Comments on: Gina’s dad is gone

By: Monsignor James P. Gaffey

Monsignor James P. Gaffey — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 05:18:32 +0000

Dear Gina: - I have not seen your father in more than 60 years. Our paths crossed in San Francisco in the late 1940s, and Mission Dolores Parish was trying to field a baseball team in upper-level CYO competition. Somehow we were able to recruit as coach a pitcher at the University of San Francisco (last name was Agee), who was recreational director at Dolores Park – across the street from Mission High School. He was willing to coach us young guys as long as we practiced at Dolores Park, where he worked. Eventually, some players heard there was a team assembling and sponsored by the parish, and your father arrived one day. This was in 1947-48, and he was already a “legend,” that is, a baseball star at Mission High School. It was thrill for all of us on the team to have him with us, and it was the “push” that let us know that we could take ourselves seriously and win. At the time, I believe, Nino played shortstop, but there was no question that he was our leader in every way. I never got “close” to “Nino.” He was a year older and much more mature, and my talent limited me to merely aspire to play ball with such seasoned athletes. That’s what a “benchwarmer” does. But what I do recall is that we won first-place in the CYO division in San Francisco but lost to a team from Marin County in the post-season. Nevertheless, we would never have advanced so far without Nino Spatafore at shortstop. (This is not important, but you may be amused by the fact that I participated in every practice at Dolores Park, sat on the bench for every game, and played only three innings in left field, striking out at my only time at back for the whole season! Not a great record, but I never forgot Nino probably because that season gave me my closest association with a real baseball player with a love for and a future in the pastime.) In any case, please accept my sympathy for your loss. You say he was complicated. Yes, I found him to be very demanding in the field, and he was not interested (in my time with him) in those with lesser talents. But somehow he left an indelible mark in my memory, and it was the greatest pleasure and thrill to be on a team with this extraordinary competitor who taught me the seriousness about playing baseball for all it’s worth.
(Monsignor) James P. Gaffey (jpgaffey@aol.com)

By: Gina Spadafori

Gina Spadafori — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 15:56:53 +0000

My dad’s obit was in the paper today. I gotta say he was a lot more complicated and interesting than you could tell from this article, but such is the nature of a daily news story.

And I am, after all, an editor, so finding fault is my job. :)

By: Lori

Lori — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 15:51:42 +0000

RE: Don Giles

That is SO cool! I remember at my dad’s viewing a bunch of his co-workers came to me to mention how much they learned from my dad. It meant so much to me. Still does.

P.S. Gina, I talk to my dad now about things I never would have talked to him when he was alive. Of course I was 22 when he passed, and, I knew everything then. ;O)

By: Gina Spadafori

Gina Spadafori — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 14:28:55 +0000

Thanks so much for leaving a note, Don. Your time with my dad was before my time (I was born in ‘57), but I’m sure my mom remembers you, and I’ll pass along your kind thoughts.

By: DON GILE

DON GILE — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 14:22:46 +0000

I AM SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. YOUR DAD WAS MY FIRST ROOMMATE IN BASEBALL. WE PLAYED TOGETHER IN 1955 IN SAN JOSE.HE WAS A FUN GUY TO BE WITH. MY CONDOLENCES.

By: Sharon H

Sharon H — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 15:20:49 +0000

You all are in my thoughts and prayers as you work through this difficult time. You’re blessed to have had the love of such a fine man and doubly blessed to be his daughter.

By: 2CatMom

2CatMom — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 17:25:19 +0000

I’m so sorry for your loss. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. If its not too forward, please let us know if there is a charity that your Dad supported that we can make a donation to in his memory.

By: E. Hamilton

E. Hamilton — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 14:36:36 +0000

A good death, after a good life, with loved ones beside you, is the most anyone can hope for, so I am happy for your Dad and sad that you must endure the grief even a good death brings to those who loved.
I always think that is the important part, Gina, you can’t grieve someone you did not love.
You loved him greatly, so the grief will be great, and that is, as it should be.

I am sure he went all the easier knowing he had raised a strong daughter, that is a big comfort to a parent and you gave him that. You should be proud.

You, and your family, are in my thoughts, may you all have peace and grace in this hard time.

By: Marie

Marie — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 02:49:07 +0000

Gina, I am sorry for your loss. Thankfully our memories keep them a part of us always.

By: Alena

Alena — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 01:38:42 +0000

Gina, my prayers are with you. i just lost my mom in Dec.I want you to know that God’s loving arms are around you for only he knows how to comfort us in these times.His Presence and Love goes beyond what us humans can give.But, He gives us wonderfull friends like all these that are sending you prayers and comforting words. Love Alena
PSALM 29;11
THE LORD WILL GIVE STRENGHT UNTO HIS PEOPLE;THE LORD WILL BLESS HIS PEOPLE WITH PEACE.