friends since the war. "During the fifties, Louis promoted boxing in Hollywood, at the Moulan Rouge night club on Sunset. Johnnie Flores had been matchmaker for the former heavyweight champion, so, when they met again, they had a lot to talk about".

Before Joe Louis could take his place behind the steering wheel, Baltazar insisted that Louis allow him to drive, so as the Brown Bomber could sit in the backseat with his friend Flores, and share some incredible stories. "There's no way I could let the great Joe Louis chauffer me around town, he was one of my childhood idols", Baltazar said.

Today the Baltazar kids are long grown, and Frank and Connie Baltazar are grandparents. Frank no longer trains young kids in the art of boxing, however, he's still teaching. Today, Frank Baltazar Sr. shares his experience, memorabilia, and tremendous boxing knowledge with guys like myself, L.A. boxing historians who desire to know the inside story behind the history of California boxing.

Unlike many so called historians, Frank Baltazar doesn't just know boxing history, he's lived it, and without question, is a part of it.

Speaking for all of who have benefited from Frank's participation in the Los Angeles boxing community, I wish to say, "Thanks Kiki!"

[raylawpc]

You aren't listening to me. I'm definitely NOT a 'what have you done for me lately' guy. I happen to think loyalty is a positive character trait.

I know you and rick are neither that type of guy. I just love the saying

He's just pissed because the worst Dodger team in history came into his hometown and kicked his team's ass at least three days in a row.
The Dodgers suck this year, but even at their worst, they had no problem defeating his home team.
So let him rant about loyalty. The St. Louis Cardinals crapped in his lunch box, not me.

I don't know how we even got onto this anymore. It's truly ironic because I'm not even a baseball fan. I haven't been to a Cardinal's baseball game in 10 years, and can't name more than five of the players.

However, I will point out that the Dodgers had "problems" defeating the Cards three times earlier this year . . . But those games happened a couple of months ago . . . too far back to worry a 'what have you done for me lately' guy like Rick.

[coach greg v]

Re-post from a few years back...

Frank Baltazar Sr. by Rick Farris

Los Angeles
Boxing Legends

By Rick Farris

Frank Baltazar Sr.

By the end of WWII, a new era in Los Angeles boxing had taken life. In the eyes of California boxing historians, such as Gabriel "Hap" Navarro, former promoter and matchmaker at the legendary Hollywood Legion Stadium, the post war years thru the 1950's, are considered the "Golden Era" of Los Angeles boxing.

At the time, L.A. headliners such as Enrique Bolanos, Manuel Ortiz, Art Aragon and dozens more, set box office records at the Olympic Auditorium, Hollywood Legion Stadium and Wrigley Field. In addition, the "City of Angeles" had a number of smaller clubs putting on regular shows, such as Ocean Park in Santa Monica, South Gate Arena and San Bernardino, to name a few.

A couple years after the war, a skinny 12-year-old would get his first taste of boxing from inside the ropes. This would be the birth of a life long journey for young Frank Baltazar, and it would take it's first breath at the beginning of Los Angeles boxing's toughest, most competitive era.

Today, six decades later, the skinny kid isn't quite as skinny, and the thick black hair not quite as dark, as when we first met, however, Frank Baltazar Sr. looks pretty much the same. Frank's handsome latino features contradict his seventy-plus years.

The first time I saw Frank was in the mid-1960's, shortly after he'd hung up the gloves, after a sixteen year amateur career. Frank's education in prizrfighting took place during the sports most glorious period in California, lessons learned in countless gyms, arenas and clubs thruout the Southland. His teachers were hardened "old school" veterans, and he practiced his skills in the ring, trading blows with some of the greats of the era

More than forty years after our first meeting, I'd have the honor of being present at a very special day for Frank Baltazar Sr., his family, and L.A. boxing in general. Last summer, Baltazar was inducted into the California Boxing Hall of Fame. Friends and family from miles away packed the event, and I have to say, the faces I saw that day took me back to a very special time, a time made a little more special for kids like myself, thanks to guys like Frank Baltazar Sr.

When I first crossed paths with Frank, he was nearly thirty, and had just taken over as director of the annual Junior Golden Gloves program, an event that had long been a breeding ground for some of the world's best boxing talent.

Superstars such as Mando Ramos, the Quarry brothers, Albert Davila, the Baltazar boys, the Sandoval's, Frankie Duarte, Randy Shields, Paul Gonzalez and Oscar DeLaHoya came out of the Los Angeles Junior Golden Gloves tournaments. All became world class professionals, some World Champions.

What Frank Baltazar Sr. brought to the Junior Golden Gloves was years of experience, not to mention three young sons; Frankie Jr., Tony and Bobby. Frank wasn't just a fighter, he was a father . . . and a master at both. Frank was a dad, a coach and a mentor.

In many ways, Frank Baltazar Sr. would prove to be a surragate father figure to many young boys over the years. Frank taught more than jabs and hooks, he taught young men about courage, charactor and common sense. These are the true hallmarks of a champion.

In retrospect, it seems as if Frank Baltazar Sr. was destined to be a part of boxing history. Frank was born in 1936, at Los Angeles County General Hospital, and grew up in the nearby city of Montebello. As a boy, Baltazar recalled listening to boxing on the radio.

"I would listen to the all the championship fights when they were broadcast", Frank remembered. "Joe Louis, Sugar Ray Robinson, Willie Pep. We didn't have television in those days".
Frank recalls how much he loved boxing as a kid, and how much he desired becoming a fighter. "My dad was a baseball fan, and he'd talk to me about baseball, but I was more interested in boxing". One day, 10-year-old Frankie Baltazar would get the surprise of his life.

"My father came home and told me that he had tickets for a championship fight", Baltazar remembered. "The fight was the first meeting between lightweight champ Ike Williams and Enrique Bolanos, in 1946. My dad and I went with my two uncles and sat about twenty rows back from ringside. Bolanos was up-and-down like a yo-yo that night, he really took a beating."

This would be the first of three classic bouts between the great Ike WIlliams and Mexican legend Enrique Bolanos. All three matches would be held at Wrigley Field in Los Angeles, between 1946-49, and Frank Baltazar would be ringside for all three.
"Only one of the three fights was close, and that was the second, with no knockdowns, Williams won on a split decision", Baltazar recalled. "In the third match, Williams gave him a beating,
knocking him down twice before Bolanos corner stopped it after four rounds. His eye was closed, he was in bad shape."

Like many young boxers, Frank Baltazar started his career right in the neighborhood, thru the training of a "backyard coach", whom the kids called "Tiger". "I never knew his real name", Baltazar recalled, "But he had been a pro, and had a make-shift gym in his yard. We had a couple pairs of old boxing gloves, I remember they were from Sears.

After " Tiger" showed the boys how to punch, the kids would don the gloves and box, practicing their new skills. After boxing, young Frank would pound the heavy bag, which was actually an old navy duffel bag hanging from a tree branch. "We didn't have much equipment, but we learned how to fight."

When the boys needed stronger opposition, Tiger would take them downtown to the CYO Gym, at 9th & Figureoa. "This is where I met Johnny Flores", Baltazar smiled.

Johnny Flores was known as "Mr. Golden Gloves" in Los Angeles. A decorated WWII battle hero, Flores was the co-founder of L.A.'s Junior Golden Gloves program, along with Louie Jaurequi of the Teamsters Gym. Flores would manage dozens of top contenders during his career, including former heavyweight contender Jerry Quarry, Ruben Navarro, and Dwight Hawkins.

Baltazar continued to train with Tiger, his backyard coach, for a little over a year, before switching over to the Teamsters Gym, where he boxed under Hoyt Porter, and eventually Juarequi. At the teamsters gym, Frank would be training side-by-side with some of the best boxers in town, including a hot young flyweight named Keeny Teran.

Thinking back on Teran, Baltazar stills remembers the excitement he felt in 1951, when his two favorite fighters, Enrique Bolanos, and his friend Keeny Teran, were both featured on the same card at Hollywood Legion Stadium. "Bolanos fought Eddie Chavez in the twelve round main-event, and Teran fought Gil Cadilli in a six-round semi main.

Teran and Cadilli were both ten round fighters at the time, but the Bolanos-Chavez fight was more important, so they stepped down to fight in the six round semi. I'll never forget that night, my two favorite boxers, both fighting on the same card. I was fifteen-years-old, what could be better?"

Baltazar would see thousands of matches during his life, but none better than the six round war that took place between Keeny Teran and Gil Cadilli. "I've never seen a better six round fight. If you remember the Bobby Chacon-Danny Lopez fight, well, that was what it was like. The crowd went crazy and the match declared a draw." In the main event, Enrique Bolanos, would defeat Chavez by decision.
When Frank was eighteen, he met his wife Connie. "That was in April, 1954 and eight months later, in December, we were married", Frank said. Less than two years after they married, Connie gave birth to their only daughter, Linda.

In 1958, Frank and Connie would become parents once again, when the first of their four sons was born. The boy was named Frank Jr., and only in the young father's wildest dreams could he have imagined that his namesake would become one of Los Angeles' all-time great prizefighters, a Hall of Famer.

Nearly three years later, the second Baltazar son made his life debut, and like the first, Tony Baltazar would also become one of the greatest boxers to ever hail from L.A. The fans knew him as Tony "The Tiger", but his opponents knew him for his devastating left hook, knockout power that would take him right into the Hall of Fame, with brother Frankie Jr.

It was only natural that Frank and Connie's third son, Bobby, would follow his older brothers into the ring. Born in 1963, Bobby 's accomplishments in amateur boxing were typical of the Baltazar family. Bobby defeated several world champions during his amateur days, including future bantamweight champ Richie Sandoval. Bobby turned professional and was unbeaten after six fights, winnng five by knockout, before getting married and deciding against continuing his boxing career.

In 1974, well into the amateur careers of the Baltazar brothers, Connie would give birth to their fourth son, James. Like his older brothers, the Baltazar's youngest son was an exceptional athlete, but boxing was not his first love. James first love was baseball, and later he was a standout football player. However, James received several concussions during his football years and this prevented him from pursuing a boxing career.

A year before James was born, Frank Sr. would travel to Boston with the 1973 Los Angeles Golden Gloves team, representing Southern California in the National Golden Gloves "Tournament of Champions."

Frank was head coach for an all-star Los Angeles team that included future world champ Art Frias, and world title challengers Frankie Duarte and Randy Shields. "Roy Hollis took home the National title in his weight class. He was the only L.A. boxer to do so that year", Frank pointed out.

In 1977, Don King and ABC-TV partnered to promote a televised professional boxing tournament that would crumble under the rumor of corruption, rigged ratings, etc. The ill-fated "U.S. Boxing Championships" may have been a failure for most concerned, but it provided Frank Baltazar Sr. an opportunity to meet and visit with one of his greatest boxing idols.

In April of that year, Frankie Baltazar Jr. had nine pro fights under his belt when Don King invited him to Miami Beach to face Francisco Villegas in the U.S. Championships. Frankie Jr. would knockout Villegas, however, the most exciting part of the trip for Frank Sr. wasn't his son's victory.

"Frankie and I went to Miami with Johnnie Flores, who was one of my cornermen for the fight", Frank Sr. remembered. "We needed somebody to take us around Miami while we were there, so Don King assigned us a driver.
You won't believe who King sent to drive us . . . JOE LOUIS!"

It turned out to be quite a day, because Johnnie Flores and Joe Louis had been friends since the war. "During the fifties, Louis promoted boxing in Hollywood, at the Moulan Rouge night club on Sunset. Johnnie Flores had been matchmaker for the former heavyweight champion, so, when they met again, they had a lot to talk about".

Before Joe Louis could take his place behind the steering wheel, Baltazar insisted that Louis allow him to drive, so as the Brown Bomber could sit in the backseat with his friend Flores, and share some incredible stories. "There's no way I could let the great Joe Louis chauffer me around town, he was one of my childhood idols", Baltazar said.

Today the Baltazar kids are long grown, and Frank and Connie Baltazar are grandparents. Frank no longer trains young kids in the art of boxing, however, he's still teaching. Today, Frank Baltazar Sr. shares his experience, memorabilia, and tremendous boxing knowledge with guys like myself, L.A. boxing historians who desire to know the inside story behind the history of California boxing.

Unlike many so called historians, Frank Baltazar doesn't just know boxing history, he's lived it, and without question, is a part of it.

Speaking for all of who have benefited from Frank's participation in the Los Angeles boxing community, I wish to say, "Thanks Kiki!"

>both of you should write the book"boxing from los angeles and its times". great stuff I am going way back here and at cyber boxing.

[coach greg v]

Filming at Mel's Diner in Hollywood

Rick Farris

>this is for the that movie about a dragon tattoo. diners like that and franks girl friend at the diner. really take u back

[Rick Farris]

I know you and rick are neither that type of guy. I just love the saying

He's just pissed because the worst Dodger team in history came into his hometown and kicked his team's ass at least three days in a row.
The Dodgers suck this year, but even at their worst, they had no problem defeating his home team.
So let him rant about loyalty. The St. Louis Cardinals crapped in his lunch box, not me.

I don't know how we even got onto this anymore. It's truly ironic because I'm not even a baseball fan. I haven't been to a Cardinal's baseball game in 10 years, and can't name more than five of the players.

However, I will point out that the Dodgers had "problems" defeating the Cards three times this earlier year . . . But those games happened a couple of months ago . . . too far back to worry a 'what have you done for me lately' guy like Rick.

Speaking of baseball (our recent posts have not been about baseball) let me tell you a little story that defines why I refuse to be "loyal" to any sports franchise today. Let me start by saying, I will always stand up for the Dodgers because in 1963, when I was 11, the Dodgers did something that I will never forget. The first year I saw them play at the new Dodger Stadium was 1963, and they played the Cardinals with the great Stan Musiel, with our great pitcher, Sandy Koufax on the mound.) That year the Dodgers whipped the Yanks four straight in World Series play. I was so proud becasue I knew then that the Yanks are America's premiere baseball team, hands down. They will always be my favorite team. Unfortunatly, today's athletes are a pain in the ass, and one of them played for the Dodgers. This guy was a big name in MLB baseball in the 80's, but for the life of me I can't think ofhis name. He was a Dodger catcher, and he was a big hitter. He would go from the Dudgers to the Mets, and then to the Marlins, I believe. Charlie will know who he is. Good looking the guy was, popular, he was raised by a wealthy family in New York. One of the highest paid players in baseball. The last time I attended a game at Dodger Stadium, I took my God son and a few of his little friends, all in elementary school. A TV director had given me his four box seats for the game, so I took the boy's to this game. As we are leaving, we see the catcher leaving the stadium with another player. We had passes to get us in an area most fans don't visit, hence our being so close to the players. When my boy and his friends saw the catcher, they were in awe, just as I was when I met Henry Armstrong. I enouraged them, handing them a pen I brought just in case, "Go ask him for his autograph". The boys ran up to the player and addressed him by name, asking if he'd please sign their program. I was shocked, the prick not only refused to sign the program, but looked irritated that the boys were asking him. "I don't sign autographs!" he told them and walked away. I know that many of these guys sign contracts with baseball card companys, but instead of being kind in his refusal, he was rude. The boys were embarrassed and heart broken. When I saw this I used every ounce of control I could muster to keep muself from kicking this piece of shit in the balls. I'm serious. Had the boys not been around, I'd have confronted him with fighting words. But I could not let them see this type of behavior so I just told them, sorry kids he was just real busy. To take their mind off the disappointment, we went out and did something else that was fun. I thought, one day I'll see this jackass and I'll have some fun with him. But happily, that day never came. When you talk loyalty, I choose carefully who I am loyal to, and I my loyalty is beyond fierce. To anything else, I could care less. I know I am far from perfect, but I know about loyalty,but I don't just pass it out like a stick of bubblegum. If I did, then it wouldn't be worth much would it. I'll always root for the Dodgers, but like you, I'm not a baseball fan. An when they are losing, I assure you I will never follow them. In a big city, we have a lot more choices than in Mid America. And you best watch how far you go in challenging my charactor, because in this part of the country, we don't tolerate bullshit from the cheap seats. Time to move on, and I apologize to the forum for my part in this bullsh*t. It's over! Back to boxing . . .

[coach greg v]

He's just pissed because the worst Dodger team in history came into his hometown and kicked his team's ass at least three days in a row.
The Dodgers suck this year, but even at their worst, they had no problem defeating his home team.
So let him rant about loyalty. The St. Louis Cardinals crapped in his lunch box, not me.

I don't know how we even got onto this anymore. It's truly ironic because I'm not even a baseball fan. I haven't been to a Cardinal's baseball game in 10 years, and can't name more than five of the players.

However, I will point out that the Dodgers had "problems" defeating the Cards three times this earlier year . . . But those games happened a couple of months ago . . . too far back to worry a 'what have you done for me lately' guy like Rick.

Speaking of baseball (our recent posts have not been about baseball) let me tell you a little story that defines why I refuse to be "loyal" to any sports franchise today. Let me start by saying, I will always stand up for the Dodgers because in 1963, when I was 11, the Dodgers did something that I will never forget. The first year I saw them play at the new Dodger Stadium was 1963, and they played the Cardinals with the great Stan Musiel, with our great pitcher, Sandy Koufax on the mound.) That year the Dodgers whipped the Yanks four straight in World Series play. I was so proud becasue I knew then that the Yanks are America's premiere baseball team, hands down. They will always be my favorite team. Unfortunatly, today's athletes are a pain in the ass, and one of them played for the Dodgers. This guy was a big name in MLB baseball in the 80's, but for the life of me I can't think ofhis name. He was a Dodger catcher, and he was a big hitter. He would go from the Dudgers to the Mets, and then to the Marlins, I believe. Charlie will know who he is. Good looking the guy was, popular, he was raised by a wealthy family in New York. One of the highest paid players in baseball. The last time I attended a game at Dodger Stadium, I took my God son and a few of his little friends, all in elementary school. A TV director had given me his four box seats for the game, so I took the boy's to this game. As we are leaving, we see the catcher leaving the stadium with another player. We had passes to get us in an area most fans don't visit, hence our being so close to the players. When my boy and his friends saw the catcher, they were in awe, just as I was when I met Henry Armstrong. I enouraged them, handing them a pen I brought just in case, "Go ask him for his autograph". The boys ran up to the player and addressed him by name, asking if he'd please sign their program. I was shocked, the prick not only refused to sign the program, but looked irritated that the boys were asking him. "I don't sign autographs!" he told them and walked away. I know that many of these guys sign contracts with baseball card companys, but instead of being kind in his refusal, he was rude. The boys were embarrassed and heart broken. When I saw this I used every ounce of control I could muster to keep muself from kicking this piece of shit in the balls. I'm serious. Had the boys not been around, I'd have confronted him with fighting words. But I could not let them see this type of behavior so I just told them, sorry kids he was just real busy. To take their mind off the disappointment, we went out and did something else that was fun. I thought, one day I'll see this jackass and I'll have some fun with him. But happily, that day never came. When you talk loyalty, I choose carefully who I am loyal to, and I my loyalty is beyond fierce. To anything else, I could care less. I know I am far from perfect, but I know about loyalty,but I don't just pass it out like a stick of bubblegum. If I did, then it wouldn't be worth much would it. I'll always root for the Dodgers, but like you, I'm not a baseball fan. An when they are losing, I assure you I will never follow them. In a big city, we have a lot more choices than in Mid America. And you best watch how far you go in challenging my charactor, because in this part of the country, we don't tolerate bullshit from the cheap seats. Time to move on, and I apologize to the forum for my part in this bullsh*t. It's over! Back to boxing . . .

>rick we had a local fighter named rafael g. he had quite a following up here he boxed at the civic aud sf and in sacramento all around.after one of his fights we were in the locker room a couple of boys came in with their dads and asked him to sign his program. he said no as he was rather arrogant. I just happened to say well those guys will probably never buy a ticket to see you fight again. he jumped up called them back and gave them his autograph. I think the lowest thing a so called man would do is hurt a kid. Especially one that looks up to you. These baseball guys are well paid cry the most of any guys in sports....I agree back to boxing....

[raylawpc]

He's just pissed because the worst Dodger team in history came into his hometown and kicked his team's ass at least three days in a row.
The Dodgers suck this year, but even at their worst, they had no problem defeating his home team.
So let him rant about loyalty. The St. Louis Cardinals crapped in his lunch box, not me.

I don't know how we even got onto this anymore. It's truly ironic because I'm not even a baseball fan. I haven't been to a Cardinal's baseball game in 10 years, and can't name more than five of the players.

However, I will point out that the Dodgers had "problems" defeating the Cards three times this earlier year . . . But those games happened a couple of months ago . . . too far back to worry a 'what have you done for me lately' guy like Rick.

Speaking of baseball (our recent posts have not been about baseball) let me tell you a little story that defines why I refuse to be "loyal" to any sports franchise today. Let me start by saying, I will always stand up for the Dodgers because in 1963, when I was 11, the Dodgers did something that I will never forget. The first year I saw them play at the new Dodger Stadium was 1963, and they played the Cardinals with the great Stan Musiel, with our great pitcher, Sandy Koufax on the mound.) That year the Dodgers whipped the Yanks four straight in World Series play. I was so proud becasue I knew then that the Yanks are America's premiere baseball team, hands down. They will always be my favorite team. Unfortunatly, today's athletes are a pain in the ass, and one of them played for the Dodgers. This guy was a big name in MLB baseball in the 80's, but for the life of me I can't think ofhis name. He was a Dodger catcher, and he was a big hitter. He would go from the Dudgers to the Mets, and then to the Marlins, I believe. Charlie will know who he is. Good looking the guy was, popular, he was raised by a wealthy family in New York. One of the highest paid players in baseball. The last time I attended a game at Dodger Stadium, I took my God son and a few of his little friends, all in elementary school. A TV director had given me his four box seats for the game, so I took the boy's to this game. As we are leaving, we see the catcher leaving the stadium with another player. We had passes to get us in an area most fans don't visit, hence our being so close to the players. When my boy and his friends saw the catcher, they were in awe, just as I was when I met Henry Armstrong. I enouraged them, handing them a pen I brought just in case, "Go ask him for his autograph". The boys ran up to the player and addressed him by name, asking if he'd please sign their program. I was shocked, the prick not only refused to sign the program, but looked irritated that the boys were asking him. "I don't sign autographs!" he told them and walked away. I know that many of these guys sign contracts with baseball card companys, but instead of being kind in his refusal, he was rude. The boys were embarrassed and heart broken. When I saw this I used every ounce of control I could muster to keep muself from kicking this piece of shit in the balls. I'm serious. Had the boys not been around, I'd have confronted him with fighting words. But I could not let them see this type of behavior so I just told them, sorry kids he was just real busy. To take their mind off the disappointment, we went out and did something else that was fun. I thought, one day I'll see this jackass and I'll have some fun with him. But happily, that day never came. When you talk loyalty, I choose carefully who I am loyal to, and I my loyalty is beyond fierce. To anything else, I could care less. I know I am far from perfect, but I know about loyalty,but I don't just pass it out like a stick of bubblegum. If I did, then it wouldn't be worth much would it. I'll always root for the Dodgers, but like you, I'm not a baseball fan. An when they are losing, I assure you I will never follow them. In a big city, we have a lot more choices than in Mid America. And you best watch how far you go in challenging my charactor, because in this part of the country, we don't tolerate bullshit from the cheap seats. Time to move on, and I apologize to the forum for my part in this bullsh*t. It's over! Back to boxing . . .

Yes, back to boxing . . .

[coach greg v]

I don't know how we even got onto this anymore. It's truly ironic because I'm not even a baseball fan. I haven't been to a Cardinal's baseball game in 10 years, and can't name more than five of the players.

However, I will point out that the Dodgers had "problems" defeating the Cards three times this earlier year . . . But those games happened a couple of months ago . . . too far back to worry a 'what have you done for me lately' guy like Rick.

Speaking of baseball (our recent posts have not been about baseball) let me tell you a little story that defines why I refuse to be "loyal" to any sports franchise today. Let me start by saying, I will always stand up for the Dodgers because in 1963, when I was 11, the Dodgers did something that I will never forget. The first year I saw them play at the new Dodger Stadium was 1963, and they played the Cardinals with the great Stan Musiel, with our great pitcher, Sandy Koufax on the mound.) That year the Dodgers whipped the Yanks four straight in World Series play. I was so proud becasue I knew then that the Yanks are America's premiere baseball team, hands down. They will always be my favorite team. Unfortunatly, today's athletes are a pain in the ass, and one of them played for the Dodgers. This guy was a big name in MLB baseball in the 80's, but for the life of me I can't think ofhis name. He was a Dodger catcher, and he was a big hitter. He would go from the Dudgers to the Mets, and then to the Marlins, I believe. Charlie will know who he is. Good looking the guy was, popular, he was raised by a wealthy family in New York. One of the highest paid players in baseball. The last time I attended a game at Dodger Stadium, I took my God son and a few of his little friends, all in elementary school. A TV director had given me his four box seats for the game, so I took the boy's to this game. As we are leaving, we see the catcher leaving the stadium with another player. We had passes to get us in an area most fans don't visit, hence our being so close to the players. When my boy and his friends saw the catcher, they were in awe, just as I was when I met Henry Armstrong. I enouraged them, handing them a pen I brought just in case, "Go ask him for his autograph". The boys ran up to the player and addressed him by name, asking if he'd please sign their program. I was shocked, the prick not only refused to sign the program, but looked irritated that the boys were asking him. "I don't sign autographs!" he told them and walked away. I know that many of these guys sign contracts with baseball card companys, but instead of being kind in his refusal, he was rude. The boys were embarrassed and heart broken. When I saw this I used every ounce of control I could muster to keep muself from kicking this piece of shit in the balls. I'm serious. Had the boys not been around, I'd have confronted him with fighting words. But I could not let them see this type of behavior so I just told them, sorry kids he was just real busy. To take their mind off the disappointment, we went out and did something else that was fun. I thought, one day I'll see this jackass and I'll have some fun with him. But happily, that day never came. When you talk loyalty, I choose carefully who I am loyal to, and I my loyalty is beyond fierce. To anything else, I could care less. I know I am far from perfect, but I know about loyalty,but I don't just pass it out like a stick of bubblegum. If I did, then it wouldn't be worth much would it. I'll always root for the Dodgers, but like you, I'm not a baseball fan. An when they are losing, I assure you I will never follow them. In a big city, we have a lot more choices than in Mid America. And you best watch how far you go in challenging my charactor, because in this part of the country, we don't tolerate bullshit from the cheap seats. Time to move on, and I apologize to the forum for my part in this bullsh*t. It's over! Back to boxing . . .

>rick we had a local fighter named rafael g. he had quite a following up here he boxed at the civic aud sf and in sacramento all around.after one of his fights we were in the locker room a couple of boys came in with their dads and asked him to sign his program. he said no as he was rather arrogant. I just happened to say well those guys will probably never buy a ticket to see you fight again. he jumped up called them back and gave them his autograph. I think the lowest thing a so called man would do is hurt a kid. Especially one that looks up to you. These baseball guys are well paid cry the most of any guys in sports....I agree back to boxing....

>rick I heard or just read that your old trainer used to say shake the hand of the man who shook hands with john l sullivan. that is priceless. billy newman used to show me his hand that shook corbetts jeffries and on and on

[kikibalt]

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/44271018/ ... laIc6i1mSq

Dog mourns at casket of fallen Navy SEAL

[kikibalt]

http://www.oldies.com/product-view/7071FD.html

"Killer McCoy"

[raylawpc]

I don't know how we even got onto this anymore. It's truly ironic because I'm not even a baseball fan. I haven't been to a Cardinal's baseball game in 10 years, and can't name more than five of the players.

However, I will point out that the Dodgers had "problems" defeating the Cards three times this earlier year . . . But those games happened a couple of months ago . . . too far back to worry a 'what have you done for me lately' guy like Rick.

Speaking of baseball (our recent posts have not been about baseball) let me tell you a little story that defines why I refuse to be "loyal" to any sports franchise today. Let me start by saying, I will always stand up for the Dodgers because in 1963, when I was 11, the Dodgers did something that I will never forget. The first year I saw them play at the new Dodger Stadium was 1963, and they played the Cardinals with the great Stan Musiel, with our great pitcher, Sandy Koufax on the mound.) That year the Dodgers whipped the Yanks four straight in World Series play. I was so proud becasue I knew then that the Yanks are America's premiere baseball team, hands down. They will always be my favorite team. Unfortunatly, today's athletes are a pain in the ass, and one of them played for the Dodgers. This guy was a big name in MLB baseball in the 80's, but for the life of me I can't think ofhis name. He was a Dodger catcher, and he was a big hitter. He would go from the Dudgers to the Mets, and then to the Marlins, I believe. Charlie will know who he is. Good looking the guy was, popular, he was raised by a wealthy family in New York. One of the highest paid players in baseball. The last time I attended a game at Dodger Stadium, I took my God son and a few of his little friends, all in elementary school. A TV director had given me his four box seats for the game, so I took the boy's to this game. As we are leaving, we see the catcher leaving the stadium with another player. We had passes to get us in an area most fans don't visit, hence our being so close to the players. When my boy and his friends saw the catcher, they were in awe, just as I was when I met Henry Armstrong. I enouraged them, handing them a pen I brought just in case, "Go ask him for his autograph". The boys ran up to the player and addressed him by name, asking if he'd please sign their program. I was shocked, the prick not only refused to sign the program, but looked irritated that the boys were asking him. "I don't sign autographs!" he told them and walked away. I know that many of these guys sign contracts with baseball card companys, but instead of being kind in his refusal, he was rude. The boys were embarrassed and heart broken. When I saw this I used every ounce of control I could muster to keep muself from kicking this piece of shit in the balls. I'm serious. Had the boys not been around, I'd have confronted him with fighting words. But I could not let them see this type of behavior so I just told them, sorry kids he was just real busy. To take their mind off the disappointment, we went out and did something else that was fun. I thought, one day I'll see this jackass and I'll have some fun with him. But happily, that day never came. When you talk loyalty, I choose carefully who I am loyal to, and I my loyalty is beyond fierce. To anything else, I could care less. I know I am far from perfect, but I know about loyalty,but I don't just pass it out like a stick of bubblegum. If I did, then it wouldn't be worth much would it. I'll always root for the Dodgers, but like you, I'm not a baseball fan. An when they are losing, I assure you I will never follow them. In a big city, we have a lot more choices than in Mid America. And you best watch how far you go in challenging my charactor, because in this part of the country, we don't tolerate bullshit from the cheap seats. Time to move on, and I apologize to the forum for my part in this bullsh*t. It's over! Back to boxing . . .

>rick we had a local fighter named rafael g. he had quite a following up here he boxed at the civic aud sf and in sacramento all around.after one of his fights we were in the locker room a couple of boys came in with their dads and asked him to sign his program. he said no as he was rather arrogant. I just happened to say well those guys will probably never buy a ticket to see you fight again. he jumped up called them back and gave them his autograph. I think the lowest thing a so called man would do is hurt a kid. Especially one that looks up to you. These baseball guys are well paid cry the most of any guys in sports....I agree back to boxing....

Floyd Patterson, after spending several minutes signing autographs for a cluster of fans, was asked if it bothered him when fans asked him for his autograph. Replied Floyd: "No. It will bother me if they stop asking."