Jim Segovia

Moving to California from Texas in 1944 was a blessing in disguise. Little did I know that we were going to attend a segregated school. The La Jolla barrio is in south Placentia. We had caring teachers. I loved school, especially the after-school activities. Mr. Valadez, a teacher and coach, did volunteer work for the city for over 30 years. He practically raised three generations of students from the barrio. Coach Valadez taught us all kinds of sports skills. I think that this is where the love of the game of baseball started. As the school was a K-10th, students with baseball ability were allowed to participate and compete with the upper classmates. As a sixth grade student, I was able to play baseball with my two older brothers who were in the ninth and tenth grades. In the eighth grade, I pitched a no-hitter against a very good baseball team from Westminster, California. We were league champions. By this time, the Mendez case to end school segregation had taken effect and we were allowed tsp attend Valencia High School. I played four years of varsity baseball. We were League champions in 1953 and 1956. I was all-league as a pitcher my senior year. I lost one game and that was to La Habra.

I was offered a scholarship to attend the University of San Diego. I left the university at the end of the first semester (culture shock). Playing baseball at Mt. San Antonio was an eye-opener for me. I had not realized how many good players there were at the Junior College level. What a humbling experience! For two years, my transportation was provided by my battery mate, Ronald Raya, an all C.I.F. catcher also from Placentia. I had plenty of time over the summer to find a school that was closer to home. I had heard that Chapman College was a small college and that it might be just right for me.

After many phone calls, I was finally able to speak with Mr. Don Perkins, head basketball coach and Athletic Director. He informed me that there was a scholarship available for a Mexican-American baseball player offered by Mr. Gil Gonzales, owner of the La Fonda Mexican Restaurant in Santa Ana, California. Mr. Perkins offered the scholarship to me and I accepted it. I spent the next three years at Chapman. Mr. Perkins was one of the most loved male teachers at Chapman. I was asked by the new baseball coach, Mr. Theibert, to be his assistant coach. I again accepted, as this would help pay for my graduate year of college. I graduated in 1961 and this was the beginning of a successful 36 year career in teaching. What a blessing from a great God! My baseball playing also included playing softball for Bob’s team during the summer breaks and many evenings. On Sundays, I would play semi-pro baseball (no pay) for the Placentia Merchants under the management of Mr. Tom Munoz. What a life! Great parents, good christian upbringing. Although I was a Valencia Tiger, I became a Chapman Panther.

I can honestly say that all the help and encouragement given and shown to me by my teachers helped me to become the person I am today. I have been married to my wife, Gloria for 53 years. We have two children, Susan and Gilbert Steven. Steve was an all-league and CIF player out of Villa Park High School. I am a member of the American Legion Post 277 in Placentia.

I was in the honor color guard, funeral honor guard and post chaplain for five years. My military service was served in the California National Guard and the United States Army Reserves. I retired after 20 years in 1994 with full military benefits.