Prep Baseball Coach Worth Remembering

I thoroughly enjoyed the “Remembering When” article by Bill Plaschke in Wednesday’s paper. Phil Pote is truly an inspiration to us all.

As a scout for the Mariners, he continually stresses the need for academic performance to all players he comes across. I overheard a classic quote several years ago from Mr. Pote at an MLB Scouting Bureau workout at L.A. Southwest College with inner-city high school players.

After seeing several young men in a group after the workout, he approached them and asked them if they loved baseball. They replied, “Yes.” He then asked one young man what kind of grades he had in school. The young man replied, “OK, mostly Cs.” Mr. Pote looked into his eyes and said, “Young man, let me tell you something. A ‘C’ is as close to an ‘A’ as it is to an ‘F.’ You never want to put yourself that close to failure.”

I have borrowed that quote many times since with my RBI baseball players. Mr. Pote, thanks for all the hard work. Tom Anderson

Gardena

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Though I appreciate the fine article, I was no “Coach Carter” or “White Shadow.” This “miracle” was all about that 1963 team.

I was just blessed with and believed in some wonderful and talented athletes who practiced our slogan: WUT (We, Us, Team).

The Fremont Pathfinders were the first predominantly black L.A. City baseball champions. This in an era that often depicted track and basketball as their game. The only color we noticed was the other team’s uniform.

These players truly deserved their recent honoring by RBI and Hall of Fame banquet. Their memories and comments are more treasured than a roomful of trophies.

Phil Pote

WUT