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Few Coronadans know JACK MEYERS . . . he’s not a local businessman and he’s far from being: considered retired . . .^instead he’s a dynamic ball of perpetual motion . . . that s always been a part of his life ... a farm boy from Falls City, Nebraska, be loved the farm and especially the horses... at an early age he was exercise boy for his father’s “platers” (untried racing horses) . . . Unable to finish high school ... he turned to playing semi-pro baseball . . . considered a fine prospect for the big leagues but love of horses and horse racing was in the blood ... he started to learn his trade from the ground up . . . Exercise boy at a track in Dallas, Texas, in the early 30’s . . . arriving in California . . . took a job as Mail Clerk at Santa Anita just to learn the ropes . . . desire and drive to succeed, he took all jobs offered around the track . . . working his way up the ladder Mr. Myers became one of the youngest officials in 1937 by accepting the appointment as Jr. Clerk of the Scales at Del Mar . . . When the war came, he enlisted in the Marine Corps, serving in the Pacific . . . combat duty for 4 years . . . Occupation of Japan and discharged as Sgt. Major . . . When asked “what decorations do you hold?” ... he shyly replied “a letter of commendation from the Commandant of the Marine Corps for“service beyond the call of duty” . ..One always thinks of a Sgt. Major as i a rough tough sixfooter ... but “happy Jack” is more the size of an overgrown jockey . . . quick reacting, sharp as a fifteen shave blade, eyes of blue steel, a man of impeccable manners who gains your respect in a few short moments after meeting him ... he can and does make decisions in his complicated business of today and you can be sure he never hesitated to make one while in the service ... a good marine, and a born leader, no doubt . . . After the war, business manager of Mr. W. E. Boeing’s (the aircraft manufacturer) horse racing enter-prizes . . . From 191b to 1932 he held various official positions and officiated at several California and Nevada tracks . . . Steward, Racing Secretary, Judge and others that may be foreign to the average race fan . . . Each one important and given only to those that are trustworthy and respected for integrity and know how ... In 1932 he heard of a man in Southern California who was for progress ... a man who wanted to bring and construct the finest for the “sport of Kings” ... a man by the name of John Alessio . . . Jack Meyer’s initial contact with his boss can at best be told by him ... it happened in a barbershop ... he accepted the opening under one condition . . . that the man he was to replace (who was ill) would be retained in some capacity . . . and he was ... you see Mr. Jack Meyers is a man of many compassions ... In the complicated business of horse racing, he is now the Director of not one, but two tracks . . . Caliente and the new palacial Juarez track ... He is solely responsible for the operation, programming, writing the races, conduct of the events and employees, even the assigning and granting of stable space . . . With the help of complicated electronic equipment which provides past performance of horses, he makes up the races.He’s constantly on the move and it is not unusual for him to say “hello” and “goodby” to his family at an airport . . . Jets, telephones and packed suitcases make up a good portion of his life.. . . With all of this he still finds time to coach the VFW Lions “little league ball team,” while his wife Leona sits in the stands and lends support to their son William who loves baseball as much as his father did and still does . . . Jack Meyers may have an unusual occupation . but he loves his work . . . when time permits he’s a Sunday duffer” and proud of a hole in one on No. 11 of the local course . . . His neighbors consider him a “real fine guy” and will say “if you don’t know him, you should, he and his family are good people” . . . Those who know him in I he racing business consider him a firm, sound business man, with a reputation that is unequaled in the “Sport of Kings”. . . No one, absolutely no one, even dares to approach him to bend the rules a shade . . . favoritism has no part in his life or business . . . Jack Meyers has come a long way from farm boy to Director of Racing of two tracks . . . he’s had all the official positions in between . . . earned through hard work and devotion to principals . . . One can’t help respect and like him at the first meeting. His occupation and life is unusual in a way, but he’s quick to say . . . I love Coronado, it’s my home ., . I’ll find more time to coach and help the little leaguers, you wait and see, and the Coronado Police who look after the little ones around the town have my deepest thanks ... I just have tt find more time to help the kidsand baseball. Sorry, I have to catch a plane in a lew minutes.”Let’s hope you know this man a little better now, if you. . he’d like rtnow you . . . thank you MR. JACK ME3 ERS for being a man’s man, a Cor-onadan and a gentleman . . .S he tourist season is upon us but there is always room for you, so let’sbe ha - ing DINNER AT DINO’S and that’s the CD RON ADO I KNOW . . .HONKER SAOOR• •44
Newspaper Details
Coronado Eagle and Journal
Coronado, California, US
Thu, Jun 04, 1964
Page 14
Full Page
Clipped by
David R.
TX, USA 04 May 2020
Other Publications Near Coronado, California
Coronado Tent City Daily Program
Coronado Saturday Night
Coronado Mercury
Coronado Eagle and Journal
Coronado Compass
