Correspondence
& Testimonials
on the occasion
of
The Memorial
Field Dedication
August 8, 2000
One of the joys of living in a small town is that there is a keen awareness of the contributions made by its residents. For any number of reasons, Lakewood is unique among Greater Cleveland's suburbs in that, despite its size, the city retains a small town atmosphere. It is important that Lakewood continue to recognize the contributions its residents have made whether they be in service to their country, government, education, the arts, entertainment or athletics.
By recognizing those individuals, it helps each of us put into perspective our own actions and deeds, as humbling as that may be. Recognizing those individuals gives the community and each one of us a sense of dignity and pride, traits that are often lost in today's world. Finally, it lets neighbors and friends know that we care about and appreciate one another.
On behalf of the citizens of the City of Lakewood, it is with great pleasure that we dedicate the baseball field at Kauffman Park in honor of Jimmie Foxx who, after retiring from professional baseball, chose to raise his family here, unselfishly volunteered his time on Lakewood's sandlot baseball fields, and who blessed us with his humanity.
Sincerely,
Thomas J. George
Ward 2 Councilman
The City of Lakewood welcomes you to the dedication of Jimmie foxx Field, honoring one of the greatest power hitters in major league baseball history and an adopted son of our community. After retiring from his distinguished career with the Philadelphia Athletics, the Boston Red Sox and the Chicago Cubs, Jimmie foxx chose the City of Lakewood as his home.
During a time of great sluggers, Jimmie foxx out-slugged them all. Often described as the "right-handed Babe Ruth," Foxx won Most Valuable Player awards in 1932, 1933 and 1938, winning the Triple Crown award in 1933 as well. Jimmie foxx was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1951.
Thanks to the efforts of Councilman Thomas George and with the unanimous support of Lakewood's City Council, we proudly name this field after a baseball legend, a man who enriched our City as he enriched the sport of baseball. Welcome to Jimmie Foxx Field!
Sincerely,
Madeline A.Cain, Mayor
I'm writing on behalf of the Philadelphia Athletics Historical Society to extend our congratulations on the naming of a public baseball field after the Philadelphia A's legendary slugger Jimmie Foxx. The City of Lakewood is to be applauded for this decision, and we note that the occasion will be commemorated at a dedication ceremony to be held on August 8, 2000
Unquestionably, Jimmie Foxx warrants such recognition. His deeds on the diamond have been documented in several books, and historians universally regard him as one of the greatest hitters ever to play baseball. Moreover, he had some of his most productive years as a player during the Great Depression, and his heroics served as an inspiration to millions of young boys suffering along with their families through the economic hardship of that difficult time.
For Philadelphia Athletics fans, Jimmie Foxx will forever be indelibly associated with Connie Mack's second baseball dynasty that won three American League Pennants and two World Series Championships between 1929-31. From his bronze table at the National Baseball Hall of Fame, to his life-sized statue in his home town of Sudlersville, MD, to his inclusion as one of the players honored by the United States Postal Servie in its recently-issued Legends of Baseball stamp series, Jimmie Foxx remains one of the heroes of the game whose greatness will not be diminished by time.
Our Society is dedicated to preserving and honoring the history of the Philadelphia Athletics American League Baseball Club, and that history is as nobly represented by Jimmie Foxx as it is by any man who ever played Major League Baseball.
Sincerely yours,
Robert D. Warrington
Vice President, A's Historical Society
Sudlersville, Maryland
Birthplace of James E. "Jimmy" Foxx
Loretta C. Walls, Chairperson
Foxx Statue Committee