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San Diego Downtown Post 492

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July 21, 1954: Howard Craghead said if the team continued to win, it “would play in three more series to become State Champions. Such a program would, if completed, require an expenditure of approximately $400.00.” Contributions and pledges were made for $300.00.

 

August 18, 1954: “Comrade Craghead reported that the Post’s Baseball team had defeated Tucson in a game which had terminated only a few minutes before the start of this meeting making them the Champions of the Southwest. 

 

Comrade Smith reported resolution of the difficulties encountered in the validity of birth certificates of members of the team.

 

Post 492 won the Western Sectional Tournament in Hastings, Nebraska on August 25, 1954. They won the National Championship in Yakima, Washington on September 4, 1954.

 

A page was inserted that read: NOTE: THE NEWSPAPER CLIPPINGS OF THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP BASEBALL TEAM, SEASON 1953 (sic), HAS BEEN INSERTED AT THE END OF THIS ALBUM DUE TO THEIR BULK.

 

September 13, 1954: Testimonial Dinner honoring the Post 492 “National Champions” was held at the U. S. Grant Hotel. The Team Roster consisted of Walter BaranskiJames Bayles, Kent Berry, William Capps, Alexander CremidanRonnie Crise, Joseph Cottrell, Lawrence Elliot, Steven Evans, James Galasso, Robert Haley, Joel Mogy, Tommy Rinks, Jerald Smith, Ronnie Wilkins and James Whittaker. Fulton Vickery was their coach and Albert Wright was the team manager.

 

September 15, 1954: On behalf of the entire Post, Comrade Craghead thanked Coach Vickery for the splendid job he had done with the team and extended to Mrs. Vickery an invitation to fly with the Coach and team to and from New York for the first two games of the World Series as a guest of Post 492.”

 

October 20, 1954: Membership in Post 492 was given to former B-24 pilot Fulton Vickery. Closer liaison with the Senior group was recommended for the Younger group. Comrade Wallace’s son was awarded a commendation ribbon for his service in Korea.

 

November 17, 1954: Baseball fund was approximately $175.00 in arrears. “Members present contributed$55.00.”

 

January 19, 1955: “It was announced that Billy Capps, shortstop for the 1954 Post 492 National Junior baseball Championship team has been invited to be member of the Pan American baseball team in preparation for the 1956 Olympic Games.” Billy declined the invitation.

 

February 16, 1955: Post 492 resolved to favor granting of first priority to veterans in the sale of Public Housing units to the public and also favor adoption of the “Bricker Amendment” as amended by the “KnowlandClause.” 

 

March 16, 1955: Post 492 resolved to request the National American Legion to influence the release of American Airmen held captive by the Chinese Communist. 

 

April 20, 1955: It was decided Post 492 would sponsor the Hoover High School baseball team in 1955.

 

May 18, 1955: The names of all deceased Post members were read.

 

June 15, 1955: Post 492 baseball team tied for first place. Comrade Henry Miller’s son, Tim, departed for Boys State.

 

1955-1956 – Post Commander Daniel A. Sexton

 

Post 492 was presented a plaque at the 1955 State Convention for outstanding work in child welfare. 

 

August 17, 1955: Post 492 baseball team lost in State finals. $128.79 surplus in the Baseball Fund. 

 

October 19, 1955: Comrade Shaffer spoke briefly regarding the grand jury and its work. He said that Comrade John Hewicker made wise selections in placing members of our Post on the grand jury.” Comrades Roberts, Wallace and Shaffer served in the past. Frank Lantry was on this year’s grand jury.

 

November 16, 1955: “Comrade Hewicker had been recently appointed to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Army Reserve.”

 

January 18, 1956: “Comrade Freeman suggested a boy by the name of John F. Spence be considered for Boys State. There was $198.79 in the Baseball Fund and $150 in the general treasure.