Head-on crash kills local man
by Lenny Roberts

The longtime Ojai softball player who managed and played for the Oak View Outlaws for nearly two decades died Saturday morning when his 1983 Mazda 626 was struck head-on by a 17-year-old Oak View girl driving a white Ford Explorer. Ironically, Daniel Thomas Fraser, 43, had left work early and planned to drive to Ventura later in the day to attend the funeral of his best friend's grandfather.
According to the California Highway Patrol, Fraser was northbound on Santa Ana Road at 9:30 a.m. when the driver of the other car, whose name was not released because she is a minor and there's an ongoing investigation, drifted over the double yellow lines. Following the impact, Fraser's Mazda then struck a power pole and the Explorer stopped after hitting a tree. Fraser, who was wearing a seat belt, suffered massive head injuries, and was pronounced dead at the scene. Because of its age, Fraser's Mazda was not equipped with air bags.
CHP Officer Steve Reid said there was no evidence of alcohol or drugs relating to the collision, but would not say if there were mechanical problems with either of the vehicles prior to the collision.
"We're going to complete the investigation and evaluate all physical evidence, and, if warranted, will forward the information to the district attorney," Reid said. "The DA ultimately makes that decision."
Lifelong friend Cliff Jones first met Fraser when they were five years old. Fraser took over control of the Storer Cable Ojai Valley Men's League Softball team in 1982, and quickly changed the name to the Oak View Outlaws - a name that is synonymous with summertime softball. Like Fraser, Jones has been an Oak View Outlaw ever since.
"I have a lot of memories that go way back," Jones began. "We were born a week and a half apart. Our moms went to high school together."
Jones described Fraser as a ballplayer with skill at all positions, but mostly as a talented third-baseman who took over pitching duties in recent years.
"He was the best up-the-middle guy that ever was, and turned more double-plays than anyone I ever knew," Jones said. "Nothing could get by him. He had a 'what-me-worry' attitude, and never browbeat anyone. If you browbeat anyone on our team, you're gone."
When the summer softball season ended each of the last eight years, Fraser volunteered as a Coors Ojai Labor Day Softball Tournament director, first under the late president Richard Torres, and most recently, working with Rick Gibson.
Jones said that Fraser had left his job as a warehouse supervisor at McJunkin Corp. on Ventura Avenue earlier than usual to prepare for the funeral of Jones' grandfather, and both men had been on Santa Ana Road at the same time.
"The worst part is I drove around the corner and came on the accident. It was like getting kicked in the stomach. I came so close to passing him on the road. If I would have flagged him down, it would never have happened. I couldn't have had a better best friend, I guarantee it. He'll leave a hole that will never be filled. Softball will still be fun, but never the same."
Jones said that the Oak View Outlaws plan to go to the funeral wearing their softball shirts, "like we're going to the game."

© 2002 The Ojai Valley News

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