For East Bay baseball fans in 1948, the Oakland Oaks were a feel-good story. Dubbed “Nine Old Men” for their veteran-laden roster, the Oaks won the Pacific Coast League title. On Oct. 18, the longest-living member of that team, PCL Hall of Fame catcher Billy Raimondi, died at his Alameda home. He was 97.

Though Raimondi never played in the major leagues — an arm injury foiled his chance with Cincinnati in 1936 — he enjoyed an illustrious PCL career. Fact is, Raimondi so relished playing for the Oaks, that he refused other offers to move up to the majors.

“My dad was a family man,” said Raimondi’s daughter, June Ogden. “He just liked playing at home. He liked catching. In the majors, he would have been a second- or third-string catcher.”

Economics also played a role in the decision.

“He actually made more money in the Pacific Coast League,” Ogden said. “One reason is that they played more games than the majors.”

The qualities that endeared Raimondi to his family also earned him respect in baseball.

“He wasn’t into himself,” Ogden said. “He was a team player. He took rookies under his wing.”

Raimondi came from a baseball family. Brothers Al, Walt and Ernie also played for the Oaks at various times. Ernie Raimondi died in World War II and Oakland’s Bayview Park was renamed in his honor.

Born in San Francisco on Dec. 1, 1912, William Louis Raimondi graduated from Oakland’s McClymonds High and began his professional career in the Arizona-Texas league in 1931. The next year, he moved to his hometown Oaks, where he remained until 1949. He completed his career in 1953.

Raimondi was one of the most durable catchers in baseball history. In a 22-year pro career, he caught 2,041 games. Offensively, he finished with 1,937 hits and a .276 lifetime average.

In addition to Ogden, Raimondi is survived by Frances, his wife of 73 years; daughter Judy Harris; son Bill Raimondi Jr.; eight grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; a sister, Lorraine Dahl; and extended family.