Fond memories of the Placer-Nevada League
By Mark McDermott, Sacramento Bee
One of the Sacramento region’s oldest semipro leagues was the Placer-Nevada League, founded by Allen “Scoop” Thurman of Colfax in 1923 and run by him until its demise in 1968.
Six teams competed in its inaugural season: Lincoln, Roseville, Colfax, Auburn-Newcastle, Grass Valley North Star Mine and Grass Valley Empire Mine.
The league had its share of memorable characters and moments.
▪ In 1950, Tommy Glaviano (Sacramento High School) hit three home runs in one game for the Lincoln Potters against the Placerville Bartletts. After the third homer, pitcher Edwin Jack Carpender (El Dorado) met him at home plate and shook his hand. Glaviano just completed his rookie season with the St. Louis Cardinals, hitting .267 in 87 games.