I have a ton of great high school memories and was fortunate to continue making memories with many of my former classmates during my post BHS years. From flippin burgers and dogs at the old wieney hut (Wienerschnitzel) to spending the boiling hot summer months sweating it out in the peach orchards, grading stations and baseball diamonds. I’ve also enjoyed the opportunity of helping a few of our classmates with their real estate needs over the years.
Like many teenagers, I had no clue what I wanted to do with myself after high school. All I knew was I loved playing baseball and if I had any chance of fulfilling my dream of becoming a pro ball player, I had to continue playing ball at a local college. So it was off to MJC where I promptly tore cartilage in my knee half way through the first baseball season. After doing a little research, I found a surgeon in Los Angeles named Dr. Jobe that was finding quite a bit of success with a new procedure called arthroscopic surgery. A couple of months after the surgery I was as good as new and back on the ball field.
After finishing my 2nd year playing ball at MJC, I transferred to good old Turkey Tech (CSU Stanislaus). I had a blast playing ball there with some amazing athletes climaxing my senior year as co-captain and finishing 2nd in the Division III College World Series in Ohio . Unfortunately, during the ensuing baseball draft the pro scouts decided they didn’t have much use for a 145 pounder with small man syndrome who swung out of his shoes every at bat (sacrifice bunting and hit and runs were not my thing).
After finally realizing that baseball was not in my future, I completed my remaining courses for a Physical Education Degree with a Business Minor to begin what I thought was going to be a future as a baseball coach and teacher. Since the economy was taking a step backward at the time and coaching/teaching jobs were hard to come by, I decided to try my luck in the world of business. Real estate seemed to be a perfect fit for me and after 20+ years helping families buy and sell homes, I can’t imagine doing anything else.
Soon after finishing college, I started dating my wife of 21 years, Maria. We worked together at Gottschalks Department Store and were one of many Gottschalks couples. We were married in 1987 and our son Austin was born in 1991. We have remained in Modesto to stay close to friends and family and spend much of our free time participating in Austins activities.
Since deciding to retire the old baseball cleats after turning 40, I have enjoyed golf, tennis, bowling and a little fishing. I’ve also helped with the BHS reunion committee and have enjoyed catching up with everyone and bringing some of the old memories back to life. It has been very rewarding and I’m looking forward to helping with future events.
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