Governor Albert D. Rosellini at podium. The governor, along with federal, county, city and university officials, was on hand to welcome President John F. Kennedy to Tacoma on September 27, 1963. The President had applauded vigorously upon Governor Rosellini's introduction by Dr. Robert Mortvedt (in mortarboard) of Pacific Lutheran University. Governor Rosellini indicated that he was proud to issue a heartful welcome from the people of Washington State and he looked forward to working with the President on conservation issues and the development of outdoor recreation facilities in this state. Visible behind Governor Rosellini are: (left to right) Congressman Thor Tollefson, US Senator Warren G. Magnuson, Dr. R. Franklin Thompson, President Kennedy, Dr. Robert Mortvedt, US Senator Henry M. Jackson, unidentified man, and Mayor Harold Tollefson. (TNT 9-27-63, A-1,2-articles)

Rosellini, Albert D.; Governors; Public speaking--Tacoma--1960-1970; Kennedy, John Fitzgerald, 1917-1963; Presidents--United States; Visits of state--Tacoma--1960-1970; Tollefson, Harold M., 1908-1985; Jackson, Henry M., 1912-1983; Mortvedt, Robert;

President John F. Kennedy delivered a short, empassioned address to the 25,000+ people crammed into Cheney Stadium on September 27, 1963. He shared a platform decorated from Western State Hospital's nursery with presidents from local universities, Congressmen and Senators, and municipal officials. From l. to r. are Congressman Thor Tollefson, US Senator Warren G. Magnuson, Dr. R. Franklin Thompson, Dr. Robert Mortvedt, US Senator Henry M. Jackson, Governor Albert D. Rosellini, unidentifed, Mayor Harold Tollefson. The president had received a standing ovation from the crowd upon his introduction by Senator Warren G. Magnuson. He spoke to the cheering audience about preserving natural resources - both in land and resources as in developing men and women who would preserve free government in a difficult and changing world. This was President Kennedy's first appearance in Tacoma since becoming President in 1960. It was to be his last as he was assassinated in Dallas two months later. (TNT 9-27-63, A-1,2-articles) TPL-10565

Kennedy, John Fitzgerald, 1917-1963; Presidents--United States; Visits of state--Tacoma--1960-1970; Public speaking--Tacoma--1960-1970; Tollefson, Thor C., 1901-1982; Magnuson, Warren G., 1905-1989; Thompson, R. Franklin, 1908-1999; Mortvedt, Robert;

President John F. Kennedy, flanked by Pacific Lutheran University president Dr. Robert Mortvedt (left) and University of Puget Sound president Dr. R. Franklin Thompson (right), entered Cheney Stadium under the watchful eyes of police and Secret Service agents near noontime, September 27, 1963. The President had been invited to speak by the heads of the two universities. He had flown in from Sea-Tac Airport via special Marine helicopter along with U.S. Senators Henry Jackson and Warren Magnuson and Washington State Governor Albert Rosellini. About 25,000 people jammed into Cheney Stadium for this special occasion. TPL-10586

Kennedy, John Fitzgerald, 1917-1963; Presidents--United States; Visits of state--Tacoma--1960-1970; Mortvedt, Robert; Thompson, R. Franklin, 1908-1999; Cheney Stadium (Tacoma);

A "tanned and healthy" President John F. Kennedy looks over the overflowing crowd crammed into Cheney Stadium on September 27, 1963, as University of Puget Sound president Dr. R. Franklin Thompson examines his notes prior to beginning the invocation. Good weather and the chance to see the President in person caused the predicted 12,000 crowd to swell to 25,000+. Admission was free with 2,200 seats reserved in the infield for special guests. The President's exit from the stadium was delayed twelve minutes by throngs of Tacomans eager to converse and/or touch the President. (TNT 9-27-63, A-1,2-articles; TNT 9-26-63, A-1-article)

Kennedy, John Fitzgerald, 1917-1963; Presidents--United States; Visits of state--Tacoma--1960-1970; Thompson, R. Franklin, 1908-1999; Public speaking--Tacoma--1960-1970;

Mayor Harold Tollefson (center) shakes hands with President John F. Kennedy on September 27, 1963, after the President's appearance at Cheney Stadium. The President delivered the short principal address concerning preservation of natural resources and the importance of education. Flanking the President are the presidents of Pacific Lutheran University and University of Puget Sound, Dr. Robert Mortvedt and Dr. R. Franklin Thompson; their schools were instrumental in securing the President's attendance in Tacoma. It was President Kennedy's first visit to Tacoma since becoming President. He had made two prior trips in the 1950s as a U.S. Senator.

Kennedy, John Fitzgerald, 1917-1963; Presidents--United States; Visits of state--Tacoma--1960-1970; Mayors--Tacoma--1960-1970; Tollefson, Harold M., 1908-1985; Mortvedt, Robert; Thompson, R. Franklin, 1908-1999; Shaking hands--Tacoma;

On Friday, September 27, 1963, President John F. Kennedy strode into Cheney Stadium flanked by Pacific Lutheran University president Dr. Robert Mortvedt (l) and University of Puget Sound president Dr. R. Franklin Thompson (r). Senator Henry Jackson followed Dr. Thompson. Special Marine helicopters had just transported the President and other dignitaries from Sea-Tac Airport to Cheney Stadium's cordoned-off parking lot. The President had started a cross-country tour, "a journey to save America's natural heritage," on September 24th, at Milford, PA. It would be a 10,000 mile presidential trip through twelve states. The Tacoma stop was sponsored jointly by UPS and PLU. The President was accompanied to Tacoma by Senators Warren Magnuson and Henry Jackson and Governor Albert Rosilleni. While in Tacoma he met Tacoma Mayor Harold Tollefson and the mayor's brother, Congressman Thor Tollefson, Tokyo-bound for fishing treating negotiatons. (TNT 9-24-63, p. 1-article; TNT 9-26-63, C-12-article; TNT 9-27-63, A-1,2-articles)

Kennedy, John F., 1917-1963; Presidents--United States; Visits of state--Tacoma--1960-1970; Mortvedt, Robert; Thompson, R. Franklin, 1908-1999; Jackson, Henry M., 1912-1983;

President John F. Kennedy is pictured upon his arrival via special Marine helicopter at Cheney Stadium's parking lot on September 27, 1963. He is shaking hands with Tacoma Mayor Harold Tollefson who is standing next to his brother, Congressman Thor Tollefson. Following President Kennedy in the informal reception line are Senators Henry M. Jackson and Warren G. Magnuson and Governor Albert D. Rosellini. Man in bow tie at far left is believed to be Pierce County Commissioner Harry Sprinker. The President had arrived at Sea-Tac Airport at 11:30 am from Salt Lake City and had traveled to Tacoma to deliver a speech at Cheney Stadium. It was the President's first appearance in Pierce County since becoming the Chief Executive. His last visit to Tacoma was in 1959 when he spoke about a labor bill.

Kennedy, John Fitzgerald, 1917-1963; Presidents--United States; Visits of state--Tacoma--1960-1970; Shaking hands--Tacoma; Tollefson, Harold M., 1908-1985; Tollefson, Thor C., 1901-1982; Legislators--Washington; Governors; Rosellini, Albert D.;

Mayor Harold Tollefson (arm extended) exchanged pleasantries with President John F. Kennedy when the President made a brief visit to Tacoma in September of 1963. Also smiling are Congressman Thor Tollefson (extreme right) and Pacific Lutheran University president Dr. Robert Mortvedt. The President addressed an overflowing Cheney Stadium crowd estimated at 25,000 on the need to preserve natural resources and the importance of education. His visit was jointly sponsored by the University of Puget Sound and Pacific Lutheran University, and was part of a 10,000 mile presidential trip through twelve states. (TNT 9-27-63, A-1, 2-articles)

Kennedy, John Fitzgerald, 1917-1963; Presidents--United States; Visits of state--Tacoma--1960-1970; Tollefson, Harold M., 1908-1985; Tollefson, Thor C., 1901-1982; Mayors--Tacoma--1960-1970; Legislators--Washington; Mortvedt, Robert;

The Tacoma Tides soccer team posed for a group portrait early in May of 1976, prior to the pro team's successful home debut at Cheney Stadium. Tacoma had been awarded a pro soccer franchise from the American Soccer League for the 1976 season. The new team, dubbed the "Tides" and led by coach Dan Wood (extreme left, back row) and goalie Jamil Canal (third from right, standing), had opened a 24-game league schedule on April 24th with a 1-0 victory in Sacramento against the Sacramento Spirits. 12 games would be played at Cheney Stadium, the first on May 5th, with the season concluding in August. Despite taking 2nd place in the Western Division, the team folded at the end of the 1976 season. The ASL team's name had been chosen in a public contest with the winning entry submitted by pro handballer, Gordy Pfeifer. (TNT 2-23-76, A-1, A-11; TNT 3-3-76, B-1-articles on soccer; TNT 4-24-76, B-1-article; TNT 4-25-76, F-1-article)

Soccer--Tacoma--1970-1980; Soccer players--Tacoma--1970-1980; Cheney Stadium (Tacoma); Wood, Dan; Canal, Jamil;

Cheney Stadium. Tacoma Twins general manager Stan Naccarato and two guests look over Cheney Stadium's playing field in mid-February of 1976. With baseball season just around the corner, the stadium and seats would not be empty for long. A portion of Henry Foss High School is visible behind the balllpark's advertisement-filled plywood walls. Photograph ordered by Pacific Coca-Cola Bottling Co. TPL-10542

Cheney Stadium (Tacoma); Baseball--Tacoma--1970-1980; Naccarato, Stan; Henry Foss High School (Tacoma);

Tacoma Twins general manager Stan Naccarato (center) poses with Rene Levitre, vice-president of Pacific Coca-Cola Bottling Co. and an unidentified man at Cheney Stadium on February 19, 1976. They are standing in front of the closed refreshment center. Photograph ordered by Pacific Coca-Cola Bottling Co.

Naccarato, Stan; Le Beitre, Rene; Cheney Stadium (Tacoma); Food vendors--Tacoma;

Tacoma Twins' catcher Glenn Borgmann was one of 16 players involved in providing personalized instruction to young Tacoma fans on May 20, 1972, as the team in conjunction with Carling Brewery offered a two-hour baseball clinic at Cheney Stadium. It appears that the 1291 youngsters in attendance were divided into smaller groups each headed by a Tacoma Twin. Photograph ordered by Tacoma Twins. (TNT 5-17-72, C-16, TNT 5-21-72, D-1)

Baseball--Tacoma--1970-1980; Baseball players--Tacoma--1970-1980; Borgmann, Glenn; Cheney Stadium (Tacoma);

Baseball clinic. This is believed to be Tacoma Twins catcher Glenn Borgmann who certainly has the attention of his "class," as he demonstrates proper catching techniques. One youngster to the left has his hand out apparently imitating the pro player. This was just a small section of more than 1200 young athletes who visited Cheney Stadium for a two-hour baseball clinic on May 20, 1972, sponsored by the Tacoma Twins and Carling Brewery. The club urged that those attending bring gloves, spikes, and even wear their Little League uniforms if they chose to do so. This was the Tacoma Twins' first year in Tacoma. Photograph ordered by Tacoma Twins. (TNT 5-17-72, C-16 -article; TNT 5-212-72, D-1) TPL-10073

Baseball--Tacoma--1970-1980; Baseball players--Tacoma--1970-1980; Cheney Stadium (Tacoma);

Baseball clinic. Cheney Stadium was packed with youngsters on Saturday, May 20, 1972, as the budding baseball stars participated in a two-hour clinic jointly sponsored by the Tacoma Twins and Carling Brewery. The News Tribune reported that 1291 kids were in attendance. Personalized instruction in fielding, batting, and other skills was provided by 16 Twins players with pitcher Hal Haydel as chief instructor. Free tickets were handed out to the young athletes to that night's Twins game with Salt Lake City; provided, of course, that they were accompanied by adults. Photograph ordered by the Tacoma Twins. (TNT 5-17-72, C-16- article; TNT 5-21-72, D-1)

Baseball--Tacoma--1970-1980; Baseball players--Tacoma--1970-1980; Cheney Stadium (Tacoma);

Members of the Tacoma Athletic Commission demonstrate the fine art of baseball in May of 1964, as they prepare for the second annual city high school Diamond-Go-Round to be held on May 22nd at Cheney Stadium. Wilson, Mount Tahoma, Stadium, Lincoln, and Bellarmine of the City League along with Curtis of the Seamount League will participate at the Go-Round sponsored by the Athletic Commission. All proceeds from the game were to go to the athletic funds of the high schools and Tacoma junior highs. The T.A.C. directors are: Hal Brotman at bat, Bill Larson with ball, and John McCutcheon as catcher with Bill Post, athletic director for Tacoma city schools, as umpire. The outsized Stan Musial glove, made by Rawlings, would seem to guarantee that the likelihood of passed balls would be slight. Photograph ordered by the Tacoma Athletic Commission. (TNT 5-20-64, A-12)

Baseball--Tacoma--1960-1970; Sporting goods; Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Brotman, Hal; Larson, William C.; McCutcheon, John; Post, Bill; Baseball umpires--Tacoma;

T.A.C. Awards night at Cheney Stadium. Neil Hoff, president of the Tacoma Athletic Commission, addresses the crowd at the Tacoma Giants-Portland Beavers baseball game on September 7, 1962. Standing behind him on the grassy infield of Cheney Stadium are members of the T.A.C. present for the Awards ceremony, including Stan Naccarato (second from right) and William (Bill) Gazecki, far right. Several men are holding trophies. The outstanding freshman performer for the Giants was presented the "Rookie of the Year" award; Jerry Thomas, pitcher, was selected for his prowess on the field. He had 13 wins in 22 decisions. Photograph ordered by the Tacoma Athletic Commission. (TNT 9-7-62, D-4, 9-8-62, p. 11) (Additional identification by a reader)

Awards; Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Hoff, Neil; Naccarato, Stan; Gazecki, William; Baseball--Tacoma--1960-1970;

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;

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;

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;

On June 7, 1960, by vote of the Tacoma City Council, Tacoma's new Pacific Coast League baseball stadium was officially designated "Cheney Stadium" in honor of Tacoma lumberman and sportsman Ben B. Cheney. Two nights later, on June 9th, over 5,000 baseball fans were on hand for the dedication of the new home of the PCL's Tacoma Giants. Construction of the 8,100 seat stadium (later expanded to 8,500) was completed in 3 months, 14 days - "the 100 Day Wonder." No home run has ever been hit over the stadium's 32 foot high center field wall, called "the Great Wall of Cheney," during a game. Jose Canseco accomplished the feat during batting practice in 1985. Photograph ordered by Cheney Lumber. (TNT 6-8-60, C-15, 6-10-60, A-1, p. 24) TPL-9726

Cheney Stadium (Tacoma); Light fixtures;

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;

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;

Ben Cheney and guest at Tacoma Giants game. Dressed in suit and tie, Tacoma lumberman and baseball fan Ben Cheney, along with a guest believed to be his cousin Francis Cheney, enjoy the June 9, 1960, Giants game at Cheney Stadium. The stadium was dedicated that evening during pre-game ceremonies when Ben Cheney thanked all those who made the new park possible. Mr. Cheney was instrumental in bringing Pacific Coast League baseball back to Tacoma and was named to the Giants Board of Directors. Beside local baseball and government officials, San Francisco Giants president Horace Stoneham and San Francisco Giants farm system director Carl Hubbell were in attendance. Photograph ordered by Cheney Lumber. (TNT 6-5-60, B-11, 6-10-60, A-1, p. 24)

Cheney, Ben B., 1905-1971; Baseball--Tacoma--1960-1970; Cheney Stadium (Tacoma);

View of partially completed Cheney Stadium from adjoining hillside taken on March 23, 1960. Cheney Stadium was constructed in a remarkable three months, fourteen days in time for the reappearance of Pacific Coast League baseball to Tacoma. It had to be completed before the first game scheduled on April 14, 1960, and the deadline was met, probably due to the fact that the stadium was built of pre-stressed, pre-fabricated concrete rather than the more time-consuming pouring method. Unfortunately, a harsh spring storm forced postponement of the Tacoma Giants - Portland Beavers doubleheader until Saturday, April 16th. The Tacoma Giants were affiliated with the San Francisco Giants who sent many of their future stars to Tacoma for seasoning. Fans would be lucky to see future Hall-of-Famer Juan Marichal, future batting champ Matty Alou, and future Giant & Pirate SS Jose Pagan in action.

Cheney Stadium (Tacoma);

These construction workers are racing against time in order to complete Cheney Stadium before baseball's opening day of April 14, 1960. This March 23, 1960, photograph indicates that they are well on their way as most of the pre-stressed, pre-fabricated grandstands are completed. View of crane lowering portion of the concrete seating; once completed, the stadium would hold more than 8,000 fans.

Cheney Stadium (Tacoma); Construction workers--Tacoma--1960-1970;

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);

Tacoma Giants owner Ben Cheney and wife Marian on opening day of Pacific Coast League baseball, April 16, 1960. Mr. and Mrs. Cheney enjoying front row seats at the Tacoma Giants - Portland Beavers match in newly constructed Cheney Stadium. Ben Cheney played a major role in luring back Pacific Coast League baseball to Tacoma.

Cheney, Ben B., 1905-1971; Cheney, Marian; Cheney Stadium (Tacoma); Baseball--Tacoma--1960-1970;

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);

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);

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);