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Joe Mausser - 3-2009 - A Celebration of Life
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4/02/09
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Joe Mausser was laid to rest Monday, March 23. He was 89 years old. But the funeral was a celebration of his life as several members of his extended family, his Dodgertown West brethren, joined his immediate family - sister, brother-in-law, nieces – to remember him.
Born in 1920 in Trinidad, Colorado, Joe came to Southern California early in life. He attended high school at Los Angeles Polytechnic where his sports interests led him into track and football and competition on his high school teams. It wasn’t long though before baseball was soon to enter his life. His passion for the game got its early start while attending games at old Wrigley Field in Los Angeles where he even got to see a barnstorming Babe Ruth play. Joe’s love for baseball increased as he played while in the Army during WWII and after while playing in a league with the United Autoworkers.
Joe worked at North American Aviation, later to be known as Rockwell International, where he was involved in the B-1 bomber as well as the Saturn Apollo programs. While working full time, Joe attended night school for ten years at USC ultimately receiving a degree in industrial management. With the degree Joe worked his way up to director of plant management, a position clearly suited for Joe’s meticulous nature. But throughout, Joe’s love for baseball continued.
In 1986 that love led Joe to his first of several Dodgers Adult Baseball camp, followed closely by membership in Dodgertown West. Although not a charter member you couldn’t tell as Joe eagerly immersed himself in the league operations. He quickly became an important member of Dodgertown West and eventually its second Commissioner, a position he held for 12 years. As commissioner, Joe gave endless hours to the league to ensure that every member’s experience was the best it could be.
Over the years, Joe’s involvement in the camps and the league has led to considerable recognition from many with acknowledgements and awards and he leaves behind an impressive legacy in life and baseball. As exemplified by the turnout and gathering for the “last pitch” at graveside, Joe’s many friends will always cherish his friendship and remember his contributions to the league and the sport.
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