It is that time of year in which baseball season is here. Many baseball fans remember the 1908 song “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.” It was popularized by Harry Caray, the announcer for the Chicago White Sox. In 1976, he sang it during the seventh-inning stretch at the 1934 World Series.

Watching baseball in the 30s, 40s, and 50s was different from today in that radio broadcasts were the primary way people enjoyed baseball. My husband’s family and friends would sit down together in the living room and listen to the radio, where the announcer gave a play-by-play broadcast. When a home run occurred, they would stand up and cheer.  It was like they were at the ballpark. Today, some people listen to radio broadcasts while at the game so as not to miss a play. A great way to develop good attention skills.

Baseball was a public interest. Newspapers served a crucial role where people rushed to read the next day’s paper, summarizing in detail the box scores and player statistics. In movie theatres, highlights of baseball games were shown before the main attractions.

A friend of mine, Solon Shaw, who turned 91 in March, reflected on his aspiration to play professional baseball. It was in ninth grade that he started playing baseball. The joy of playing baseball led him on a course to later try and play professionally. He played in the minor leagues but left to finish his bachelor’s degree and spent more time with his family after getting married. He continued to play on Sundays. How many males out there had dreams of playing in the major leagues? My husband did. To play baseball for many was mainly for the love of the game.

Baseball on the West Coast consisted of the Pacific Coast League (PCL), where the San Diego Padres, Hollywood Stars, Los Angeles Angels, Sacramento Solons, the Oakland Oaks, San Francisco Seals, Vancouver Mounties, Portland Beavers, Salinas Packers of the CA League, Dallas-Fort Worth Rangers, Hawaii Islanders and Seattle Rainers. The Hollywood Stars and the Los Angeles Angels were fierce rivals, and Solon played for a time for the Hollywood Stars.

Our hometown of Fullerton became the hub for many teams in the Pacific Coast League (PCL) from the 30’s to the 60’s. Spring Training was held in Fullerton at AmerigePark on Commonwealth, which became the place for Pony League games.

Refer to Fullerton resident David Jerome’s book, “Spring Training in Fullerton” (2024), for a detailed and comprehensive account of the teams and some of the outstanding players who came to Fullerton for spring training. For example, famous baseball professionals such as Joe DiMaggio and Ted Williams began their careers with the PCL, and local heroes included Jigger Statz, Steve Bilko, Frank Shellenback, and Ox Eckhardt. Our own Tommy Lasorda, after playing baseball, became the manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers and remained living in West Fullerton.

It is hard to put into words the feelings you experience watching a baseball game. The positive energy in a packed ballpark, with fans cheering loudly, creates a sense of shared excitement and camaraderie.  The sound of the bat against the ball, the roar of the crowd, the players’ movements, flashing lights on display, singing the “National Anthem” and “Take Me Out to the Ballgame,” and the smell of hot dogs in the air. Close games and dramatic plays kept the fans on the edge of their seats, creating an atmosphere of excitement and celebration.

Families with their children in team regalia in stadiums and college campuses are seen watching games. Tailgate parties have also become a tradition, usually in the parking lots before the game.

A baseball game can turn your day into joy and fun!  For many, baseball evokes a sense of nostalgia, with memories of past games and players creating a warm and comforting feeling. Baseball is a game that brings people together with families and friends gathering to cheer on their favorite teams, fostering a sense of community and belonging. So, let’s get out there and enjoy the excitement of your team!