About 30 former Major League Baseball players made their way to Cameron’s Restaurant & Inn as part of the two-day festival to raise money for the Boys & Girls Club of the Coastside.
The fun ended Monday with the annual Swing With the Legends golf tournament, held at the Half Moon Bay Golf Links.
 Former San Francisco Giant third baseman Jimmy Davenport autographs a ball for 3-year-old Ian Armstrong of El Granada Sunday night. Davenport was one of about 30 former baseball players to be town for a fundraiser for the Boys & Girls Club of the Coastside. |
The fans had a chance to get some autographs and share stories with the players.
“We never get tired of talking about our wins,” said former pitcher Dave Stewart, best known for his years with the Oakland Athletics. “It’s better than talking about our losses.”
Some fans had no desire for autographs. They just wanted to meet the players. El Granada resident Phill Armstrong and Hayward resident Josh Lacsamana were both eager to shake hands with Hall of Famer Brooks Robinson.
“Someone said there are about 60 Hall of Famers still alive,” Lacsamana said. “It was just awesome to talk with him.”
“He was an outstanding ball player,” Armstrong added.
Alex Simon can top both men. The 14-year-old Redwood City resident has been a regular attendee at the barbecue and he plays and often wins the baseball trivia contest.
“Last year, I was tied in the contest with (former pitcher) Vida Blue,” Simon said. “How many people can say they were tied with Vida Blue in anything?”
It was a little different Sunday night as Simon won, with his father second and his brother third. His mother was scheduled to play in the golf tournament.
“I know some of these guys through my parents’ participation in fantasy camps,” Simon said. “It’s cool to see all of these players. I just love coming here as much as possible.”
He was originally scheduled to visit family in Portland, Ore., Sunday. But that was postponed a day.
“This is something I make sure to attend,” Simon said.
Stewart feels the exact same way.
“This is an opportunity for us to mix and mingle with the fans,” Stewart said. “It’s great to get together with everyone.”
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