Tom Fish, a former USC baseball and basketball player, was destined to be a Trojan. He grew up only four miles from campus and spent much of his childhood attending all sorts of USC sporting events. One of his favorite times of the year was football season when he would hop aboard the trolley and venture into the Coliseum to sell newspapers and to watch the Trojan football team play. He was enamored by the atmosphere.
Fish loved watching football, but loved watching basketball and baseball games as well. "As a youngster, I even watched USC basketball play on the stage of the Shrine Auditorium," Fish said. And his love for baseball? That came from his long summer days spent at Rancho La Cienega Playground in Los Angeles, where he first discovered his love for the sport. Although Fish's father was a major sports fan, he often didn't have the time to take his son. That didn't stop Fish who would find other friends to attend games with or even go solo.
Fish began his studies at Loyola High School in 1948 and he shone brightly as a star athlete for both the baseball and basketball teams. He was a four-year baseball letterman and a three-year basketball letterman, as well as the basketball team captain his senior year in 1952, which made it to the CIF finals game. Fish was also named a first team All-League outfielder. Tom wearing the Trojan baseball uniform in 1953
While baseball was one of his first loves, it was basketball that brought him to USC. Head Basketball Coach Forrest Twogood scouted Fish during his senior year to play for the USC Trojans. He eagerly accepted the offer and entered USC as a Public Administration major and a dual sport athlete, playing both basketball and baseball. Under the auspice of Coach Twogood, the basketball team dominated during Fish's freshman year, accomplishing an incredible record of 18 wins and one loss. He also led the team with his free throw record of 81.1 percent.
It's impossible to forget the glory of being a part of such a legendary program, but what Fish recalls most fondly are the relationships he gained from his Trojan athletic experience. "Building relationships as you play on the team are very important. I still see the basketball and baseball players that were my teammates. My friendships were a very integral part of the USC sports experience," he said. His teammates on both the basketball and baseball teams formed a family-like comradery as they persevered through their collegiate years as student-athletes. Both inside and outside sports, the boys looked out for one another. Fish was also a member of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity, which he says had an immensely positive impact on him and his growth as a young adult.
Unfortunately, Fish's basketball days ended early when he ruptured his achilles tendon during a game his sophomore year. Fish was devastated to have his time as a student-athlete at USC cut short by his injury, but he was determined to continue his contributions. "I was really honed in on participating in sports," he said. To his delight, Coach Twogood offered him a position with the basketball team in an administrative role. Fish accepted the gracious offer, grateful to remain part of the basketball team. He collected stats during games, traveled with the team, and performed other various administrative tasks. During his final year at USC, he even served as senior manager for the team.
While much of Fish's time was dedicated to sports, he was also very mindful of his academic journey. He says he enjoyed the Public Relations courses included in the Public Administration curriculum. Fish originally intended on going into municipal government, as it swept his interest from the start and after completing most of his general class requirements, he set out to complete a typing course, as recommended by a few of his friends. During the 1950s, being a skillful typist was something that set people ahead in the work world. "Back then, we didn't have all the gadgets we have today!" Fish recalled.
He landed a job with an industrial company in Huntington Park his senior year, where his USC connections and typing skills were put to use. Fish recognizes the importance of networking and shaking the hands of as many people as possible "because they truly help you build your own empire as you grow." Although he took two years after graduation to serve in the War, he was able to return to the same company who had a position waiting for him when he returned home. Tom, far right, and the 1952 USC Men's Basketball team
His career thereafter took him from Los Angeles to the headquarters of a Fortune 500 company in St. Louis, Missouri. Soon after, he was relocated to New York when the headquarters relocated and he was promoted to Vice President of Corporate Development and Mergers & Acquisitions. He resided with his family in Connecticut as he continued working in New York City. Fish also went on to continue his studies at Columbia University where he completed the MBA Executive Development Program. In 1996, he retired after a successful 30 years with the company. In 2003, he and his wife Phyllis moved to Vista, California where they still live today. The two have been married for 60 years, and they have four sons and five grandchildren.
Fish is grateful to remain a dedicated part of the USC community today. He is involved with the USC Alumni Association, Trojan Athletic Fund, Skull & Dagger Honorary Society, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity and, most recently, Trojan Baseball Alumni Association (TBAA). In 2008, Fish served as a founding member of the TBAA where he plans and promotes major events including the fall banquet, youth clinic, golf tournaments, and baseball tailgates. Fish's efforts have been honored on several occasions and he was recently awarded the Dr. Arthur C. Bartner Service Award for his gracious lifetime contributions to USC.
Fish has also had the opportunity to work as a USC student-athlete mentor.. He deemed it a "very rewarding experience" and he has always been more than happy to relay his experience to young Trojan student-athletes. His mentees have become very special friends to him, and he values their conversations immensely. "They have become some of my lifetime friends," he says.
Fish has proved to be a true Trojan throughout his lifetime and is the true embodiment of what it means to Fight On. "I've always felt a great deal of pride in being able to give back to USC for the great things I was able to gain by going there. They provided me a foundation to grow and build my life on and for that I am forever grateful."
Tom Fish's best USC memory:
The Library, an off-campus bar, was where he loved spending time with friends. "The Library was the best spot. Your folks would ask 'what are you doing tonight?' and we'd say 'going to the library, mom!'"
Tom Fish with his wife Phyllis
