Skipper Carrillo: Every day is a home run day
BY: SAMANTHA WASHER
Photos by: Mary Hurlbut
Skipper Carrillo came to Laguna Beach in 1953. Before that he, his mom, dad and sister lived in Alhambra and then San Marino.
“Our first ballpark was on High Drive. It was a very nice ballpark,” he remembers.
If you’ve never spoken to Skipper before it’s helpful to note that he peppers his conversation with baseball analogies. His home is a “ballpark”; his parents, Sally and Bill, are referred to as “Don Drysdale and/or the Umpire” and “Coach,” respectively. When asked a question he finds hard to answer he replies, “Well, strike three! Nice pitch…belt high on the outside corner.”
His sincerity and enthusiasm are infectious; if you want to have a better day, a “home run day” as he is famously known to say, find Skipper.
Just a few minutes with him and things will definitely start to look up.
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Skipper Carrillo, at his home, in his LBHS baseball uniform
51 years at Laguna Beach High School
Skipper says he worked for Laguna Beach High School for 51 years, proudly remembering when he made his “debut” in 1957. “That was my rookie year,” he explains. “My job was to help take care of the (football) uniforms. We had about 70 uniforms. I made the coach’s job a lot easier. I organized the uniforms for 23-24 years.”
In addition to working with the football team, Skipper umpired at Riddle Field for 25 years. “My batting helmet’s a little bit loose these days,” he says, smiling. “It has been a while.”
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Skipper shows off his 2016 LBHS baseball CIF championship ring
Officially retired, but still working for LBHS teams
While he may have officially retired, Skipper has not stopped working for his teams. He is the official batboy for the LBHS baseball team, in addition to being the inning-keeper and team motivator. Newly retired LBHS baseball coach Mike Bair says, “The past five years Skipper Carrillo served as our honorary assistant coach, always dressed in full baseball uniform attire and very much full of enthusiasm and passion for our players and the game of baseball. Before each home game Skipper would give the team a memorized snippet of a famous Knute Rockne (Notre Dame Football Coach) speech that always fired up our players and made a lasting impression and memory on every one of our senior players.
“Skipper’s presence and demeanor constantly remind us to slow down and enjoy each moment. His joy will always be in the fabric of the LBHS baseball program.”
When asked what he thought about the team winning its first ever CIF championship last year, Skipper enthusiastically calls it a “Hall of Fame” event.
The Breakers home games are played at Skipper Carrillo Field on campus.
A love for baseball passed down from his dad
While he loves many sports, baseball is the one that holds a special place in his heart. His house, perfectly situated to see the LBHS baseball diamond and football field, is painted Dodger blue. “I like the Angels,” he says, “but I love the Dodgers.” He says when he was a boy he used to hear about how the Yankees always dominated the Dodgers. “I almost liked the Yankees, but I stuck with the Dodgers ever since they were in Brooklyn. In 1955 they beat the Yankees,” he says enthusiastically. His love of baseball stems from his father who played semi-pro ball. “He played for the Santa Monica Merchants,” remembers Skipper. “They would play teams like the Santa Monica Teddy Bears.”
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His kitchen that Skipper calls “Mary Hartman,” with his favorite team plate
Dodgers, Trojans and the Rams - forever
If Skipper bleeds Dodger blue, he’s a big fan of the cardinal and gold. “My sister went to USC,” he says. “That’s how I became a Trojan. My first football game was between USC and the California Bears. Once a Trojan always a Trojan!” In addition to USC, Skipper is also a Rams fan, from back when they were in Southern California the first time. “My first pro game I went to see was with Jon Arnett, number 26. I am very, very happy that they came back. I will always be a Rams fan.”
A fixture at LBHS baseball, basketball and football games
Skipper may not go to many college or pro games anymore, but he is a fixture at not only LBHS baseball games, but football and basketball games, as well. Current LBHS teacher and former football coach, Jonathan Todd, says about Skipper, “I’ve grown up with Skipper. When I was in Little League he was the second base umpire at Riddle Field. I just remember he never missed a call. When I played high school football he was at every game as the down box umpire. When I played here he gave me the nickname of “Earl Campbell,” which ranks as my all time favorite nickname. When I coached football here he was at every home game and he always gave an encouraging speech to the players.
“I can’t imagine Laguna Beach High School sports without Skipper.”
“The best example of a human being”
Brett Fleming, LBHS basketball coach says, “I became the Head Coach in 1990 and Skipper has been a part of our program ever since. He’s played different roles for various sports at LBHS but, for us, he’s always been a “ballplayer.” We’ve always thought of him and treated him as part of our team. Skipper is the best example of a human being that I’ve ever had the pleasure to be around. He just naturally loves everybody he meets and that’s the best example I can think of for the players in our program.”
Making an impression at St. Catherine’s, too
While all of his work with his teams keeps him busy, Skipper does not confine himself to sports alone. His other job is with St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Laguna Beach. He has several jobs at the church, but he says his favorite is when he is an altar server. “I’m right up there with the priest,” he says. “That’s why I like it so much.”
Suzy McInerny is a member of St. Catherine’s and has gotten to know Skipper well. She was instrumental in organizing our meeting and kind enough to stay through its entirety. Her son also played baseball at LBHS capping off his four years with last year’s CIF championship team so Suzy has had lots of opportunities to see Skipper at work.
“Skipper teaches our children to appreciate the simple meanings in life, and to embrace the village of Laguna Beach we are blessed to call home.
“He is such a special gem!”
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Skipper proudly showing off his “dugout”
Skipper’s top three list
If you ask Skipper why he thinks he has such an impact on people he does not hesitate, “There are three important things that have helped me get these special honors. One is my Father in heaven; two, my parents and sister and three are my teammates.”
When asked what is his favorite thing about living in Laguna, he again doesn’t hesitate, “The best thing is the community. It’s major league. That’s what’s number one!”
It’s hard to translate what makes Skipper so special. His is a joyful spirit that is hard to put into words. I left our meeting knowing why he is so many teams’ honorary member. It’s too bad that he can’t be every team’s honorary member. When we finished our interview I asked him if there was anything else he wanted to say to anyone who read this story. True to form he said, “Well, all I say is, ‘Have a home run day!’”
After spending time with Skipper, I know exactly what that means.