About The Fresno Times

Tom speaks with astounding humility on his accomplishments in professional baseball, business, and Christian service. While many label the venerable Sommers a “great success,” he shrugs off the appellation with a gentle laugh. Tom insists his greatest achievements are found in the relationships he’s formed with countless others and those he’s influenced for good. 

Born in Fresno, CA on September 9, 1942, Tom arrived home to join his ten-year-old brother and eighteen-year-old sister. His parents, both Russian Germans, were also born in Fresno. Tom describes his mother as a “very godly woman” who took him from the age of five twice a week to church. His father, in contrast, suffered from a severe alcohol addiction. 

 “My father would go to work very early in the morning, and then come home mid-afternoon and get extremely drunk before I arrived back home from school. I literally never saw my father sober.”

From a young age, Tom sought respite from the stress of his home life in sports, especially baseball. Tom’s brother, a tremendous athlete in his own right, excelled in baseball and football. Following his older brother from various football fields and baseball diamonds, Tom thrived among the band of outstanding athletes who fueled his passion for “the game.” Little league baseball, which Tom played from age 8 to 12, ignited his dream to one day become a “big league ballplayer.” 

 Although participation in sports gave Tom a welcome break from his parent’s turmoil, he couldn’t escape a devastating setback that blindsided him during his last year of high school. Tom’s weary mother had confided in him a few years earlier, “Tommy, I’m going to try to stay in this marriage until you get out of high school.” Sadly, she never saw him graduate. At the beginning of Tom’s senior year, his beloved mother, only 54 years old, passed away. The boy who endured untold hours of his parents fighting, multiple domestic violence visits from the cops, and the shattering effect of a father held in bondage by alcohol expressed his fury to God.  

Completely unable to care for his school-aged son, Tom’s dad, shortly after the death of his wife, entered Stockton State Hospital in 1959 to live out his remaining days enduring not only the tragic effects of chronic alcoholism but also dementia. 

Tom, though grief-stricken, carried on. He completed his senior year of high school and his freshman year of college living with his brother, who had since moved out and married. At Fresno State University, Tom played two years of football. And, pursuing his dream of taking the field in big league ball, Tom played third base and second base for four years under the leadership of renowned coach Pete Beiden.  

“Beiden was a tremendous coach. I considered it a great honor to play for him. Still today, he’s regarded as one of the greatest baseball coaches in the history of the country. I knew him for a long time, and he became like a second father to me. When Pete needed help in his elderly years, I became his caretaker.”

 In 1964, Tom married his college sweetheart, Barbara. On their honeymoon, Barbara encouraged her newlywed husband to try out for the California Angels baseball team, which was hosting a “tryout camp” nearby.  Tom chuckled as he shared that life-altering moment. “In those days, there was no baseball draft. The Angel’s scout said, ‘If you want to sign, kid, you’ve got to come to this 4-day tryout camp.’ So, Barbara spent her honeymoon in a hotel while I played baseball from 8AM to 4PM.”

Tom signed a contract with the California Angels and played four years in the minor leagues, reaching Triple-A in Seattle. Tom then traded his uniform to become the Angel’s minor league manager in ’67 and ’68 in Idaho Falls. Tommy Lasorda (managed the LA Dodgers with remarkable success from 1976 to 1996) also held a manager’s position in that league. At the time, Lasorda was in his early 40s and Tom only 24. Tom says he’s been told that he might hold the record for the youngest manager in professional minor league baseball history. 

 In the summer of 1968, Tom, a mere 25-year-old, secured an offer to move to Anaheim as the assistant minor league director of the California Angels. Two-years later in 1970, Tom’s boss, Roland Hemond, became general manager of the White Sox team, opening the door for Tom, now 28, to become the California Angels minor league director, a job he held for seven years. During his tenure, Tom got to know the legendary Gene Autry, who purchased the team in 1961. 

“Autry and his wife came to almost every game. In the 60s and 70s, Gene held what he called ‘press club meetings’ after all the games. Officials from the ball club, managers, and the press would gather to have a drink and congregate. Gene would invite his Hollywood pals like Don Rickles and Jonathan Winters to entertain the press and Angel officials. Gene really loved doing that. Mr. Autry was kind, pleasant, and really loved baseball. He knew a lot about the players. In fact, he adored the sport so much that he owned the Angels for 35 years despite never making a profit on the team until he sold it in 1996.” 

 Under Tom’s leadership, the Angel’s minor league system twice earned the #1 system in professional baseball.

By the end of a rough 1977 season, the California Angels had lost more games than they had won, so, to appease disgruntled fans, the team acted in standard fashion, firing Tom along with many others. Sommers loved his work in baseball and soon received a call to become general manager of the Seattle Mariners. However, after years of extensive travel for away games and scouting ballplayers in Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic, Tom agreed with his wife that it was time for a change. Tom turned down the lucrative Seattle job and went into the insurance business at New York Life with his brother. In 1980, Tom and Barbara moved back to Fresno. 

Tom enjoyed having his brother as his boss and the luxury of being home with his wife and kids in the evenings and on weekends. Still, he knew his life lacked the genuine Christian faith he had observed in his mother. Tom relays with joy the day in 1985 that he embraced God’s call to recommit his life to Christ. 

 “After my mother died, I continued going occasionally to church, but I really wasn’t following the Lord and I wasn’t reading the Bible. On May 1, 1985, my life totally changed. I recommitted my life to Jesus and stopped drinking—I haven’t had a drop of alcohol since that day.”

Following his dramatic transformation, Tom joined a ministry called Christian Business Men’s Connection (CBMC) and began mentoring scores of men. Daily he led early morning—5:30 to 6 AM—Bible studies in his office. 

“It was a great privilege working with a lot of fantastic men and women at New York Life. I got to know a lot of people in the community.” Friend Paul O’Neill remembers meeting Tom over three decades ago. 

“I had the privilege of meeting Tom Sommers around 35 years ago. We met at a CBMC. I recognized this man had a peace about him, something I needed. Later, Tom asked me to join him in a Bible study, and my life was changed after he introduced me to the Lord. Tom has truly been an example in my life, showing grace, encouragement, and hope when life’s struggles hit me hard.” 

 Another long-time companion, Ron Thomas, reflects on his gratitude for Mr. Sommers’ friendship:  “Tom has been a close friend for over 35 years, but more importantly, he has been a mentor both in life and spiritually. Our friendship began over the love of baseball and good local tacos. In 1993, he invited me to join a small group for a study of Dad the Family Shepherd. Our small group, although it has seen guys come and go over the years, is still meeting to this day. Tom’s dedication to sharing God’s word is truly inspiring, and his friendship has meant the world to me.”

Tom’s stellar career at New York Life spanned an impressive 32 years, from 1978 to 2010. His secretary and administrative assistant, Kathy Salinas, worked with him for 40 years from 1980 to 2021. After retiring, Sommers, never one to remain idle, accepted the director’s position of CBMC (Christian Business Men’s Connection) Fresno. Within the eleven years Tom led CBMC Fresno, he and his wife held numerous events, hosting speakers and other prominent figures from around the country to share their testimony and inspire CBMC attendees. 

“It was always rewarding to see the lives of the men I helped mentor change for the better. I would meet with eight to ten men a day from about six in the morning until four or five in the afternoon, and then I’d be on the phone a couple hours at night. It was really great being connected with these guys who were coming out of alcohol and drug addiction.” 

 Tom fondly recalls his friendship with the first person CBMC nationally hired—a WWII veteran and “drunk as a skunk turned Christian” named Joe Coggeshall. The origins of this unlikely partnership began when the soldier, rough and scarred by the terrible war in Germany, took a temporary leave from the fighting to attend his mother-in-law’s funeral. Contemplating his own life of shortcomings and the choice of “heaven or hell” presented by the officiating pastor, Joe picked up a Bible and began to read. Joe’s remarkable conversion to Christianity prompted him to lead his fellow military men in a daily study of scripture. Later, Tom and Joe formed a strong and lifelong bond when Joe traveled from Atlanta, GA, to speak as a key CBMC leader to the Fresno chapter. Tom rejoices in the positive impact Joe’s life story has made on the men he’s counseled over the years. 

Beyond the work with CBMC Fresno, Tom has served on many local boards. One such noted committee chair Tom is especially proud of serving on is the Fresno Clovis Prayer Breakfast. Since its humble beginnings in the 1940s with five businessmen, the annual community-wide prayer breakfast now draws thousands of attendees. The prayer breakfast has featured well-known names as guest speakers like Tony Dungy, Anne Graham-Lotz, David Jeremiah, and Chuck Swindoll. Other high-profile presenters included Steve Green, president of Hobby Lobby; Dallas Jenkins, director of The Chosen series; Tony Evans, evangelical pastor, speaker, and author; Alistair Begg, pastor and author; and Sammy Rodriguez, evangelist. 

Although Tom remains focused on Christian service, his love of sports and his experience in professional baseball compel him to offer support, valuable insight, and guidance to those in athletics.

 “Tom has also been involved in the Fresno Athletic Hall of Fame, contributing to the local sports community and celebrating athletic achievements. He is caring, kind to everyone he meets, helps anyone who asks him, loves everyone, and is full of hospitality. Tom has been and still is an inspiration and influence in my life.”

Doc Lewis, award-winning radio host, singer, and author Ron Nelson, Northern California FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) Regional Director, notes Tom’s vital assistance of the athletic program beginning in 2011. 

“The Lord strategically placed Tom in my life and played a pivotal role with me as director of FCA here in Central Valley from 2011 to 2020. Though I was confident in my ability to speak with coaches and athletes, I was out of my league when it came to raising financial support and leading a board of Christian business leaders. I benefited greatly through all of Tom’s connections and his sources of contacts. He has been nothing but gracious and kind to me and my family.”

Tom’s tireless efforts, combined with other community leaders, have truly transformed his beloved hometown. He admits that friends in other cities or states have made comments like, “Fresno doesn’t have near the problems that we have in our town. In fact, I think you could say Fresno has become part of the Bible Belt!” 

Current Fresno mayor, Jerry Dyer states, “Tom Sommers is one of many Godly pillars in the Fresno community, but one of the most recognizable in the business community. His networking ability in Fresno is unmatched. He serves as the go-to guy when it comes to bringing people together for the cause of Christ. Tom’s presence can be felt throughout the Central Valley through CBMC, the annual men’s retreat, and through his involvement with many faith based organizations. He has a unique ability to witness to businessmen and women, athletes, and community leaders. Tom serves as a mentor, counselor, and most importantly, a dedicated servant of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I am proud to call Tom Sommers my friend.” 

 Chris Montelongo, Deputy Chief of Staff for Mayor Jerry Dryer calls Mr. Sommers “one of God’s greatest gifts” in his life. 

“Tom Sommers is a rare and remarkable leader whose life is defined by faith, mentorship, and service to others. A natural convener, Tom has an extraordinary ability to meet people where they are, connect them through shared purpose, and inspire them to live with greater intention. His platforms in professional baseball, the insurance industry, or overseeing a faith-based non-profit, brought people together from diverse backgrounds to grow in faith, accountability, and community. Tom’s humility, generosity, and attentiveness—from small personal gestures to lifelong mentorship—continue to influence leaders across the region, including business executives, educators, pastors, coaches, non-profit leaders, and elected officials. His enduring impact reflects a life committed to putting God first and investing deeply into the lives of others, including my own.”

The significance of Tom’s broad and powerful mark has touched a range of others in various positions and work from the heart of Fresno and beyond:

“What stands out about Tom is not just his leadership roles but the heart behind the work. He has always embodied a servant’s spirit—encouraging men to pursue not just success but significance, guided by faith, wisdom, and love for others. Whether offering counsel over coffee, leading a discussion on Scripture, or simply listening deeply to someone’s story, Tom’s presence has been a source of encouragement and strength to many. Tom’s legacy, therefore, isn’t measured solely in speeches or events, but in lives transformed. Men throughout the Valley have been encouraged to lead with character, serve with humility, and live with purpose because of the example he set and the investment he made in them personally.”  —  Becky Bradley, Fresno Pacific University Vice President of University Marketing and Communications.

“Tom Sommers is a gem for the Central Valley. His contributions and impact on the community go beyond just California. Tom’s commitment and old-school discipleship of life-on-life, consistent phone calls/voicemails, and Black Bear Diner breakfast invitations are second to none. His ‘yes’ was a vital component of what helped me find Fresno as a special place.”  —  Pat Kim, Clovis Real Estate Agent 

“Tom Sommers was the first person who opened a path for me in the anti-human trafficking field. I walked through his door as a human trafficking victim who saw herself as nothing more than a discarded prostitute, a felon with no future. I had no community connections, no extended support, and very little hope. Tom saw value in me long before I ever did. His dedication to strengthening communities and transforming lives through Christ is unmatched. He mentored me, cultivated leadership qualities I did not know existed, and created the opportunities that helped shape the work I do today. Through his prayerful guidance, unwavering support, and extraordinary ability to connect people, we were able to build Breaking the Chains, which has grown into a leading anti-human trafficking organization in California and a model for others across the nation. Few people carry the kind of heart and compassion that Tom does. He has been an obedient servant of God, a quiet angel on earth, and someone who has helped countless others climb the ladder to purpose and success.”  — Debra Rush, Co-Founder and CEO of Breaking the Chains

Now in their golden years, Tom and his wife Barbara continue to serve their community. Barbara is active in their local church and loves serving in the nursery and helping many other people. Tom and Barbara’s son Kirk owns BC’s Pizza in Clovis, and their daughter Beth is a home healthcare provider. Tom, now retired from the CBMC Fresno director position, remains committed to building meaningful relationships by meeting daily with local businessmen—the ever-faithful mentor presses on to offer hope and encouragement to those he says God has placed in his life. While many people consider Tom their role model, he is profoundly grateful for those who have shaped him into who he is today: GL Johnson, Bufe Karraker, Lou Herwaldt, Bud Richter, Jim Cecy, Jack Hannah, H. Spees, Tom’s brother, Fred Sommers, and his sister, Betty Hudson.

District Attorney for Fresno County, Lisa A. Smittcamp, perfectly sums up the character of one of Fresno’s finest.  “He knows the power of faith and takes on the responsibility to share the good word with those who need direction and encouragement. Tom cares for all people, both friends and strangers, and is a true testament to what a servant leader is for his community and his church. He is an example for all of us to follow, and I am so fortunate to have him as a mentor and a friend. Tom Sommers is the best kind of Christian man: authentic, experienced, successful and humble. He doesn’t just speak the word of God—he lives it.”