Cal Baseball Foundation

Golden Bear News & Notes 3 a wrenching 9-8 extra inning loss to Michigan in their CWS opener. Once again faced with elimination every time they stepped on the field, these Bears broke out the script—"been here, done this"—as they clawed their way through the loser's bracket. Elimination Game 1: Cal 6, Clemson 4 defeating Jimmy Key; elimination Game 2: Cal 8, St. John's 5. In elimination Game 3, against powerhouse Miami, the Bears trailed 3-1 going into the bottom of the 8th before Tom Colburn launched one high and deep off of Neal Heaton to tie it up 3-3. A single run in the 9th gave the Bears a 4-3 win AND a rematch with 6-Pac rival and co-champion Arizona, with the winner facing off against Hawaii for the CWS title. Despite carrying an 8-3 lead into the bottom of the 6th, the Bears' post-season magic ended in heart-breaking fashion losing 11-10 as the Wildcats pushed across two runs in the bottom of the 9th. Although the finish was a bitter disappointment, the season-long effort still fills each member of the '80 team with immense pride. As "7" has so often said, "We didn't get beat, we just ran out of innings." Reflecting on the magic of the 1980 season, Bob Milano and John Hughes praised the 1980 squad for helping transform the Cal Baseball program during their coaching tenures: "The success of this special group of players launched Cal Baseball back into the national spotlight and helped the program attract more and more quality student-athletes from both Northern and Southern California. While Cal was already widely known as providing one of the best educations in the country, it had now earned a reputation as having a well-respected baseball program that could compete nationally. That combination attracted high-caliber student- athletes who led Cal to regional berths in 1985, 1991, and 1995, and CWS appearances in 1988 and 1992. The success of these teams, and the legacy that continues to flourish at Cal today, has created a lasting bond and an alumni base that is stronger than ever." For a complete summary of the 1980 team's accomplishments and their reflections on the Cal Baseball experience, visit www. calbaseballfoundation.org. Annual Alumni Game and Weekend M ore than 70 former Cal Bears participated in the annual Alumni Game on Sunday, October 19. The double-header event included the morning Papa Bear game, followed by the afternoon competition with the young(er) alumni facing off against the 2015 Golden Bears. The event grows in numbers every year, but one thing remains constant, summed up best by former Cal player Dan Ahern (1972-75), "All we care about is the joy we all feel seeing each other and celebrating the privilege we all had to be Bears. Laughing at stories about road trips, games, and practices…all of this and more tap that special place in our hearts for Cal Baseball and for the guys we're so privileged to know as teammates and friends." Alumni Weekend wrapped up with our Ralph Walker Cup Golf Tournament on Monday, October 20. As always, Sam Petke and the golf tournament committee did a great job! Held at Round Hill Golf Course this year, the great tradition of Cal Baseball support continued and a great time was had by all! Former Cal Bears Sam, Jonathan, and Adam Petke are joined by their parents, Mimi and Jon, at the 2014 Ralph Walker Cup. At the Annual Alumni Game vs. the 2015 Bears, John Hughes and Jesse Ingram enjoy the results of their hard work organizing Alumni Weekend events. Reflections from the 1980 Team W hat does Cal and your Cal Baseball experience mean to you? Rob Jessen: "In a word, opportunity…I learned what hard work and perseverance can accomplish, the real power of team, the value of relationships that stand the test of time. I speak of Cal and Cal Baseball with great pride." Brian Duffy: "In a word, perseverance. Cal Baseball helped me realize things are never pass/fail, black or white, good or bad. It's the experience of the journey that matters and my Cal Baseball memories are easily relied upon to persevere through the vagaries of life." Dan McInerny: "Cal means home to me…the fact that four generations of my family have walked the same halls at Cal is very special to me. Cal Baseball offers memories of playing with the best group of guys and coaches who I consider brothers and family." Don Driscoll: "Collectively, the university and the baseball program taught me some invaluable lessons in life. Principally, that if you want to compete at the highest level in academics, sports or business, you had better be prepared to put in very long hours and put forth the maximum effort in order to finish at the top." Lyle Brackenridge: "My greatest memory was when I was handed the Bear uniform. Cal Baseball gave me the opportunity to meet a group of guys I will always call my brothers. I had a chance to play for coaches (Greg, John, and most of all "7") who trusted me and allowed me to be me. For that I will be forever grateful." Greg Zunino: "Cal has given me friends for life. I remember having lunch with "Book" in 2011 when both our sons were playing in the College World Series. It was 31 years later but it seemed like we didn't miss a day." RETURN TO THE NATIONAL STAGE

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