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| Joe Schloss, the venerable North Park civic and sports icon, stands in front of his sporting goods store at University and Ray Streets in this North Park News photo from 1997. |
By Thomas Shess
A few days
before Thanksgiving North Park icon Joe Schloss passed away from a brief
illness. Many of us teared up
immediately after hearing the news. I
had just returned to San Diego after playing in a senior mens baseball
tournament in Ft. Myers, Florida and I remembered the line “there’s no crying
in baseball” echoing the now famous phrase spoken by actor Tom Hanks in the
film “A league of their own.” Sorry, Tom Hanks, but I cried when I heard that Joe died the day before. So did legions of Joe's family, friends and fans that knew and loved him.
That
day started the countless Joe memories:
--Joe,
the terrific husband.
--Joe,
the best dad.
--Joe,
the best North Park Little League baseball coach and life mentor.
--Joe,
the resilient owner of a store in North Park for more than 40 years.
--Joe,
the community activist, including being part of the organizing staff for the
North Park Toyland Parade and a proud member of the Lion’s Club.
--And,
best of all Joe Schloss as a friend for life and beyond.
Recalling
a recent November visit to AB Appliance and Sporting Goods (the name was shortened
to AB Sporting Goods in later years), I noticed Joe was seated inside his shop
(University & Ray) in front of the store’s TV set. He was dozing but perked
up immediately. “Tommy, what’s up?”
“Got
to pick up some stuff. I’m in a senior
mens baseball team that’s headed to Florida to play in a tournament.”
He thought for a moment then said “that would
be the Roy Hobbs World Series.”
“Yep. It’s my first time there.” There was not one fact that escaped him.
“Good
for you. Glad you’re still playing
ball—you’re no spring chicken.”
“Yes,
I am Joe. You’re my idol. I wanna be
ageless just like you.” He was 88 when
he died a few days before Thanksgiving.
“So
what do you need?”
I
proceeded to pick out a baseball undershirt, a pair of batting gloves, bat tape
and navy blue baseball socks. My
shopping included checking out the newest wooden bats that I’ve been buying
from AB Sporting Goods since pony league, summer recreation leagues as a teen,
over-the-line and as I got older playing in San Diego’s numerous adult baseball
leagues.
“What
are you swinging these days?” he asked.
“A
32-inch bat but the handle is too thick on the one I got.”
“See
anything there?”
“No.”
“How
soon do you need it?”
“I’m
flying out tomorrow.”
“I
can order it and have it ready when you get back.”
I
can’t recall what I said but I knew that there would be many bats for sale at
the tournament. There always is. If I
didn’t find anything in Florida I knew Joe or his co-shop innkeeper, his son,
Greg Schloss, would take care of getting me a new bat for next season.
Joe
and I chatted some more. He always
asked, “how’s your lefty grandson is he still on the varsity team?” (meaning
did he graduate yet).
“Cole’s
got another season,“ I said. It made me
feel terrific that Joe remembered--not only my grandson’s name—but also asking how
he was doing on the mound. “He’ll be one
of the starting pitchers (for Concord de la Salle High School in the Bay Area).
“Good
for him. Will we see him at Christmas?”
“Of
course. As soon as he arrives in North
Park he starts bugging me to come visit the store.”
“Tell
him I said hello and good luck in the tournament.” He shook my hand and I left not figuring that
would be the last time I saw my idol.
That’s OK, Joe. We’ll still come by to visit. Cole’s been hinting for a new pair of cleats
to put under the tree and I want to order that bat.
And, Coach, you’ll be happy to know
we kicked some butt in the Roy Hobbs tourney.
We won the darn thing in the bottom of the ninth. Storybook, huh?
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| In late 1999, the community joined then District 3 Councilmember Christine Kehoe in celebrating Joe Schloss Day in the City of San Diego. The award honored Joe's countless hours of volunteerism with the North Park Business Assoc., the Lion's Club of North Park and the North Park Little League. North Park News file photo by Tom Shess |
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| Joe Schloss has been a little league coach forever. Here moms from his beloved North Park Little League brave the rain on Feb. 5, 1999 to be with him. Joe and others were on hand to dedicate one of the Morley Field baseball diamonds in Balboa Park refurbished by the San Diego Padres thanks to the team's owners John and Becky Moores. Noted in the background are Councilmember Juan Vargas, far right, and photo bombing over Joe's shoulder is then Padres outfielder Reggie Sanders. The guest of honor at the celebration was San Diego/North Park born Hall of Fame baseball player Ted Williams, who attended the dedication. Williams grew up in North Park. It was a special treat to see the Padres attend the North Park event because a few months earlier they had played in the World Series. North Park News Photo/Tom Shess |
TRIBUTE TO JOE SCHLOSS BY CHANNEL 8:
http://www.cbs8.com/clip/12035758/vintage-himmel-a-little-league-legend
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