Brookings’ Cembellin honored for baseball contributions

Frank Cembellin

And that would have been more than enough for the 86-year-old, who is credited as one of the two “Founding Fathers” of Babe Ruth baseball in San Benito County.

“But they went all out,” Cembellin said.

He was surprised by the outpouring of support from friends, family and local politicians, all of whom were on hand to recognize his lifetime of contribution. The former Hollister, Calif., resident was invited to the July 16 ceremonial kick-off to the 14-year-old state tournament at Veterans Memorial Park, where he helped build three baseball fields in 1953-54. 

Receiving several plaques, including one that inducted him into the International Babe Ruth League Hall of Fame, Cembellin’s night was made complete when San Benito Babe Ruth President Stephen Ferranti and Vice President Jerry Sepulveda unveiled a permanent plaque on the snack-bar wall at Vets Park.

In the shape of home plate, the gold-tinted plaque listed several of Cembellin’s accomplishments, and even included a picture of the man himself to be forever remembered.

Said Cembellin’s sister, Dot Lemos, “That was really touching and we were all crying. It was beautifully done.”

“It was a day I’ll never forget,” added Cembellin, who had no idea he would receive red-carpet treatment. “I was very surprised, very appreciative. They were so gracious. The speeches they made about me, it brought tears to my eyes.”

The night recognized Cembellin’s record of contribution to local baseball, which began following his return from World War II where he served as sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps. Along with Fred Marentis, whose son Todd was in attendance on July 16, the two “Founding Fathers” became heavily involved in community affairs after their return from the war.

Cembellin helped establish the Hollister City and County Recreation Commission, which promoted youth baseball in the area, and in the early 1950s helped convert 37 acres of donated land into three baseball fields at what is now known as Vets Park.

Two years later, Cembellin helped start the Babe Ruth program in San Benito County, and even built the concession stand, the dugouts, the announcing stand and the barbecue pits, among other things.

On April 24, 1957, Cembellin and Marentis organized and chartered with Babe Ruth baseball, while on Friday, a special ceremony in Hollister recognized Cembellin for roughly 46 years of volunteer work.

“Frank’s career with Babe Ruth League spanned over 45 years, holding positions from coach, manager, league president, district commissioner, tournament advisor and assistant regional commissioner, just to name a few,” said Leonard Hammer, the Pacific Southwest regional commissioner, who was reading from a letter written by Steven Tellefsen, the president and CEO of the Babe Ruth League Incorporated.

“Frank’s spirit of fair play and concern for the development of our youth has always been above admirable,” Hammer went on to read. “Determined, positive role models who demonstrate great integrity, Frank certainly fits this bit as he has changed the lives for the better of the many players who have crossed his path.”

Later, while presenting his Hall of Fame induction plaque to Cembellin, Hammer said, “Frank Cembellin, welcome to the family.”

The lifetime volunteer also received recognition from Central California State Commissioner Glenda Champlin, as well as Mayor Victor Gomez, who read a proclamation announcing July 16, 2010, as Frank Cembellin Day in the City of Hollister.

“Frank, I thank you very much for what you’ve done for our city and for the impact it’s had on our youth,” Gomez said. “You’re one of those figures in our community who I don’t think has been recognized enough.

“You’ve left an example for our youth, but you’ve also humbled me by the things that you’ve done for our community.”

The San Benito County Board of Supervisors also honored Cembellin Friday.

“Without you Frank, Babe Ruth wouldn’t be here today the way it is,” District 5 Supervisor Jaime De La Cruz said.

Cembellin, who was also inducted into the Pacific Southwest Hall of Fame that day, is the first inductee into the International Babe Ruth League Hall of Fame from San Benito County, and just the 11th to be inducted from California since 1968.

Afterward, Cembellin was nostalgic of his contributions with family, friends, and even out-of-town coaches who were in attendance to play in the state tournament, but who had never met Cembellin before.

“I didn’t do it for myself,” Cembellin said. “I just did it for the kids.

“I wish I was 60 years younger. I’d be involved here with Babe Ruth all over again.”