Underwood: Lodi legend leaving town

A Lodi legend is leaving town.

He never scored a touchdown at the Grape Bowl. ... never hit a home run at Zupo Field or Kofu Park ... never knocked down a jumper at The Inferno or The Jungle.

In fact, many youngsters have likely never heard of Carl Underwood.

For 40 years, from the late 1940s to the late 1980s, Underwood covered the Lodi scene, serving as the city's unofficial historian for all things sports. He was Inducted into the Lodi Sports Hall of Fame in 1991 for his contributions to the community.

It may be his photographic memory — or his passion for golf — that Underwood will be most remembered for.

During my tenure at the News-Sentinel, I've called on Carl numerous times to put a story into historical perspective. Certain that I will get nothing more than a cursory account of an event that happened 30, 40, 50 or 60 years ago, Carl always puts me to shame when, like a talking sports almanac, he gives a detailed account more complete than a game I covered the day before.

Carl is a repository full of priceless information, and he will be sorely missed.

While his deteriorating health necessitates a move to Missouri to live with one of his sons, Carl, now 81, will still be a phone call away.

And I'm sure he will continue to put me to shame.

Grape Bowl: A classic?

Let's say your grandpa handed you the keys to his 1957 Chevy Bel Air Convertible.

Are you now the owner of an American classic?

It depends.

Grandpa probably thinks so. Some of his best times were spent in that car, but those days are long gone — along with the paint, the upholstery, the door handles, the radio and a rearview mirror.

Grandpa's memories of the good ol' days don't quite measure up to the legacy he's passing on, but as far he's concerned, it's still the same car.

You can see the potential, but it's going to take a lot of work and money — Grandpa hasn't dropped a dime on that car in years — to return it to its classic condition.

Is it worth it, or do you drive what everyone else sees as a junker?

The Grape Bowl is a 68-year-old Lodi landmark in desperate need of repair.

Its shortcomings — it's in need of a new field, better seating and lighting and expanded bathrooms, concessions and parking — have been overshadowed by its tradition for far too long.

The city will have to shell out an estimated $1.4 to 1.7 million in upgrades just to bring the venue into compliance with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) guidelines.

Despite its imperfections, you can see the potential in a gladiator-esque stadium that's perched in a bowl like an ancient coliseum. You can sense the history, but it's going to take a lot of work and millions of dollars — the city estimates between $3 and $4 million, not including ADA improvements — to make it a classic again.

Is it worth it, or do longtime Lodians just keep pretending the Grape Bowl is what is used to be?

Section Hall of Fame

The Sac-Joaquin Section is currently taking nominations for its first Hall of Fame class and the process is open to the public.

Are there any local athletes, coaches, officials or administrators that you believe are worthy of consideration?

If so, you can find an application on the section's Web site at www.cifsjs.org. The deadline to submit applications is Sept. 30.

Scott Howell is the News-Sentinel sports editor. You can reach him by phone at (209) 369-7035 or by e-mail at scotth@lodinews.com.