By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Bowling Green honored two people Monday evening – a man who has spent several summers giving kids the chance to play ball, and a police officer who help save the life of overdose victim.
Tim Dunn, or “Mr. Baseball” as the mayor called him, was recognized for more than 40 years working to grow Little League in Bowling Green.
Dunn started on the grounds crew in the early 1970s, moved into the role of umpire, and then worked his way up to leadership in the baseball program, Mayor Dick Edwards said. Dunn was instrumental in moving the former Pee Wee ball park from its two diamonds off Mercer Road, to Carter Park where it had room to grow.
The ball fields have room for beginning T-ball players to adults who don’t want to give up America’s national pastime.
The well-maintained fields at Carter Park have become “a regional attraction,” with several teams traveling to Bowling Green for tournaments, Edwards said.
“You have clearly been the driving force,” the mayor said to Dunn.
Several of the council members had personal stories to share about the ball fields and Dunn’s involvement.
Mayor Dick Edwards presents award to Tim Dunn.
Council president Mike Aspacher said he has spent a lot of time at the ball park. “A number of families and a number of kids have been affected in a positive way by BG baseball and Tim Dunn,” he said.
Every spring, the ball park seems to be on automatic reset and ready for kids to step up to the plate. “That’s because all of the work Tim does behind the scenes,” Aspacher said. “The city of Bowling Green is a better place because of his efforts.”
Council member Bob McOmber said his son starting play ball out at the park at age 9. He continued, “till they tore the uniform off of him.”
“He’s made Bowling Green a better place for a lot of kids,” McOmber said of Dunn.
Like many parents watching games in the bleachers, council member Theresa Charters Gavarone said she spent many a cold, windy night out at Carter Park.
“It was a great experience,” for the kids playing ball, she said.
Council member Sandy Rowland said her grandchild played ball at Carter Park and loved the experience. “You play a major role in making the community the fine place it is.”
Public Works Director Brian Craft, who coached kids’ teams at Carter Park, said the ballplayers didn’t know how good they had it till they traveled to other ballparks and found there was no running water, no restrooms, no concession stand. They quickly realized how lucky they were to have Carter Park.
“Hats off to you, Tim,” Craft said.
Dunn accepted the award, but passed on the credit to all the volunteers, coaches and parents who help run the league. He also thanked businesses for helping out with everything from heavy equipment to prep the fields, to food, to fundraising.
As he looked out at those in the council chambers Monday evening, Dunn saw many people who helped coach, helped in the concession stand or cheered for teams during the last four decades.
“It’s been a challenging, but fun 40 years,” Dunn said.
“We have a great story out there” at Carter Park, he said. “It’s just a great place to be in the spring and summer.”
Dunn invited those at the council meeting to revisit Carter Park – even if their kids have outgrown the league.
“If you have a chance to come out this summer and have a slush and a hot dog, come out and do it,” he said.
The other award Monday evening went to Police Officer Tyson Richmond, who on March 10 responded to a call of a man not breathing.
Police Chief Tony Hetrick presents award to Officer Tyson Richmond.
Police Chief Tony Hetrick said Richmond quickly assessed the situation and started rescue breathing, and continued until paramedics arrived. Emergency responders suspected an overdose and administered multiple doses of Narcan. The paramedics on the scene said Richmond’s efforts may have saved the man’s life.
“He acted quickly and decisively,” Hetrick said of Richmond. “He helped give a young man a second chance at life that day.”
Hetrick noted the rarity of the Meritorious Service Award that Richmond earned. In the past 18 years, just five have been awarded.
“This is not something we give out lightly,” the chief said.
Richmond was joined by his wife, Rachel, daughter, son and other family members as he received the award.
In other business, council:
- Heard from Parks and Recreation Director Kristin Otley that Monday was the first day for summer program registrations for citizens in the city. As of 4 p.m. Monday, 300 transactions for programs had been made. Registrations can be made at the Simpson Building, the community center or online.
- Learned from Public Works Director Brian Craft that the city had hired a new arborist. Grant Jones, from Longwood Gardens near Philadelphia, will start in the position on May 31.
- Heard from Craft that 14 trees along West Wooster Street that were lost last fall during gas line work were being replaced this week.
- Recognized the work of the city’s Bicycle Safety Commission, with May being National Bicycling Month.
