COLUMN VIEW FROM THE GAME It’s All We Need To Know: Home Plate 17 Inches Wide Editor’s Note: Tim Mead, incoming Baseball Hall of Fame president, cited John Scolinos, baseball coach at his alma mater, Cal Poly Pomona, as a lifelong inspiration, particularly Scolinos’ famous speech “17 Inches.” Chris Sperry, who published sperrybaseballlife.com, heard Scolinos deliver a version in 1996 at the American Baseball Coaches Association in Nashville, and wrote this reminiscence in 1916 in his “Baseball Thoughts” column. By CHRIS SPERRY • from www.sperrybaseballlife.com In 1996, Coach Scolinos was 78 years old and five years retired from a college coaching…
I got to know Mike when he was the school’s DARE officer and I was principal. We spoke several times about the launching of the Angel Program. The county and the village were both improved by his service. RiP, Chief.
Our sincerest condolences to the entire family and community for this sad loss. RIP Sir and thankyou for your service
I’ve known him most of my life. He was a kind and caring soul and will be missed. He will forever be watching over his family. RiP Mike, and may your family find peace.
I am a native of Cooperstown, and knew Mike all my life. Mike was a great man.
Condolences to his family.
RIP Chief
Such a great person.He will be dearly missed
As a US Navy vet like his father Bob Covert, Oakland P.D. [with a great voice], whom I often talk about, I’m sure all the positive accolades are a memorable reflection of a proud heritage. RIP – Tony Martucci FDNY [ret.] – former resident Oakland, NJ.