THE LAST LIE

A phone call, an email, a text and before you know it, four ex-Cal Poly jocks are spending a sunny afternoon on a boat in Dana Point. Actually, it was more like a Hall of Fame gathering with plenty of stories and laughs about the good old days.

Skipper Ron

Tim assured us this beats shoveling snow

Tim, Ron and Bill knew each other from high school. They all attended Lynwood and were on the '64 CIF Championship Baseball team. I met them my freshman year at Poly and immediately knew they were good people and talented athletes. At CP, Tim played baseball and football and really excelled on the gridiron as a running back and DB. He was the hardest hitter on the team and toughest guy I've ever played with. He would rather run over opponents than run around them. Ron, at 6'3', played third base, had super range, nothing got by him, great arm and could hit with power. Ron and I played the '67 summer in Bellingham Washington where he owned the town because of his all-star performance. Bill was a big, tall, hard throwing right hander who threw a heavy fastball and changed speeds with a good curve. He broke a lot of hitter's bats in South Dakota as a Pierre Cowboy where we played and roomed together the '68 season. All good memories. But one common thread kept emerging throughout the day, our coach John Scolinos. Coach was way more than just a coach. He was our mentor, our inspiration, a father away from home. He was simple but direct and had the respect of everyone that played for him. We now realize how blessed we were to have had John Scolinos in our lives during those formative years.

Bill had to leave us before we backed out of the slip. He was certain the motion would get to him out on the water, so we said our goodbyes and he was on his way. Tim, Ron and I proceed out of the harbor and enjoyed a sunny, light breeze day with plenty of additional stories. When we got back in and were ready to leave, Tim couldn't find his car keys. We checked and double checked bags, under cushions, on the floor etc., every conceivable place they could be...no luck. Tim thought maybe he locked them in his car, so we walked up to the parking lot and sure enough, they were still in the ignition with the motor running! Another story for another day, Go Broncos!