July 28, 2000
THE CITY OF LAKEWOOD WILL DEDICATE BASEBALL FIELD TO HALL OF FAMER JIMMIE FOXX
Baseball legend Jimmie Foxx will be honored on Tuesday, August 8, 2000, in a dedication ceremony at Kauffman Park in Lakewood. Mayor Madeline A. Cain and City Council will join the Foxx family and special guests at the ceremony, which will take place at noon on the baseball diamond. Directing the festivities will be chairperson and sports commentator Casey Coleman and emcees Tony and Bob DiBiasio. Guests include Mike Hegan, Mel Harder, Herb Score, Chuck Heaton and Dan Coughlin.
Jimmie Foxx, often described as the "right-handed Babe Ruth," was one of the greatest powerhitters in major league baseball history. Foxx won three MVP awards (1932, 1933 and 1938), winning the coveted Triple Crown award in 1933 as well. Also known as "Double X" or "The Beast," Foxx hit 100 or more runs in 13 straight seasons, won 5 slugging titles, hit .300 or better thirteen times, and ended his career with a lifetime batting average of .325, 534 homers, and 1,922 RBI. He also set a record by hitting 30 or more home runs in 12 consecutive seasons. Jimmie Foxx was elected the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1951 at the age of 43. After a distinguished career with the Philadelphia Athletics, Boston Red Sox and Chicago Cubs, Jimmie Foxx retired to the City of Lakewood to raise his family. Foxx died in 1967.
On May 15th, 2000, Councilman Thomas George brought Foxx's illustrious career to the attention of City Council and urged the Council to support his efforts to create a memorial in Foxx's adopted community of Lakewood. In addition to a City Council Resolution honoring Jimmie Foxx, a hard-working committee of Volunteers has worked with Councilman George and the City of Lakewood to plan the ceremony and create a plaque. Following the unveiling of the plaque by Foxx's grandchildren, Patrick and Katie Foxx, namesake Jimmie Foxx III will throw the first commemorative pitch. The Babes of 1916, a historical baseball re-enactment team, will play a game to cap-off the festivities.
The West End Tavern will be providing hot dogs, with popcorn from Around
the Corner and peanuts donated by Peterson's Nuts. The festivities are
free, and the public is invited to attend. Kauffman Park is located at
the north terminus of Arthur Avenue.
JAMES EMORY FOXX
b. Oct. 22, 1907, Sudlersville, Md., U.S.
d. July 21, 1967, Miami, FL