Laney College will name its Baseball field in a ceremony before its game against Contra Costa on Friday, April 26th. The field will receive its official name, Tom Pearse Field, in honor of the longtime coach.
Pearse began his career at Laney in 1978, following a successful run at Berkeley High School from 1966-77. Under Pearse, Laney won 7 Golden Gate Conference Championships and reached 6 state final appearances (1981-82-83-84-85, and in his final year 1993). Pearse and his wife Justine have been married for 66 years and currently reside in Winters (where he grew up with his mother and father, Charlie and Marge). The Pearse’s have 5 children, 5 granddaughters, and 2 great grandchildren on the way.
Pearse had over fifty players drafted by Major League Baseball, of which 8 reached the major leagues, including Gold Glove award winner and current 3rd base coach for the Houston Astros, Gary Pettis. Pearse’s most gratifying accomplishment was facilitating the transition of over 300 players to four-year universities, highlighted by former Eagle, Gary Alexander’s complete game victory over Florida State in the 1986 College World Series final. Subsequently, the final out was recorded by another former Eagle, Centerfielder Chuckie Johnson, that secured the National Championship by the Arizona Wildcats.
Laney will also honor longtime assistant and current CCCBCA Hall of Fame coach, John Martinez. As one of the greatest developers of catchers in the sport of baseball, Coach Martinez will also be recognized at the field dedication.