Little League Opening Day Honors Rich Jackson

When Greater Dunedin Little League begins its 58th season on Feb. 18, young ball players will step onto a field newly named for the man credited with its existence.

What was once Field No. 4, now bears the name of the late Richard “Rich” B. Jackson, a former Dunedin league president.

“Rich spent a lot of hours at the fields to help ensure that all of the kids in the community had good fields to play on, and any equipment they needed to play,” Greater Dunedin Little League president Andy Sass wrote in a Dec. 2 letter to Vince Gizzi, parks and recreation director.

A dedication ceremony at the field is at noon on Greater Dunedin Little League opening day.

Jackson joined the organization in 1980 as a T-ball manager and worked up to vice president and president between 1984 and 1987.

Former league president Bob Kramer outlined the impact Jackson had on the league during in a Nov. 14 letter asking officials to consider renaming the field in his memory. He said Jackson was the force behind getting the little league fundraiser concessions up and running at the Dunedin Blue Jays' stadium, before the Jays ultimately took it over. He was also instrumental in fundraising for Field No. 4.

Jackson passed away in July 2011.

“For me and many other people involved in the Little League Baseball here in Dunedin, we feel it appropriate that Field 4 be dedicated to the memory of Richard Jackson,” Kramer wrote.

The city granted approval for the re-naming on Jan. 5, 2012.

For Families Planning to Attend

• When/Where: Opening day celebrations begin at 10:30 a.m., end at 2:30 p.m. at Fisher Field No. 2 in  (ceremonies run about 1 hour). Rich Jackson's Field No. 4 dedication is at noon.
• Cost: Bracelets for the bouncy house and games are $3 for unlimited play. Concessions and fundraiser raffle tickets available for purchase.
• Celebrity appearance: Dunedin Blue Jays mascot DJay plans to attend.