Claire Vernon “Pep” Goodwin (1891–1972): Baseball Player & Oakland Port Commissioner

Pep Goodwin from his baseball days

MM Lawn Terrace, 154, T4

Claire Vernon “Pep” Goodwin led a life that bridged the seemingly disparate worlds of professional baseball and civic leadership, earning admiration in both arenas. Born on December 19, 1891, in Pocatello, Idaho, Goodwin's path took him from the dusty fields of early 20th-century baseball diamonds to the boardrooms of one of the nation’s most important maritime centers: the Port of Oakland.

Goodwin's early promise as an athlete led him to the University of California, where he was a standout shortstop. His natural athleticism, quick reflexes, and sharp instincts caught the eye of professional scouts, leading him to join the Kansas City Packers of the short-lived Federal League. His Major League debut came on April 16, 1914. Over the course of two seasons, he played in more than 150 games, achieving a .235 batting average, hitting one home run, and driving in 48 runs. While the Federal League was a rival to the National and American Leagues and lasted only briefly, Goodwin’s contributions to the Kansas City Packers secured his place in baseball history. His final game took place on October 3, 1915.

After his professional baseball career, Goodwin transitioned to public service, where he would make an even longer-lasting mark. Settling in Oakland, California, Goodwin became deeply involved in civic affairs. He was appointed to the Oakland Board of Port Commissioners in 1939, one of the busiest and most strategically important ports on the U.S. West Coast. 

Port of Oakland during WWII

During Goodwin’s tenure at the Port of Oakland from 1939 to 1951, the port underwent significant transformation, driven in part by the demands of World War II and the postwar economic boom. As a key West Coast logistics hub, the port played a critical role in supporting the war effort, serving as a departure and arrival point for military personnel and materiel, and expanding its shipbuilding and repair facilities. In the years that followed, the port capitalized on federal and state investment to modernize infrastructure, deepen channels, and prepare for the coming era of containerization. Goodwin, known for his attention to operational detail and his steady, pragmatic leadership, was instrumental in supporting policies that improved maritime access, fostered industrial growth along the waterfront, and helped transition the port from wartime urgency to peacetime prosperity. His work on the Port Commission contributed to positioning Oakland as a competitive global trade gateway in the decades that followed.

His colleagues described him as diligent and civic-minded, a man who brought the same discipline and focus from his baseball days into the boardroom. He was particularly involved in promoting industrial development around the harbor and ensuring that port policies balanced economic progress with public accountability.

Beyond his professional roles, Goodwin was a devoted family man and active community member. He married Alice G. Goodwin, who predeceased him. The couple had a daughter, Mrs. William W. Reusch, and two grandchildren. Friends remembered him for his humility and quiet confidence—a man who rarely spoke of his baseball days unless prompted, but who lit up when asked about the early years of America’s pastime or his adopted hometown of Oakland.

Claire Goodwin passed away on February 15, 1972, at the age of 80. Upon his death, the Port of Oakland adopted a resolution expressing deep appreciation for his leadership and mourning his loss. 

Today, Claire “Pep” Goodwin is remembered not only for the stats he posted on the field but for the steady leadership he provided in one of the most important eras in Oakland’s maritime history.