COACH AND COUNCILMEMBER: Rusty Fairly influenced Santa Barbara sports and politics for a half century in his fiery, yet kindly, way.
Alzheimer’s disease took Rusty Fairly out of public engagement during the last years of his life, but as a coach, teacher, administrator, and city councilmember, he made a lasting impact on the community.
“Rusty’s love for Santa Barbara was special,” said his longtime friend John Martony. “He was a one-of-a-kind, a great guy.”
Fairly coached baseball at Santa Barbara City College from 1965-1981. “He was an old-school disciplinarian,” said Martony, who was a pitcher for the Vaqueros. “He valued team baseball. Every pitch is important, every at-bat is important. Everything matters.”
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