18 PUNCHMAGAZINE.COM going to start the story.” As I register one fascinating fact after another (“That’s a great quote!” “That’s another great quote!”), I’m already anticipating the challenging task of whittling down my transcription notes and research (which turn out to be 15,000+ words) into a 1,200-word story. In tandem, I also activate PUNCH photographer Gino De Grandis, who makes his own trip to Redwood City to capture the phenomenal visuals that will transport PUNCH readers there as well. As you can see, much like Birdman Bats, our process involves many layers of sanding away (editing) with the goal of delivering the best product (content) that we can. Just some extra insight to keep in mind—whether you’re stepping into the batter’s box (Page 31) or digging deeper into PUNCH’s August lineup. For more stories that bring the heat, check out Paulette Phlipot’s favorite summer grilling recipes (Page 92) and exhilarating sailing adventures on the “Redwood City Riviera.” (Page 56) See how Half Moon Bay designer Kate Handel weaves ocean vibes into airy spaces (Page 79) and meet the Ink Dwell team behind monumental multi-story murals. (Page 96) Visit with Kusamura Bonsai Club to explore how the Peninsula helps preserve an ancient living art (Page 86) and swing by Burlingame’s reimagined Stella for classic southern Italian cuisine. (Page 67) Our QuickPUNCH Q&A offers up Michelinstar secrets from longtime Village Pub server Melody Mitchell (Page 26) and for our August getaway, get ready for a road trip up the spectacular Sonoma Coast. (Page 47) CRACK! That’s the sound of August PUNCH hitting it out of the ballpark. Enjoy our 5th Anniversary issue! Sheri sheri@punchmonthly.com {editor’s note} (squarely in PUNCH territory!), the company is also an official supplier to Major League Baseball. Beloved summer pastime. August issue. Ding! Ding! Ding! Confession now: I’m a longtime Giants fan and consider Oracle Park to be a true field of dreams, but I’m a neophyte when it comes to actual baseball equipment. However, one certainty at PUNCH is that I’m always going to learn something I didn’t know the day before—which is what I love most about my job. After reaching out to Birdman Bats founder Gary Malec, I meet up with him on a Friday morning. Although I initially follow the same route I take to Costco, this outing leads me to a vastly different destination. Stepping inside Birdman’s industrial warehouse, I’m greeted by exotic-looking machinery and shelves and display cases lined with signed baseballs, bobble heads and shiny bats. And, atop everything, a fine layer of… “ACHOO!” I immediately sneeze. “Let me guess,” I say, “Dust is probably the… (I leave the end of the sentence hanging) … “Number-one headache!” Gary fills in the blank. Over the next 90 minutes, through a sit-down talk and tour, I learn about the genesis of Birdman Bats and the craftsmanship that goes into turning long, solid wooden sticks into sleek hitting instruments that can crush line drives and home runs over the outfield fence. Gary talks about the difference between birch, maple and ash, explains how the CNC machine creates a rough cut and walks me through the exhaustive process of sanding, sealing, coloring and finishing. “There’s a hand sand between every step of the way,” he emphasizes, which explains the profusion of dust. “The bigger chips are good for gardening and mulch. People come and take away whole trailer trucks of it.” When we walk up to the second floor, Gary quips a line that makes me laugh, and I mentally flash, “That’s how I’m Ever wonder how a PUNCH story comes together? Time for another peek behind the editorial curtain. A short while back, a friend, who happens to be a sports fiend, mentioned that she had received an engraved baseball bat as a gift. That immediately caught my interest, which doubly spiked when I beheld the striking handcrafted creation. Twotoned (gleaming purple with a glossy smoke-dyed handle) and emblazoned with her name in gold, this birch beauty also brandished an oval sticker with a seriously quirky logo and the maker: BIRDMAN BATS. One quick Google search later, I discovered that not only is Birdman Bats based in Redwood City PUNCH TURNS FIVE! With our August 2023 issue, PUNCH marks five years of capturing the Spirit of the Peninsula. Thank you for joining us on our joyful quest to celebrate this unique and wonderful place we call home. PHOTOGRAPHY: ANNIE BARNETT
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