The inductees

JIM BARNFATHER

Barnfather moved to Burbank as a young boy and began his playing career in the Burbank sports leagues when he was 8. He played in the Burbank Police Athletic League and Hap Minor Baseball, flag football, and basketball leagues until he entered high school. He participated with fellow Walk of Fame inductees, Mickey DePalo, Don Ludwig, and Ed Pape.

He has participated, coached and officiated in the local sports leagues for 55 years. Barnfather began his coaching career in 1976 with the Victor Deli Dodgers, coaching his son, John. He also coached his daughter Kim’s Calvary Bible Kittens softball, basketball and volleyball teams. With his wife Linda’s encouragement, he returned to coaching four years ago with his grandson Adam’s Calvary Bible Cubs baseball team.

VI LASKY

Lasky began her service with park and rec leagues in 1973, volunteering at McCambridge Park. In 1977 she was hired as an assistant recreation Leader. She remained at McCambridge Recreation Center and was known for running a very tight ship. Open basketball and volleyball players knew to think twice before misbehaving when Lasky was on duty. She retired in 2002 after 25 years of service with the city. She soon found her way back and is now volunteering at the Tuttle Senior Adult Center.

Lasky started playing adult volleyball in 1979 and continued to play through 1987. When her children David and Sharon were old enough, she took on the role as manager, coach and team mom of their various volleyball, basketball, softball and baseball teams. She also participated on the Ponytail Advisory Committee and worked with training and assigning scorekeepers. She is thankful for all the friends she has made through her work, playing and coaching.

AL PEPPI

Peppi was active in coaching and participating in the park and rec youth and adult sports leagues. He played on several teams in the men’s slowpitch, co-ed and church softball leagues between 1975-1994. Over the past 20 years, he has enjoyed playing golf at DeBell Golf Club on a regular basis. In 1975, Peppi began coaching and managing his daughters Kim and Teri’s softball and basketball teams. John Tinnel, the Ragamuffins manager, first recruited Peppi to coach when the team was lacking volunteers. He enjoyed his coaching role and was ready to form his own team.

He credits Chuck Dellamarie with providing him the tools and guidance to get started. He was further influenced by Bill Dunaway, Doug Riley and fellow Walk of Fame inductee, Gerry Walls. Al’s fondest memory is looking back and seeing the smiles on his players’ faces and watching them have fun.