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Pote
Field Is Where The Cubs Call Home Return to the Baseball Home Page The home of Cubs baseball, Pote Field, is named in honor of LA City alum and long-time major league scout, Phil Pote (pronounced like "note"). The ballpark is just 10 minutes from downtown Los Angeles in the Crystal Springs Picnic Area of Griffith Park. Its plush greenery, soothing hills, and light afternoon breezes promote a unique atmosphere that makes it one of junior college baseball's most picturesque settings. "We have one of the most fan-friendly ballparks in college baseball," LA City head coach Selwyn Young said. "From the standpoint of the players and spectators, Pote Field is a great place to watch a baseball game and support the Cubs." The grounds are carefully groomed and attended by the City of Los Angeles Parks and Recreation Department and Cubs players and staff. A grassy knoll rises above the infield from third base and around into right field offering clear views of the entire field. So who is Phil Pote? Pote attended LA City and was a pitcher and outfielder for the Cubs on the 1952 and 1953 teams. His later played at Cal State-Los Angeles before joining the Pittsburgh Pirates and playing in their minor league organization. Pote's minor league career led him to coaching after his playing days concluded. Among his high school coaching stops were Fremont and Locke high schools. He even coached for a short time at LACC. Major league teams learned quickly that Pote had an "eye for talent." It wasn't long before legendary Oakland A's owner Charlie Finley came calling for Pote's services as a scout. He later joined the Dodgers for a long scouting tenure, but he is currently busy covering southern California for the Seattle Mariners. His powerful and positive influence in the baseball world wasn't forgotten by insiders. A strong lobby of players, coaches, and officials pitched their support to have the field at Crystal Springs named after him. Pote Field has been a long-time favorite of the entertainment industry. Besides its easy access from Hollywood, its backdrop and distinct character have made it a favorite site for numerous motion pictures and television shows. In fact, the closing scene in the movie blockbuster, "Jerry Maguire," starring Tom Cruise, was shot at Pote Field. Pote, himself, has even appeared in a couple of films including the 1994 movie, "The Scout," where he played himself. Among his influential friends in Hollywood is former Universal Studios Vice President, Howard Weitzman. Weitzman also attended LA City soon after high school. Pote's
life-long passion has been to instill a love of baseball into
the hearts of inner city children. Cubs young and old, including
many who played major and minor league baseball, have subsequently
played at Pote Field at one point or another in their careers.
Pote's most lasting influence with many Los Angelinos, however,
may be traced to the hundreds of clinics he has organized and
sponsored over the years with the help of his friends in the major
leagues. |