ALAN RUSSELL TALBOY
April 9, 1932 - September 15, 2019
Residence: Cupertino, CA
Al Talboy, the legendary Bay Area baseball coach and lifelong resident of Palo Alto and Cupertino passed away peacefully in his sleep on September 15, 2019. Al was 87 years young. He had a fulfilling, energetic, and purposeful life. He remained active throughout his long life, attending the Stanford Football home opener game just two weeks before his passing.
Alan Russell Talboy was born in Palo Alto on April 9, 1932 to Irwin & Evelyn Talboy and big sister, Wilma. He was a 1949 graduate of Palo Alto High School, attended Menlo Junior College and earned a Masters Degree in Education from Stanford University in 1954.
Al was a star baseball player. While at Menlo College, he played shortstop and pitched. He was inducted into the Menlo College Athletics Hall of Fame. At Stanford, Al played outfield and first base. In 1953, he was a member of the first Stanford baseball team in Stanford history to make it to the College World Series. Al also enjoyed playing collegiate basketball while at Stanford. Later he was a batting star for the Palo Alto Oaks semi-pro team and Ford Ord. After serving two years in the Army, Al was signed to professional baseball by the San Jose Josox of the Class C Calilfornia League. In 1966 and 1967, Al played in the World Tournament of Fastpitch Softball.
Al kicked off his nearly 70-year career in coaching at Palo Alto High School when he was a Senior at Stanford University. He then went on to be a P.E. Teacher and Baseball Coach at Los Altos High for 10 years, then Foothill College in Los Altos for 25 years, 1967 to 1992. Al was also Foothill College’s first Volleyball Coach. His 1975 team placed third in the state. Al said his greatest satisfaction was being associated with the kids and the game of baseball. His retirement in 1992 allowed him to devote his time to charting pitches for the San Francisco Giants, operating the scoreboard and game clock for Stanford Men’s Basketball, working with the Officiating Governing Body to develop young officials, volunteering as an Assistant Baseball Coach for DeAnza College, officiating high school basketball games, working with the Santa Clara County Hot Stove Organization which annually recognizes area baseball players and teams from the major and minor leagues, college and high school levels. During his career, Al also enjoyed being a spotter for Don Klein during Stanford Football and 49er radio broadcasts. Al was known for his vast knowledge of sports trivia and rules, as well as, his amazing attention to detail and passion. When it came to Baseball, he was a tremendous student of the game and enjoyed mentoring kids during his over 70 years of being associated with interscholastic baseball on the Peninsula. He received many awards and recognitions throughout his lifetime. His family is most proud of his 1994 induction into the California Community College Baseball Coaches Association (CCCBCA) Hall of Fame which recognizes individuals who have made an exemplary contribution to California Community College Baseball.
Al also enjoyed traveling, spending time with family and friends, golfing, swimming, playing tennis, organizing sports pools, attending Stanford football games, fantasy football, being a member of the Eagles and the Elks, doing card tricks and telling jokes. His last twenty years were spent with the love of his life, the late Diana Harbaugh. Godspeed Al and Diana on to your next fabulous journey.
Al was blessed with four children. Ted Talboy of Bear Valley, Tim Talboy of Citrus Heights, Ricky Bagnati of Palo Alto, and Rena Gummere of San Francisco. He was also blessed with three grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Above all, Al was a loving, dedicated dad, a fun-loving, generous friend and an inspiring, caring coach. He will be deeply missed by his friends, family, and all who were fortunate enough to know him.
Friends and family are invited to Celebrate Al’s Life on Sunday, October 6, 2pm to 4pm at Don Giovanni’s Ristorante at 235 Castro Street, in Mountain View.