The Thursday after I had been informed the previous Friday that the San Francisco Youth Baseball League had decided to reconsider their commitment to All-Girls Baseball, I got a phone call from one the of the saints of Youth Sports in our town on the bay, Joe Hallisy, Director of the San Francisco Fire Department’s Youth Sports organization, Flame.
His apology in not returning my phone call was validated by the amount of time and effort was going into finishing the season’s Volleyball tournament, as he became the official Coordinator for the organization, followed by the Basketball championships.
I can never fault Joe as one of many of the amazing people who support our city’s youth programs.
I had 2 minutes to talk at 8 AM; more time, later, after 6, if I had more to discuss. In the first two minutes we determined it would be best if i simply came in to the board meeting the following day and made my case for All-Girls Baseball.
Considering how vital it was to keep our fledgling league now of two years headed into its third going constantly, I risked losing my job – or some extra vacation time – and made my way into the back room of the Rec & Park offices next to Kezar Stadium in Golden Gate Park.
I will follow up this brief update with the minutes and exhibits I presented but, for now I want to cut to the chase:
After a seemingly compelling presentation, Larry Medcalf, long-standing board member and facilitator of the city’s annual Summer All-Star Tournament team, Professor Medcalf asked me, simply: “what is it you are asking for; what do you want?’
“Just keep doing what you are doing and the girls will discover, with time, they have a league of their own. Right now, they simply are not aware of the opportunity to play Baseball at all.”
“That’s it – you aren’t asking for anything more?”
That’s it.” I responded, and prepared to drive away to my desk job as soon as i could return to the daily grind.
“Thank you for coming in and speaking with us,” Joe said. I shook hands with each man in the room – the women on the board could not make the presentation – after reiterating my sincerest gratitude to all for everything each of them do to support our city’s youth in providing sports opportunities for them.
I received a call that Friday night, as i was walking to catch my son’s Baseball game during our now infamous Friday Night Under the Lights at West Sunset Playground Field #3.
“Thanks again for coming in, Jim. I wanted to get back to you and let you know that we are not meeting this next week due to Thanksgiving but will reconvene the following Friday at which time we will get back to you about our consideration of your presentation.”
“Thank you, Joe, for the opportunity to present today. I look forward to hearing from you at that time. have a terrific Thanksgiving, Joe.”
“Thanks Jim – you and your family do, too.”
