'John A. Gutowski Field' Memorializes Late Youth Coach, Mentor

LONG VALLEY, N.J. - His players and colleagues on the baseball field will never forget him, and now the community can remember John Gutowski for decades to come.

The Long Valley Baseball Club and community as a whole come out Saturday afternoon to honor Gutowski, who died at the age of 51 in 2015. Gutowski spent decades coaching youth sports, leading his Babe Ruth baseball team to the league title in 2013.

Through fundraising a memorial stone was created and installed behind the Palmer Park 3 field with a plaque acknowledging the coach and Long Valley resident.

In addition, the field was named after Gutowski, and the unveiling of his name plate took place during the ceremony. The sign now hangs below the scoreboard in left field.

During the unveiling, the scoreboard reflected back on the final tally of the Babe Ruth title game that crowned Gutowski and his squad champions. Gutowski's son, John, threw out the first pitch of the Long Valley Baseball Club game being held Saturday afternoon on that field.

Gutowski was a successful business owner and widely known for his hard work and integrity. Outside of work, Gutowski enjoyed vintage cars, Corvettes, and going on road trips aboard his Harley Davidson motorcycle.

He loved watching his kids compete, and was a member of Local 1 Elevator Constructor’s Union in New York.

Gutowski is survived by his wife, Connie; children John, Jessica, and Christopher; and a large extended family.

Photos Courtesy Long Valley Baseball Club