Browse archives: 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997 | 1996 | 1995

Published on 08/11/1999 All articles from this issue

Makjavich, Oaks are still going strong

printer friendly version

By Pete Borello / Town Crier Staff Writer

It will take more than a line drive in the shin to stop Tony Makjavich from coaching the Palo Alto Oaks baseball team.

The 85-year-old took one on the shin during a July 25 game and has visited the doctor four times since then to take care of the infection that developed.

"It was just one of those things," Makjavich said. "But I'm hanging in there."

Through it all, the Palo Alto resident didn't miss a single game. In fact, Makjavich has been at almost every game since 1954 - the year he started managing the Stan Musial League team. It's his love for baseball and the satisfaction he gets from working with young players that keeps Makjavich going.

"I enjoy being with the youngsters," said Makjavich, whose team is made up of 17- to 20-year-olds from the Peninsula and South Bay. "These kids have a desire to play in high school and college, and this gives them a place to play and get better."

Among the members of this summer league team is Mark Ohara, a 1997 graduate of Mountain View High. Makjavich lists Ohara, who recently finished his second season at Cañada College, as one of the Oaks' best batters.

"He's a good line drive hitter, especially for his size," Makjavich said of the 5-foot-9 outfielder.

Hitting is one of the team's greatest strengths, according to Makjavich. Along with Ohara, the Oaks have formidable hitters in Gabe Duran (Fremont High), Mike Mukuno (Mission College), B.J. Rossi (Cañada) and John Fagan (Mission).

The team's defense, however, is another story all together.

"Our pitching and fielding have been up and down," said Makjavich, who's coached Bob Boone, Dick Stewart and several other players who went on to play in the Major Leagues.

The pitching staff is led by Ben Lewis of Cañada. Nick Kowvaris (De Anza College), Rob Ellis (Mission) and Nick Duran (De Anza) have put in some solid innings as well.

The team's top fielder might be shortstop Gabe Duran, who also happens to be Nick's brother. Gabe is heading to San Jose State in the fall, and Makjavich believes he has a bright future ahead of him.

"He's a real prospect," Makjavich said. "He's another Jeter."

As in Derek Jeter, an all-star shortstop for the New York Yankees.

Makjavich knows a little about prospects; he's been a scout for the St. Louis Cardinals organization since 1963.

The Oaks, who have a 10-8 record, wrap up their season this Sunday. They host the Cupertino Knights in a game scheduled for 11 a.m. at Baylands Park in Palo Alto. Admission is free.