New Babe Ruth Diamonds Honor Oskaloosa Legend
Joe Crookham (left) and Ellen Kentfield talk before the dedication ceremony for the new Babe Ruth fields named in her husband Charlie Kentfields honor.
Blue skies and a full section of stadium seats greeted Ellen Kentfield, wife of long time Babe Ruth supporter Charlie Kentfield, for the grand opening of the Kentfield Babe Ruth fields at the Lacey Complex.
The keynote speech of the dedication was given by Joe Crookham. In a conversation just before the dedication ceremony Crookham had this to say about the days events, “I’m pleased to see this additional step forward in the development of the facilities out here (Lacey Complex) for the youth and families of our community. This field is particularly poignant because it’s a continuation of a program that started over 50 years ago, close to 60 years ago. I played on the first team Charlie Kentfield had when they first organized Babe Ruth Baseball.”
On the idea of moving from it’s location at Edmundson Park to it’s new location at the Lacey Complex, Crookham said “I’m particularly pleased that I was able to talk with him about the idea of transitioning out here while he was still alive. He was very enthusiastic and supportive of keeping this program going and growing.” Crookham went on to say, “We’re out here today to honor Charlie and all of what he did for the youth of the community and the community.”
Charlie Kentfield passed away in January of 2009, leaving behind his wife Ellen, and the huge legacy of Babe Ruth Baseball. Kentfield had devoted 65 years of service to the youth of Oskaloosa and the community itself.
Ellen Kentfield stands on the field dedicated in her husbands honor on Sunday, May 8th, 2011
I asked Ellen her thoughts on the day and the new fields dedicated in her husbands honor. “He would be very elated, and I know he knew a little bit about that it would be built in this area before he passed away. I got to thinking about this and it is Mothers Day and everything, and I thought, today is not only an honor to him, but also to his mother and father. I know they would be very proud what their son has accomplished, and to think he’s had the privilege of having two areas of Oskaloosa named in his honor.”
Ellen went on to say, “It was his life, you did not do anything March through August because this is devoted to Babe Ruth. In December he was chairman for the Wisemans Christmas Tree lot (Mahaska Drug Parking Lot) and we didn’t make any special plans then, otherwise it’s your time.”
“My love was music and his was sports, so it worked out very well” Ellen said of both their passions in life. “I’m very pleased that people have done so many thoughtful things for him. He’d be overwhelmed, and I am too, with everything they’ve done.”
Dave Monk said, “I’ve missed him the last couple of years.” Monk wrote the nomination for Charlie to be inducted into the Babe Ruth League Hall of Fame. “It was easy to do for Charlie, he was a natural for it.” Monk says. Monk and Kentfield developed a friendship, over time, after first meeting at a ball game here in Oskaloosa 29 years ago. Monk, a Cedar Rapids native made the drive down to share in the days events and to honor his longtime friend.
After the opening speeches, action started off with a home run derby and skills challenges. The evening wrapped up with an Alumni game featuring past players versus the current squad. I am happy to say the Alumni took home the win. Everyone agreed that the game was such great fun, and paid such a special tribute to Charlie, that plans are in place to make it an annual event.
