“Lefty” Van Brunt has been a household baseball name to hundreds of our youth and now adults in Anchorage, and all over the world. Many know him as the smiling gentleman who tosses Tootsie Roll Pops to the fans in the stands, but long-time fans know that he has coached the “boys of summer” from the first-base side of the plate since the Glacier Pilots organized in 1969. Lefty’s career with the Pilots started when the Anchorage community wanted a semi-professional team 40 years ago. That year was the beginning one of the best collegiate baseball programs in the country, and Lefty has been a bedrock of that success. Lefty still enjoys watching and coaching new hopefuls, and it has brought him into contact with some of the best in the game of baseball. Over 150 Pilots’ players have made it to the Majors. Such names as Chris Chambliss, Randy Jones, Randy Johnson and Mark McGuire came under Lefty’s watchful eye. Lefty got his nickname while growing up in California. He said that he was the only left-handed kid in his neighbourhood in San Francisco. Back then, teachers forced left-handers to use their right hands, and today he can write and eat with either. In 1949, he signed with the New York Giants’ organization at the age of 16 to play for the Class C Diamonds as a pitcher/outfielder in Pittsburgh, California. His manager at the time was Vince DiMaggio, one of the lesser known of the famous DiMaggio brothers, and with a Lefty 5’11’ and 150 pound teenager, he questioned if Lefty was right for the job. He quickly proved his worth with two quick victories. The Korean War put an end to Lefty’s promising career. He was shipped to Alaska in 1951 and decided to make Anchorage his home when he was discharged four years later. During the 1960’s, Lefty became a one-man baseball machine, serving as player/manager for the Anchorage Merchants, president of the Adult League, Manager of the American Legion Camp, and yes, getting the Glacier Pilots off the ground. His love of the game and dedication to helping youth baseball has helped the Pilots win 5 National Championships at the National Baseball Congress World Series, in 1969, 1971, 1986, 1991 and 2001. This pitching award is a tribute to Lefty and all of the pitchers who have benefited from his concern for improving their skills, and will be given annually to outstanding pitchers during the summer season.
*With appreciation to Laurel Bill, staff writer for The Anchorage Chronicle, June 17, 2004.