San Jose Sunbirds/Rainbow
Western Division
231 O’Conner Drive, San Jose, California 95128
408.287.0900
Director: John Bruno
General Manager: John Bruno
Field Manager: Laura Malesh
Home Field: San Jose Municipal Stadium, San Jose, California
Starting Time: 7:00 p.m. except 6:00 p.m. Sundays
Team Colors: royal blue, orange, white
San Jose played all four years the league was in existence. In 1979, the team changed ownership and was renamed the Rainbow.
The following are excerpts from the 1976 San Jose Sunbirds (Reprint 1) and 1976 Santa Ana Lionettes (Reprint 2) programs.
Reprint 1 - On paper, at least, the Sunbirds seem to lack nothing. With fireballing Charlotte Graham and crafty Bonnie Johnson backed up by newcomer Marilynn Burnett and by Cheryl Stewart, the pitching appears to be in excellent shape.
Last year all-time great Diane Kalliam, a southpaw, had to play shortstop for the Santa Clara Laurels. She again demonstrated her superb skills by gaining All-American honors at the new position. This year Kalliam can shift back to her more comfortable center field because of the arrival at shortstop of talented young newcomer Mary Flint of Yakima Washington.
With Cindi Lillock and Diane Weiner flanking Kalliam in left and right fields, respectively, the outfield should be one of the best in the league. Carol Salsbury and Allie Henderson give the sunbirds strong right-handed power hitting, either as first baseman or designated hitters.
Sure-handed Brenda Gamblin misses little at third base, and steady Nancy Plantz and Ian Iversen are dependable and efficient at second base. Manager Laura Malesh is especially high on her Sunbird catching corps of Mary Lou Pennington, Janice Aubuchon, and Merribeth Carlson.
All in all, the Sunbirds appear the team to best in the Western Division.
Reprint 2 - The Sunbirds must be considered as one of the strongest of the pro teams. The core of their team has played the past several years with the Santa Clara Laurels, perennial Northern California representatives to the A.S.A. National Tournament. Dianne Kalliam, speedy outfielder, is their leading offensive threat. She is also one of the best all-around talents in the game. Charlotte Graham, acclaimed for her blazing fast ball and Bonnie Johnson, form a solid duo in the pitching department. Brenda Gamblin and Cindi Lillock are two other All Stars in their lineup. Filed Manager Laura Malesh is a former All Star catcher with experience in Orange and Stratford before settling in Northern California.
