Mike Gin  1968 - 2023

Mike's passing was sudden and unexpected, resulting from physical event while attending a King's game in early December, 2023.

Mike was known for his deep love for community, passion for sports, and zest for travel. He brought many people together through his various activities in baseball, business, and philanthropy. His legacy is not just in the many baseball memories we share, but also the countless memories and friendships he cultivated wherever he went. In this moment of grief, we extend our deepest sympathies to Mike's family, friends, and all those who were fortunate enough to be a part of his community.

Neil Adams  1949 - 2023

Dodger Camp Hall of Famer, Dodgertown West Commissioner Emeritus and our dear friend, Neil Adams, passed away peacefully Saturday, January 14 at his home with his loving wife, Sue, by his side.. He was 73. Neil was special to all who knew him. He was the first to greet you at fantasy camp and on the field at DTW games and tournaments.  Always ready to show you the ropes. He brought each rookie into the Dodgertown West fold and made you a part of his greater family. He will be sorely missed.

Mark Freeman  1955 - 2021

Our Dodgertown West family was saddened to here of the loss of member Mark Freeman who passed away on Sunday, March 21st at the age of 65 after a very short battle against bladder cancer.  Mark joined DTW in 2016 and became an immediate hit.  Congenial off the field but a tremendous competitor between the lines and always ready to "play 2."   Mark participated in many DTW and MSBL tournaments, his last being the MSBL WS last October but his ultimate goal was to be able to spend time with and coach the less fortunate.  He is survived by his wife Elizabeth, daughter Katie and son Matthew.

DTW has lost another great competitor but more importantly, a fantastic human being.  

Don Volz 1933 - 2020

Long time member of DTW, Don Volz passed away on September 30 at the age of 87.  Don led a full life.  Husband to Kay for 62 years, father, pilot, dog lover, advocate of a healthy life style and avid Dodger fan.  At the age of 60, Don began playing MSBL baseball after being drafted on his son John's team.  After several years playing with John, Don joined the Dodgertown West, where he played baseball every year through age 75. Don was a great player and much loved and respected by his teammates. In his late 60's Don began exhibiting some physical effects of Parkinson's Disease. According to his doctors, his lifelong commitment to physical fitness and being an early adopter of healthy food and healthy living allowed the degenerative side effects to progress slowly.  Now, he joins our other teammates.

Tom Hayden 1939 - 2016

Tom passed away October 23, 2016.  All of the news reports centered around his activism, his public service and yes his former wife and friend Jane Fonda.  But we at DTW got to experience another side of Tom.  Although he hadn't been out recently, Tom was one of the original DTW members coming out to play ball in 1984 after his first Dodgers fantasy camp. Following his initial season with DTW, Tom would come out to play a game periodically when his time commitments permitted.  

Chris Arriola  12-27-2015

Our friend Chris Arriola passed away on December 27, 2015, after a three year battle with cancer.  He was only 42.  We can't exaggerate or embellish Chris's character and how he made so many of us feel so close and part of his life. Even facing his greatest challenge in recent years, he always had that infectious smile, competitive drive on the field and saw his glass full - not half full or empty. He made a difference in all our lives from which we will continue to be inspired in how we should live our lives every day. He played the game with gusto and the way it should be played.  

Herb Lewis  6-9-2015

After celebrating his 100th birthday on June 1, our beloved Herbie Lewis passed away on Tuesday evening with his wife Anne by his side. Born on June 1, 1915, Lewis attended both Athletics and Phillies games. He watched Babe Ruth in the later years of his Yankees career at Shibe Park when New York faced Connie Mack's defending 1931 World Championship team. Lewis often dodged cars while chasing home-run baseballs, which sailed over the wall at Baker Bowl, the home of the Phillies. Lewis resold the baseballs to neighborhood kids for a dime, which later served as his admission to the movie theater. Lewis played baseball in high school, in the Army and in pick-up games, always carrying a glove a spikes in his trunk as a businessman. He suffered his first heart attack on the field at age 40, trying to turn a double play. It was a hot August afternoon and the sliding runner knocked him into the outfield. He later joined a Men's Senior League and would be honored at the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown as the oldest active player. Between 1989 and 2008, Lewis faithfully attended the Dodger camp, reconnecting with veteran campers and meeting new friends. His roommate in 1991 was a 26-year-old rookie who on the first morning of camp was worried to see Lewis still asleep at 7 a.m. By 7:15, Lewis was not only awake, but jumping rope with the pace of a caffeinated aerobics instructor. With players groaning and limping with blisters and pulled muscles, Lewis donned a tuxedo for a song-and-dance act during the mid-week talent show. At camp in 2005 Herbie's Dodgertown teammates presented Lewis with a "Player of the Century" award. That award remains on display in the family's living room. Herbie retired from active play in 2008 at the age of 93 but he remained interested in the activities of his beloved camp, campers and DTW friends. Herbie is survived by his wife of 73 years, Anne, and his son Mark. Funeral services were held at Hillside Memorial, 6001 Centinella in Los Angeles on Monday, June 15, 2015 at 11:00 AM

Dennis Martin  9-2009

Every organization has one. You know the one. That member who can be heard above all others, who has something to say about everything that happens, who wants to be involved in everything but also the one who just rubs others the wrong way. Well DTW is no different . . . in fact, we've got a few. I'd venture to say that we all fit the description in one way or another. But where in other organizations that individual may be ostracized and shunned, we in DTW seem to find a way to accept, live with and move on. That is truly the meaning of "family."  Our family lost one of its members today, Dennis Martin who lost his battle with lung cancer.  He came to us wanting to play baseball and we took him in. And in the past six and a half years, Dennis definitely brought to DTW some life. As I write this I can see him fully clad in the "tools of ignorance," receiving a pitch and making that high arching throw to second or should I say somewhere between the pitcher's mound and second for as we know, Dennis didn't have the greatest arm. But what he lacked in arm strength he made up for in cunning. How about his patented "Dennis Martin Pick Off Play."  We all know that one. Dennis loved his DTW. He was at every event. Sometimes right there up front making his presence known, sometimes lurking unobtrusively in the back. And he was at every game, even if he couldn't play. When Dennis first got the word about his condition last summer, he told me privately that he wanted to send in some funds to be used to pay for 'a game or two.' Trying to be more optimistic about his situation I told Dennis it was very generous but that we should wait as he would surely be around to use it himself. Unfortunately his take was more accurate than mine and true to his word, on July 3rd Dennis sent us all a very generous gift that will take care of more than a 'game or two' over then next few years. That was Dennis. Yes a pain in the ass some times but always a devoted member of our family who we will miss. For myself, I know Dennis has read my postings here and know that he knows that he has been in my and all of our thoughts and will continue to be. We'll miss you buddy!

Joe Mausser - 3-16-2009 - A Celebration of Life

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.

Harry Wade - 3-29-2007 - We Call Him Homerun Harry
Occasionally however sad news hits our little band of brothers and sisters as it is this time. Yesterday, March 29, 2007 in Las Vegas, Harry Wade passed away. Harry, in the photo between Dennis McCrosky and Neil Adams, was a long time member of DTW having attended his first camp in 1987. It's been said many times that once you understand that with Harry, nothing is sacred, then you love him like a brother. He was always entertaining in the dugout, or anywhere for that matter, cracking jokes and making comments. Over the years, he participated in well over a hundred DTW tournaments and was involved in many baseball trips to all parts of the world. Harry was always very helpful to everyone on the trips, especially in Cuba, where his knowledge of Spanish and the culture made it easy for the others feel more comfortable. I don't remember the first time I met Harry. I don't think it was at a regular DTW game, more likely at one of the tournaments. But I do remember something I thought was unique about Harry. One year I was playing in a tournament in Palm Springs. It was an MSBL affair and Harry was there, not to play with us but to lend moral support as he was playing with a team he brought from Las Vegas. Anyway, we were playing at Palm Springs Stadium and Harry was there to root us on. Now it also happens that my mother lives in Palm Springs and as mothers will do for their sons, she too was in the stands to root. I introduced Harry to my mom and they conversed a bit. But from then on whenever I saw Harry he remembered my mom and would ask about her and asked with true interest not just as a passing thing. I find that unique, one that he would remember her from one brief meeting and two, that he showed interest thereafter. It is something I learned from and will always remember about Harry. It is also something that I have tried to do myself. Thanks to our commissioner Neil Adams for the input here. Harry will be sorely missed.

Harold McIntire - 11-4-2004

After a year and a half of fighting brain cancer, Harold McIntire died peacefully Thursday. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Deanna, and his children, Scott and Michelle, six grandchildren. The family thanks everyone for their prayers during his illness. Services will be Monday, Nov 8, 10 AM at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Riverside, California. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the National Brain Tumor Foundation, 22 Battery St Suite 612 San Francisco 94111-5520. If you have questions feel free to call Glenn McIntire or his wife, Bette, at their home. The number is on the league roster or can be gotten from Doug Yount.  To Harold's family, our sincere condolences.

Barry Berman - 7-12-2003

The stands were occupied, the field was awash in sunshine, the half-masted flag fluttered in the mild breeze blowing in from center field, and the familiar "14" on the home white Dodger jersey took it's traditional position behind home plate bedecked with what the players fondly call the "tools of ignorance" - Dodger-blue catcher's shin guards, chest protector and face mask. Yes, a great setting for a ball game, but this time at Veteran Memorial Stadium in Commerce, family, friends and teammates gathered instead to bid their good-byes to the one thing missing, Barry Berman, the only one who could fill the jersey and equipment properly. There were a few tears as Barry's fiance Kay remembered their meeting and growing love and as Kay's sister recalled the changes she saw in Kay as that love grew. But there was also laughter as friends Dan Roman and Neil Adams spoke of Barry, his involvement with DTW and baseball and read some of the many email sent by many of Barry's friends. And that's just the way Barry would have had it.  With the sound of Taps and a combined Air Force - Marine honor guard presenting Joe Mauser, on behalf of DTW, with the colors Barry had served as a young man, memorial services came to an end and the grounds crew began its work preparing the field for the next game - also just the way Barry would have had it.

Terry Weinstein - 2-12-2003

After a year plus battle with cancer, Terry Weinstein passed away this morning at home. The funeral will take place on Sunday at 10 a.m. at Mount Sinai Memorial Park 5950 Forest Lawn Drive, Los Angeles, CA. In honor of Terry, all DTW games for Sunday have been cancelled and those of you who wish to attend the funeral are encouraged to wear your home white uniform. Dan Roman was with Terry a lot in the last several days and he would like to assure all of you that all your phone calls and visits, as hard as they were for you, were very much appreciated by the family and especially by Terry. A great ball player and friend, but more importantly a genuinely fine human being - DTW's most recent recipient of the David Blakemore award - Terry will truly be missed.