Ceremony Set To Honor Vernon Sports and Rec Legend With Field Naming

VERNON, CT — The official naming of an athletic field in honor of a sports and recreation legend in Vernon is set for next week.

On Aug. 19, the softball field at Henry Park will be dedicated to the memory of Stephen E. "Krash" Krajewski, a long-time Vernon Parks and Recreation Department employee and hall of fame athlete at Rockville High School and Eastern Connecticut State University. A ceremony is scheduled for 6 p.m. at the field, rain or shine.

The Vernon Town Council endorsed the move in May. It will be aptly named Stephen "Krash" Krajewski field.

Krajewski rose through the ranks to become assistant director of parks and recreation, and served in that role for many years.

Krajewski, who died in January at the age of 69, was focused throughout his 42-year career
in Vernon on creating athletic and recreation programs for people of all ages. He
worked with community groups to create programs, such as Day in the Park, with the
Vernon Junior Women’s Club. He also played a key role in creating July in the Sky, and
countless athletic programs for children.

He also worked with adults to create and sustain softball and baseball leagues that
play at Henry Park.

At Rockville High School and Eastern Connecticut State University, Krajewski was an standout baseball player. At Rockville High, he led the team to conference titles in 1971 and 1972 and was named a CIAC all-star. In 1973, he was named Journal Inquirer high school athlete of the year.

Krajewski continued to be a fierce competitor at Eastern Connecticut State University, where he earned the nickname 'Krash,' was a four-year starter on the baseball team and batted better than .300 in his four seasons.

He played on two teams that qualified for the NCAA Division III tournament, was most valuable player his senior year and was named to Eastern’s all-time baseball team in 1978.

He continued to play competitive baseball with the Vernon Orioles until 1993, then coached, managed and supported the team until his passing.

"Naming the Henry Park softball field in Steve’s honor is appropriate because of his service and commitment to our community during his long career," Vernon Mayor Dan Champagne said after the council vote. "Steve was a true community servant whose focus was on getting the job done and doing right by the people of Vernon."