Being met at home plate is young Tacoma Giants player Matty Alou in this April 16, 1960, Pacific Coast League opener between the Giants and the visiting Portland Beavers. One of three Alou brothers from the Dominican Republic who went on to play major league baseball, Matty Alou was the best hitter for average and probably the fastest. His 15-year major league career included lengthy stints with the San Francisco Giants, Pittsburgh Pirates and St. Louis Cardinals. He led the league in batting, .342, in 1966 as a Pittsburgh Pirate and would help Oakland to its first World Series championship in 1972. Centerfielder Alou was sent down just days before the season opened by the big league San Francisco Giants so that he could play regularly. Groomed as the successor to Willie Mays, this would help to keep his baseball skills sharp. (baseballlibrary.com) (Additional identification by a reader)

Baseball--Tacoma--1960-1970; Baseball players--Tacoma--1960-1970; Alou, Matty; Cheney Stadium (Tacoma);

Seven Portland Beavers look none-too-pleased as they watch the action outside the dugout between their club and the host Tacoma Giants on opening day, April 16, 1960. Opening day was postponed until Saturday, April 16th, due to a 59 mph spring storm which brought traces of snow and lows of 37 degrees. The day/night doubleheader was being played at the newly constructed Cheney Stadium on (then) Bantz Blvd. Over 12,000 baseball fans flocked to see the first Pacific Coast League contests played in Tacoma since 1905. Tacoma would lose its first game 7-2 but blank the Beavers in the nightcap, 11-0, with the strong pitching of future major league star, righthander Juan Marichal.

Baseball--Tacoma--1960-1970; Baseball players--Tacoma--1960-1970; Cheney Stadium (Tacoma);

Line-up of Tacoma Giants baseball team on opening day, April 16, 1960, in the brand new Cheney Stadium. The Giants, managed by John "Red" Davis, were being introduced to the thousands attending the first game held in the new facility. The Tacoma team would be playing the Portland Beavers in day-night matches. Lights installed on six giant towers would provide clear viewing for night games with each tower having a bank of 62 - 1,500 watt bulbs.

Baseball--Tacoma--1960-1970; Baseball players--Tacoma--1960-1970; Cheney Stadium (Tacoma);

Managed by Tommy Heath, the Portland Beavers of the Pacific Coast League are being introduced to the thousands of spectators at Cheney Stadium on April 16, 1960, opening day of baseball. They would be the hometown Tacoma Giants' first opponent in the new stadium which was completed in three months, 14 days. The stadium was finished in time for the Giants' first game; however, the fickle spring weather did not cooperate and a massive windstorm forced postponement until Saturday, April 16th, of the doubleheader between the two Pacific Coast League clubs. They would split the games, with Portland on top in the first game, 7-2 and Tacoma coming back strong in the nightcap, 11-0.

Baseball--Tacoma--1960-1970; Baseball players--Tacoma--1960-1970; Cheney Stadium (Tacoma);

Group picture of Pederson Fryer Farms' baseball team. Sixteen players and their manager posed for this May 14, 1960, photograph at Heidelberg Field. They represented Pederson Fryer Farms in the 1960 AAU City League. They would join Cammarano Bottlers, Criswells, Puget Sound Renders, 4th Division Trains of Fort Lewis and defending champion Woodworth Contractors in the 6-team league. Al Faulkner, formerly of the Valley League, was the new manager of Pederson's. His team consisted, among others, of ex-PLC stars Ron Coltom, Jerry Curtis, Chuck Hobbs, and city-loop veterans Don Martelli and Ray Wing, outfielders, along with Gary Moore, Chuck Robbins and new acquisition, right hand pitcher Al MaCoy. Pederson's and Cammarano Bottlers, the previous year's runner-up, were scheduled to open the City League season in the first half of a double bill on May 30, 1960. That game was apparently cancelled due to rain and Pederson's would open their season with a 3-2 victory over the 4th Division Trains on June 3rd with southpaw Ron Coltom credited for the win. (TNT 5-8-60, B-15, 5-15-60, B-10, 6-4-60, p. 9)

Baseball players--Tacoma--1960-1970; Pederson Fryer Farms (Tacoma); Uniforms;

The concession stands, nestled under the pre-stressed concrete grandstands of Tacoma's new ballpark, were almost empty when the Tacoma Giant faced off against the Vancouver Mounties on June 9th, 1960 . Before the game the ballpark was formally christened "Cheney Stadium" during a special dedication ceremony. The concession stands offered traditional hotdogs, soda, popcorn and candy. Discriminating fans could also purchased cigars. The area was well lit as one of the stadium's six giant light towers helps to illuminate the night. Photograph ordered by Cheney Lumber. (TNT 6-9-60, p. 1-article on dedication ceremonies)

Cheney Stadium (Tacoma); Baseball--Tacoma--1960-1970; Food vendors--Tacoma;

The six giant light towers at the new Cheney Stadium provided excellent lighting for watching Tacoma Giants night baseball games. Spectators could see the action on the field without eye strain on this clear June 9, 1960, evening. The Giants would bounce back from losing a doubleheader the day before and defeat the Vancouver Mounties 6-0 behind the strong pitching of Eddie Fisher. With the victory, Tacoma would tie the Seattle Rainiers for third place, trailing the Sacramento Solons and Spokane Indians. The 5.012 paying customers in attendance would not only enjoy the victory, but pre-game dedication ceremonies and contests as well, and go home with a free souvenir program featuring color photographs of the team and the stadium. Photograph ordered by Cheney Lumber. (TNT 6-5-60, B-11. 6-10-60, A-1, p. 24) TPL-9682

Cheney Stadium (Tacoma); Baseball--Tacoma--1960-1970; Baseball players--Tacoma--1960-1970; Light fixtures;

Night game at Cheney Stadium. Bases appear loaded with the hometown Giants leading 5-0 in the bottom of the fifth inning. The Giants would go on to defeat the Vancouver Mounties 6-0 before 5000+ fans. Photograph ordered by Cheney Lumber.

Cheney Stadium (Tacoma); Baseball--Tacoma--1960-1970; Baseball players--Tacoma--1960-1970;

The grandstand was full on June 9, 1960 in Tacoma's new Cheney Stadium for a game pitting the Tacoma Giants against the Vancouver Mounties. Although open since April 16th, the stadium was officially dedicated in pre-game ceremonies on June 9th. Fans attending the game received a free souvenir program which included a color picture of the team and stadium. They also enjoyed special home run hitting, fungo, and throwing contests between the Giants and the Mounties. The 5,012 paying customers went home happy as Tacoma whipped the Mounties 6-0, earning starter Eddie Fisher his third shutout and sixth victory of the season. (Photograph ordered by Cheney Lumber.) (TNT 6-5-60, B-11, 6-10-60, A-1, p. 24)

Cheney Stadium (Tacoma); Baseball--Tacoma--1960-1970; Baseball players--Tacoma--1960-1970; Sports spectators--Tacoma;

On April 20, 1942, the members of the Venetians bowling team posed at the Coliseum Bowling Alley, 407 So. 13th St. Pictured standing, left to right, were Eva Gipple, Gladys Putbres, Hattie Wilkowski and Ann Berry. Seated was Jennie Small. The women, all first year bowlers, were the champions of the Coliseum's Women's Class B League. They defeated their nearest opponents by two points. (TNT 4/26/1942, pg. A-12)

Bowlers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Coliseum Bowling Alley (Tacoma); Gipple, Eva; Putbres, Gladys; Wilkowski, Hattie; Berry, Ann; Small, Jennie;

Members of the Sport Center team, all season champions of the Broadway Ladies Bowling League, pose with their bowling balls. The ladies scored 2347 in the playoff. Pictured, left to right, are Laurene Putbres, Evalyn Stein, Margaret Neary, Vera Kindervich and Jerry Bergman. (TNT 5/3/1942, PG. A-13)

Bowlers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Broadway Bowling Center (Tacoma); Bowling alleys--Tacoma--1940-1950; Putbres, Laurene; Stein, Evalyn; Neary, Margaret; Kindervich, Vera; Bergman, Jerry;

The Junior Women's club members and guests took over the facilities of the Fircrest Golf Club on Saturday, April 26, 1942, for their annual cabaret dance. A group of members and their escorts are pictured on the porch of the club.

Fircrest Golf Club (Fircrest); Junior Women's Club (Tacoma); Women--Clubs--Tacoma;

Seattle Cheney Studs baseball team - team photo. Longtime coach Joe Budnick, in dark jacket, is at the extreme right in this August, 1960 photograph. The Seattle team was in Tacoma in late August to compete as tournament favorites in the Washington State Amateur Baseball Congress (AABC) matches held at Heidelberg Park. They faced and defeated B & B Hardware in an all-Seattle battle on August 22nd, by rallying for five runs in the 8th inning for a 9-5 victory. The Seattle Cheney Studs then beat Criswells, champions of the Tacoma City League, 7-2 on August 28th at White Center, thereby winning the Washington State Amateur Baseball title for the second straight year. The Cheney Studs are named after Ben Cheney, local lumberman and philanthropist, who sponsored amateur teams in sports including basketball, football, and baseball. No matter what the sport, his teams were always called the Cheney Studs. (TNT 8-22-60, p. 10-article; TNT 8-29-60, p. 19-article)

Baseball players--Tacoma--1960-1970; Budnick, Joe;

Golfer teeing off in Carling Open on September 16, 1960. Two competitors squat while waiting their turn. Large crowd follows flight of the ball. The Carling Open, held at the Fircrest Golf Course, attracted a large field of prominent players, including Arnold Palmer, Billy Casper, Bob Rosburg, Lionel Hebert, Don January, and Julius Boros. The event was co-sponsored by the American Cancer Society and 25,000 local residents came out to watch the action. Photograph ordered by Tom Hill, Doric Tacoma Motor Hotel, to be displayed on easels throughout hotel. (TNT 9-19-60, p. 14)

Golf--Fircrest--1960-1970; Golfers--Fircrest--1960-1970; Sports spectators--Fircrest;

Still in a crouch, a golfer believed to be Arnold Palmer watches his ball head toward the hole on the final day of the 1960 Carling Open held in September of 1960 at the Fircrest Golf Club. His two playing partners and caddy, along with hundreds of spectators, watch intently. Arnold Palmer had already won over $70,000 in 1960 and was looking to add the $3,500 first prize money to his earnings. Palmer won a disappointing $250; he finished with a total of 281 after 72-holes, nine strokes behind Ernie Vossler, a 31-year-old from Midland, Texas. Vossler beat Paul Harney by one stroke to capture the 1960 Carling Open. Photograph ordered by the Carling Brewery. (TNT 9-19-60, p.l4) TPL-9898

Golf--Fircrest--1960-1970; Golfers--Fircrest--1960-1970; Putting (Golf)--Fircrest; Sports spectators--Fircrest;

Moose Lodge bowling team.

Bowlers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Loyal Order of Moose (Tacoma);

These five young bowlers happily displayed their trophies in May of 1961. They were the Villa Bowl bantam team that won the Western Division Championship of the 16th National Team Mail-O-Graphic tournament held at the Villa Bowl in Lakewood. The boys went on to earn 124th place at nationals. Left to right are Bradley Clevinger, Evan MacKay, Sam Munro, Jerroll Theuer and Jim MacKay who are standing in front of the Villa Bowl, a 24-lane bowling alley, in Lakewood's Villa Plaza Shopping Center. Photograph ordered by Villa Bowl. (TNT 6-11-61, B-14)

Bowlers--Lakewood; Awards; Clevinger, Bradley; MacKay, Evan; Munro, Sam; Theuer, Jerroll; MacKay, Jim; Villa Bowl (Lakewood);

This was the powerful Teamsters softball team photographed at Jefferson Park in July of 1942. The Teamsters were the City League champions and one of eight teams participating in the Pierce County Sectional State Playoffs. The winner would represent the County at the state playoffs later in the summer at Seattle. The Teamsters roster consisted of Robert Myles, Warren Parkhurst, Tom Cross, C. Edmunds, Bob McWilliams, Gus Harkey, Paul Scott, Harley Jensen, Frank Pavolka, Frank Morrone, Heine Hademan, Wally Brebner, Marvin Pease, Willard McWilliams, Marty Besaw and Robert Huegel, manager. The Teamsters were defeated by the Quartermaster All-Stars 1-0 in the playoffs. (T. Times 7/20/1942, p. 10-article; 7/18/1942, pg. 8-article)

Softball players--Tacoma--1940-1950; Softball--Tacoma; Labor unions; International Brotherhood of Teamsters (Tacoma);

Elk's softball team at McKinley playfield. The Elks, runner up in the City League, came forward to defeat seven other teams for the right to represent Pierce County in the state softball playoff. Tacoma was home to the Pierce County Sectional State Playoff for the first time in July of 1942. Games were being played at Athletic Park. Pictured team members are, front row left to right, Al Fawcett, Lawrence Larson, Earl Mahnkey, Bill Ruehle, and Bill Wiecking. Back Row, same order, Dr. Charles W. Green (manager), Jack Nash, Bob Lovelace, Bill Jepsen, Bob Bennatts and Arne Brown (T. Times 7/22/1942, pg. 12)

Baseball players--Tacoma--1940-1950; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma);

Publicity for Renton 7-Up Ball Club. Informal outdoor portrait of unidentified baseball player taken in July of 1942. For another view of the same player, see D13162, image 2.

Baseball players--Renton; Uniforms;

Publicity for Renton 7-Up Ball Club. Full length portrait of unidentified baseball player preparing to pitch; photograph taken on July 23, 1942. Background is possibly Tacoma's industrial Tideflats.

Baseball players--Renton; Uniforms;

Publicity for Renton 7-Up Ball Club. Portrait of unidentified player in uniform taken on July 23, 1942. For another view of the same player, see D13162, image 1.

Baseball players--Renton; Uniforms;

Publicity for Renton 7-Up Ball Club. Close-up portrait of unidentified baseball player taken outdoors on July 23, 1942.

Baseball players--Renton; Uniforms;

Past and possible future baseball stars stare into the August, 1961, night. The little boy, lying down on the grass, is believed to be Bucky O'Brien, the ballboy for the Cheney Studs, a team sponsored by local lumberman and philanthropist, Ben Cheney. Both he and his older counterpart, believed to be his father Eddie O'Brien, former major leaguer, Seattle University basketball star, and current Studs coach, are wearing striped uniforms decorated with the Studs logo. The Seattle Studs, defending regional and national champs, would attempt to win the Pacific Coast Regional AABC Amateur Baseball tournament held at Cheney Stadium in early September, 1961. They would, however, not be able to defend their title as the team lost to Portland, 2-0; Portland advanced to the national finals at Battle Creek, Michigan. Photograph ordered by Cheney Lumber Co. (TNT 9-1-61, D-3)

Baseball--Tacoma--1960-1970; Baseball players--Tacoma--1960-1970; Uniforms;

In August of 1942, the "Tillicum Chiefs" of Western State Hospital, who played in the Twilight League, had won 23 games and were in the playoffs for the circuit title. Much of the credit went to their pitcher Dick Smith who returned to Santa Clara University before the final playoff games. Pictured in the back row, left to right, Clink Jacobs (mgr.), Dick Smith, Fred Hebert, unidentified patient who served as mascot, Howard Johnson, Phil Jacobs and Garry Robinson (business mgr.) Front row, left to right, Bus Mitchell, Lorny Merkle, Johnny Ward, Dewey West and Bob Huegel. Chuck Rasmussen, Bud Clausen and Red Little were absent. (T. Times 9/4/1942, pg. 12)

Baseball players--Tacoma--1940-1950; Western State Hospital (Lakewood)--baseball players;

The Western State Hospital "Tillicum Chiefs" of the Twilight League had won 23 games in the 1942 summer season and were in the playoffs for the circuit title. Manager Clink Jacobs (left) gives some tips to his players.

Baseball players--Tacoma--1940-1950; Western State Hospital (Lakewood)--Baseball players;

Unidentified player with the Western State Hospital "Tillicum Chiefs."

Baseball players--Tacoma--1940-1950; Western State Hospital (Lakewood)--baseball players;

Ron Aubry (left) and Robert Collins were teammates on the Stadium High School football team in 1942. They were photographed at Stadium Bowl in September of 1942. Both boys were members of the Stadium Class of 1944. (Additional identification provided by a reader) TPL-10450

Football--Tacoma--1940-1950; Football players--Tacoma--1940-1950; Aubry, Ron; Collins, Robert; Students--Tacoma--1940-1950; Stadium High School (Tacoma); Stadium Bowl (Tacoma); Public schools--Tacoma--1940-1950;

This photograph of a quartet of Stadium Seniors ran in the Tacoma Times the day before Stadium's pivotal Cross State League game on November 11, 1942 against the Everett Seagulls. Left to right are Cecil Stone, Co-captain Joe Boyle, Chuck Fain and Co-captain Paul Jacobsen. Coach Heinrick said only of his team "We're set" and he proved to be a prophet. Stadium defeated the favored Gulls 7-0, handing Everett their first Cross State League play loss since 1938. (T. Times 11/10/1942, pg. 4)

Football--Tacoma; Football players--Tacoma--1940-1950; Athletic fields--Tacoma; Stadium High School (Tacoma); Stadium Bowl (Tacoma); Public schools--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Stadium High School football coach Johnny Heinrick had 60 boys turn out to fill 11 varsity positions in September of 1942. Coach Heinrick was optimistic, despite having lost all but 4 of his 1941 letterman to graduation and enlistment. His players in general would be a year younger and 7-8 pounds lighter than the previous year.The team would face their arch rival, the Lincoln Abes, in the September 18, 1942 "King's X" game, held this year at 3:30p.m. in the afternoon due to mandatory dim outs. (T. Times 9/16/1942, pg. 14)

Football--Tacoma; Football players--Tacoma--1940-1950; Athletic fields--Tacoma; Stadium High School (Tacoma); Stadium Bowl (Tacoma); Public schools--Tacoma--1940-1950; Heinrick, John;