Chatsworth Players Press for Right to Be in Playoffs

A group of Chatsworth High baseball players sought the support of the school administration Wednesday in an attempt to participate in the 4-A Division playoffs without Coach Bob Lofrano, a leader in a coaches’ boycott during the strike against Los Angeles Unified School District.

After a team meeting called by the players, seniors Rich Aude, Jason Evans, Doug Lambeck, Vince Simili and Derek Wallace made the request during a meeting with Assistant Principal Roy Kamamoto. School officials were unavailable for comment and players said that they were given no definitive answer. District rules require that the school official coaching a team must have a teaching credential.

Lofrano and the other 17 coaches whose teams have qualified for the 4-A playoffs voted Monday to boycott the season until the strike is ended. All 12 4-A Division games were canceled Tuesday.

The playoffs are scheduled to begin Wednesday, and City Section Commissioner Hal Harkness has said that if no teams participate in the first round, the season will be canceled.

On Tuesday, Kennedy players approached Principal Jim Ball, requesting that an administrator supervise the Golden Cougars’ North Valley League game against Granada Hills, but that game was canceled. Senior Gino Tagliaferri said that the players will approach Ball again Monday.

Wallace, Chatsworth’s top pitcher, said that the players are frustrated and want the season to continue.

“We’re upset because it’s a hard way to end the season,” he said. “If we can field a team, we’re willing to go out and give it a shot. We respect Coach Lofrano and hope he respects what we’re trying to do.”

Lofrano sympathizes with the players but stands firm in his resolve to boycott.

“I understand where the kids are coming from,” he said. “I would want them to want to play. But if the administration says it’s OK to go on without the coaches, I guess they’re saying our role is totally unimportant.”

Joe Koh, an unpaid walk-on assistant without a teaching credential, said that the players have asked him to coach if the school supplies a credentialed employee. But Koh said that he would not coach without Lofrano’s blessings.

Lofrano said that he would oppose Koh coaching.

“It would strain our relationship and I would find it difficult to work with him,” he said.