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Canfield Baseball Club founders are remembered
By Greg Gulas
CANFIELD
The first 50 years seem to have gone by in the blink of an eye, yet those involved in organizing and helping grow the Canfield Baseball Club over the last six decades say it was simply a labor of love.
On Saturday at McCune Park, the club celebrated its golden anniversary season by honoring those who were instrumental in organizing the club by showcasing players and teams from its 11 boys and girls baseball and softball divisions.
Emma Castronova is a member of the 11-12 Crush squad and is in her seventh season of organized ball.
“This has been my summer home the last seven years,” Castronova said. “I’ve made so many friends and lasting friendships because of the league.
Jack Kucek, who enjoyed a seven-year career with the Chicago White Sox, Philadelphia Phillies and Toronto Blue Jays, is in his first-year as club president.
“My motto is very simple; create memories and just have fun,” Kucek said. “A day like this means a lot because it tells our kids it’s not just about today, but about the dedication of those before them and how we got to this point.”
Ray McCune, whose father donated 40 acres of land in the mid-1960s in order for the organization to prosper, threw out the honorary first pitch.
“I was able to coach my sons when they played and that was a very special time for me.” McCune said. “The growth of the organization over the years has been absolutely phenomenal and I would put our facilities up against anyone in the state.”
Scott Baird, treasurer of Baird Brothers Sawmill, was on hand representing his father, the late Howard “Howdy” Baird, who passed away in 1994 and for whom the organizations’ concession stand was dedicated.
“I played six years in this league from 1974-79 and my father was a board member for 30 years until his passing,” Baird said. “I got to see many old friends today; past and present board members and also teammates so a day like this just brought back plenty of fond memories from those days.
“If my father were here today, he would be proud to have his name affixed to the concession area.”
Gary Williams, club president from 1994-2007 and District II, district administrator to Little League for 17 years, played a key role in its growth for two decades.
“There have been many improvements made over the years and it’s great to see how the club just keeps on growing,” Williams said. “It’s also great to see all of the kids still having fun at the park.”
Dr. Raymond Bernat, a five-year sponsor of Advanced Dermatology, said, “This is an incredible day because it brings our entire community together, continues to build community support and in the process, celebrates our youth.
“It’s also great to see those club pioneers honored for their hard work and efforts.”
Russ Good spoke of his late father, David, who served as the “This dream started in 1961 and my father kept pestering Ray [McCune] to donate the land, saying he’d help build a first-class facility,” Good said. “And they did.”