Mexico baseball field named for Rich
By CHRIS BUTCHER
Monday, July 7, 2008 9:14 PM EDT
MEXICO - Friends, family and community members came to Mexico on Friday evening to honor and remember Master Trooper Detective David E. Rich, as a dedication ceremony took place, renaming the baseball field after Rich.
The field, donated by Dr. Charles F. Rendel in 1942, underwent a severe makeover beginning last October led by the efforts of Jim Alwine, a lifetime friend of the Rich family and Chairman of the event.
"There were so many people involved in this that donated time, materials and efforts, and I just can't thank them enough," said Alwine.
The efforts didn't go unnoticed as many who walked around the park talked about the dramatic changes, including Jack Rich, David's father and a former Mexico little league coach.
"I coached Bob (his oldest son) and Dave both when they played ball down here and I can tell you, this field has not always looked like this," Jack Rich said. "This is a wonderful gesture by the community and I know they put a lot of work into this. It means a whole lot to us and I'm sure David would be very pleased by it all."
A field that was once a clay tennis court and has seen generations come and go seemed to be right where it was always meant to be on this the 232nd birthday of our country.
Dr. Jeffrey Rendel of Kokomo, grandson of Charles F. Rendel, was in attendance, representing the family who donated the land where generations to come will make their own memories.
"I'm proud of the contributions my family has made to the community over the past century," said Rendel. "I think my grandfather would have been happy to do this and happy about the way it was done."
A large limestone block was placed in centerfield honoring Rich and recognizing Dr. Rendel for his contribution.
State Rep. William Friend was on hand to speak and present a flag that was flown at the State Capitol on Memorial Day in memory of Rich.
"David's influence will live on," said Friend. "I'm very pleased and excited that this community who lost a favorite son is able to honor his memory in this way."
Rich's brother Bob Rich was overwhelmed by the gesture.
"People are really special around here," Bob Rich said. "You can walk downtown in big cities all you want, but this is really what a community is suppose to be. Dave would be so honored and so pleased."
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