The Place:
Vernetti Stadium is a Little League Field located in Coronado.dedicated April 8, 2000.
This article (
visit link) discusses the history of Little League in Coronado and the use of this baseball field and stadium.
That article indicates that there have been Little League teams in Coronado since the 1950s. This stadium is named after Dr. Jim Vernetti who started the League here with four teams in 1953.
As of 2005, there were 500 players.
"Children can take part in Little League depending on their age for both baseball and softball: T-ball for ages 5 and 6, coach assisted pitching ages 7, 8, 9; minors ages 8, 9, 10; majors 10, 11, 12; juniors ages 13 and 14.
De Boer said Little League would not be possible without the parents and volunteers. "Coronado is very fortunate to have great parents," he said. Navy personnel and even residents with no kids give a hand. "Our biggest need is for umpires," said De Boer. "We need help with every aspect, working on preparing the field like spreading dirt, pulling weeds and later running the snack bar," he said. Youngsters ages 13 and 14 years old are being trained to umpire the games for the younger kids.
Games are held on Saturdays with every team playing one game and practice is during the week."
The Person:
A plaque at the Stadium indicates "Dedicated to Dr. Jim Vernetti the first President of Coronado Little League."
and this obituary from the Coronado Eagle & Journal (
visit link) informs us about the man:
"Posted: Thursday, April 5, 2007 12:00 am
James P. Vernetti: April 1, 2007
James P. Vernetti, internationally recognized dentist, teacher, and community leader, died Sunday, April 1, of respiratory failure in Coronado. He was 92.
Dr. Vernetti was born in Globe, Ariz., and grew up in nearby Miami. After attending the University of Arizona for one year, he entered the University of Southern California Dental School, graduating with honors in 1937. He practiced dentistry in Coronado for the next 38 years.
A leader in his chosen profession, Dr. Vernetti was president of the San Diego County Dental Society, the American Academy of Gold Foil Operators, and the American College of Dentists. He was a fellow of the International College of Dentists, the Academy of Dentistry International, and the Academy of General Dentistry. He received the prestigious Pierre Fauchard Academy Gold Medal in 1999.
Dr. Vernetti left the private practice of dentistry in 1975 to accept a full professorship at the University of Texas in San Antonio, where he served for four years. Upon his return to Coronado, he continued his love for teaching at Loma Linda University and the UCLA Dental School.
A dedicated community servant, Dr. Vernetti was president of the Coronado Rotary Club and the Oak Hills Rotary Club in San Antonio and recognized as Rotarian of the Year of the Coronado club in 1972. He was recipient of the Silver Beaver Award from the Boy Scouts of America and the Lew Hardy Award as Coronado's Distinguished Citizen in 1986. He was a founder and first president of the Coronado Little League and Coronado Pony League. His favorite project was the Thousand Smiles Foundation, an organization devoted to the repair of cleft palates and other facial deformities among the people of Mexico, and served as its executive secretary from 1998 until his death.
Dr. Vernetti was the official Coronado Winter Olympics Torch Bearer in 2002 and in 2006 the Rotary International president and directors presented him with the Rotary Service Above Self Award.
Dr. Vernetti is survived by his son, Ron; grandsons Richard and Anthony, granddaughter Theresa, and daughter-in-law Elizabeth. He was preceded in death by wives Ruth and Beth, son Richard, and grandson John."