Holyoke Youth baseball and city honor Ratchford

Date: 6/22/2010

June 23, 2010.

By G. Michael Dobbs

Managing Editor

HOLYOKE -- Say the name "Doc" in the Paper City and people think of youth baseball -- that's what several of the people said at the dedication Friday of the baseball field at Anniversary Field to Dr. Harold Ratchford.

Mayor Elaine Pluta and City Council President Joseph McGiverin were among those who gathered to honor Ratchford. Ratchford's accomplishments were noted by proclamations from the mayor, the City Council, the House of Representatives and the State Senate.

Ratchford, a lifelong baseball fan, was active in the youth program for years playing multiple roles from coach to coordinators to president of the organization. He told Reminder Publications this field was one where he coached his son's team.

"It has a lot of meaning," he said.

Looking across it, he recalled that was at a time prior to the construction of Interstate 91, which is at the top of the steep hill at one side of the field. He coached at the field over 11 years, he added.

John McAndrew, the president of the Parks and Recreation Commission said that Ratchford was "a great mentor and role model" to many people and that his "legacy is there: so many volunteers, great coaches" in the youth baseball program.

Ratchford, a native of Danbury, Conn., came to Holyoke to practice dentistry in 1953. Besides his lengthy association with the Holyoke Youth Baseball League, he served as a Parks and Recreation Commissioner, was a member of the Holyoke Lions Club and volunteered at the Holyoke Boys & Girls Club, the Holyoke Health Center and St. Paul's Episcopal Church. In 2000, the Holyoke St. Patrick's Parade Committee recognized his efforts by giving him its Citizenship Award.

The field will be marked with a metal plaque that will be attached to a large stone to be placed behind the backstop.

Ratchford admitted that he was never very good as a baseball player, but the sport was a "passion" for him. He thanked his wife, Mary, for helping make possible his involvement with the game.

Of the honor itself, he said, "Whether I deserve it or not, I'm going to keep it."