Okura Testamonial

Practically everyone who grew up in West Covina knows the name Michael Okura (1946-2012). A beloved local educator and sports icon, he made a lasting, positive impression on almost every person he crossed paths with throughout his life.

WCHS senior portrait, courtesy of the late Mrs. Leo Okura.

Mike with the 1958 All-Star team trophies, photo courtesy of the late Mrs. Leo Okura.

What produces men with such standout qualities? For most, it requires good parenting, good teachers, good mentors. I'm proud that my father was one of Michael Okura's earliest such role models.

After the 1958 Little League season, Mike's parents wrote us this thank-you letter. I can attest: no truer testament was ever written about my father's dedication to his young proteges. I'm particularly touched by the sentiments expressed in the last paragraph.

Like Mike Okura, many of Dad's young players became family friends in their adulthood, still coming to visit and talk with him and get his advice years after they last played for him. And if the boys he coached valued their association with him so much, just imagine how even more special it was to have that man as my own father.

So, that's a wrap for the 1958 WCALL All-Stars! Hopefully, I'll be back next year to tell the 1959 team's story, too. It would be Father's last season coaching Little League...

 

The 1958 Trophies

Family photos of the 1958 All-Star team trophies: the magnificent District 19 award, and the smaller but more prestigious Bi-District cup.

(For you retro video geeks: our TV here was a Packard-Bell console that had a radio and Hi-Fi record player built in: a state-of-the-art "home theater" in its day!)

A closer look at the bling.

This picture of the 1958 District 19 trophy was taken the following year. I'm certain of that, not only because of the date on the print, but also the newer black-and-white style of the All-Star cap that I'm wearing.

Also note that the formerly blank space on the brass plaque now says: "WEST COVINA AMERICAN LITTLE LEAGUE".

Just like the 1957 State Tournament trophy, I don't know what ultimately happened to these team prizes. I know they were never among the collection of trophies at our newer home in Covina. My best guess is that Dad gave them to Fred Allen – the 1958 All-Stars' coach. I remember us going over to the Allen's house one time, and their whole living room was filled with youth baseball trophies that Fred's teams had won over the years. So, although I don't know for sure, it just make sense that the 1958 trophies ended up in his collection, too. I doubt they survive today, however, making these pictures the only extant evidence of these early WCALL tournament awards.