HAL FERRY - THIS IS YOUR LIFE
by Rick Thomas

Hal Perry was born February 24, 1937, in San. Francisco, California. His family moved to Sacramento, where he want to Del Paso Grammar School, and then Grant High School in Sacramento, where he graduated in 1955.

During his high school days, Hal became a pitcher for the high school team, and also played short stop. As a pitcher, he was the All-City M. V.P. in 1954-55. In his senior year he struck out 213 batters, a new state record. (Note: The state record was 215 by Don Drysdale, so I'd say Hal was in pretty good company)

In 1956 he was drafted and signed for a $4,000 bonus with the Pittsburgh Pirates. He went to spring training along with Roberto Clemente and Bill Mazeroski. From 1956 to 1959 he spent most of his time in Triple A.

In 1960 he quit, came back to Sacramento and went to work for the A-1 Door Company, where he has been ever since. During his first four years with A- 1, he also played semi-pro baseball for the Roseville merchants. At the time he weighed a whopping 140 pounds. Highlight: In 1963, he struck out 24 batters (the previous record was 19); threw a no-hitter; and went 5 for 5 in the batters' box. How could you beat that?

He met Shirley in 1974 in Auburn, California, and they have been together ever since, for 25 years.

Hal was basically a self-taught shuffleboard player, begriming in 1960. He was a true traveling session player who traveled and played all over the country, and according to most of the players, he was a touch above everyone else. From the early '60s to the late '70s, Hal sped mmy a night in San Jose, namely at Bill Jenning's Happy Hour, where, according to Hal, .ten or twelve of the top players played; To name a few: Pee Wee Ramos, Mickey Gomes, Ted Berger, Mountain View George, San.Jose Ron Gisham, Ron Harrelson, Ritchie Rea...>>>Booklet