Acquiring Larry's 1967 Topps Collegiate All-America Watch...
In June, I purchased a 1967 Topps Collegiate All-America watch on eBay. After quickly researching Larry's baseball career, I contacted him in Fresno. Larry was stunned to receive my letter -- and had no knowledge of this honor.
During our first phone call, we discussed his incredible 1t967 season, his perfect game, and his accomplishments for the past 60 years. Larry mentioned his good friend Paul Loeffler -- the Fresno State athletics broadcaster -- and he would contact Paul to arrange the return of his watch.
... And Planning Its Return...
Paul Loeffler befriended Larry many years ago -- he wrote the 2010 Fresno State alumni magazine story about Larry's perfect game. We had several excellent phone calls, and Paul was equally surprised that I had found Larry's watch after disappearing 59 years ago. Paul told me that he had a friend with a Piper Cherokee -- and that he would try to arrange a flight down from Fresno to Santa Barbara so that I could personally re-unite Larry with his watch...Paul also would contact cinematographer Jake Downey to film the entire ceremony... Unbelievable!!!
On September 18, 2026, we all met in my condo near Santa Barbara.
