Quarantine, Disease, and Masonic Relief—170 Years Ago
During the Sacramento Cholera Outbreak of 1850, Masons took the reins of a public health emergency.
Covering California Freemasonry
Juuust a bit Outside
When Masons toss a ceremonial first pitch, watch out.
By Ian A. Stewart
It’s Masons4Mitts season, which means it’s time for lodge members to uncork some errant fastballs at Major League ballparks.
“Just don’t bounce it,” advises Freddie Davis, of Round Table Lodge No. 876, recalling the tip he got before throwing the ceremonial first pitch last year on Masons Night at Dodger Stadium. Davis did as he was told, but still missed inside. He wasn’t alone: California Masonic Foundation President Doug Ismail’s first pitch, at Oracle Park, missed low and away.
That wildness wasn’t for lack of trying. Past Grand Master Russ Charvonia made a point of warming up his throwing arm the day before his pitch at Dodger Stadium in 2015. “The next day, I woke up and my shoulder was sore as can be,” he says.
With 1,500 Masons and their families watching, Charvonia—who otherwise hadn’t picked up a baseball in 30 years—lobbed his pitch wide right. Still, “To stand on the same mound as Don Drysdale and Orel Hersheiser,” he says, “I was incredibly proud.”
The 2020 Masons4Mitts season is opening soon. Visit masons4mitts.org for details
ILLUSTRATION CREDIT:
Clark Miller
More from this issue:
Spreading Relief
When the COVID-19 crisis erupted, the Masons of California found new ways to pull together and live up to their obligation to provide relief.
Lodge Profile: The Borderland Lodge
At Imperial Valley Lodge No. 390, Masons are making valuable community connections on both sides of the border; and tracking Masonic first pitch misfires in anticipation of another Masons4Mitts season.