Wednesday, May 11, 2016

Donald I. Gurney Sr. Field Day — A Celebration of Springfield Athletics

Remembering a great man, celebrating our youth, recognizing our athletes and some good old fashion family fun, that is what the Donald I. Gurney Sr. Field Day — A Celebration of Springfield Athletics — is all about.
Be a part of the exciting, first time ever, event on Saturday, May 14th. The Springfield Booster Club, Springfield Parks and Rec and Springfield School District have been working in collaboration to make this incredible idea a realty.

A longtime Springfield resident, Donald I. Gurney Sr. passed away on Oct. 17, 2015. Gurney was an incredible man that did what he could to help out his town with the goal of making Springfield a great place to live. He was the founder of many organizations including the Springfield Booster Club. It is in his honor that this event has been created and properly named.

The day is action packed starting at 10 a.m. with a parade leaving from Clinton Street and ending at Riverside Middle School. The parade, led by the Boy Scout and Cub Scout Color Guard, will consist of vehicles from Gurney Brother’s Construction — including Gurney’s Calliope along with trucks and trailers. The trailers will be filled with the day’s athletes — 323 softball and baseball athletes to be exact from grades K-12.

Upon culmination of the parade there will be Opening Ceremony on Robinson Field at Riverside Middle School, scheduled for 11:15 a.m. The ceremony boasts live music by Travis Parker and The Imperfectionists, the National Anthem by SHS Madrigal singers, Bob Flint as the guest speaker and a ceremonial first pitch to set the stage for the day, plus a few other surprises. Games are scheduled to begin at noon — over the course of the day there will be 16 games played on five fields at Riverside. The games range from being exhibition to scrimmage and of course official. Official games include: 8th grade boys vs. GMUHS, JV Boys & Girls vs Woodstock and Varsity boys vs GMUHS.

The fields and park will be busy that day with family activities, food and Cosmos merchandise, live music at the bandstand, face painting and of course the incredible games. All Springfield athletes have been invited to be on hand and showcase their sport including the off season teams and the remaining spring season teams. The culmination of the day begins with a game under the lights at Robinson Field starting at 6 p.m. and then segueing into the closing ceremony set for 8 p.m. The closing ceremony will be a candle light vigil set to remember and reflect upon Gurney — the man he was and the legacy he leaves us with.

The current Booster Club president, Rachel Hunter stated, “We believe Mr. Gurney continually supported and contributed to Springfield because he wanted to see the town grow and evolve — we are taking that same approach with this event — we want to recognize the athletes and also allow the event to grow and evolve over time in his memory.” The Springfield Booster Club, Springfield Parks & Rec and Springfield School District would like to invite you to be part of this event — to remember a great man and to continue the work he began supporting Springfield athletics and Springfield’s youth.

— Springfield Booster Club



323 softball and baseball athletes from K-12th grade will play at RMS including JV and Varsity official season games.

9:30  All P&R, RMS and SHS baseball/softball teams arrive at NBC Solid parking lot on Clinton Street. Each team will have a trailer or truck they will be riding on with their coaches in the parade. No baseball or softball teams will be walking.

10:00 – 11:00  Parade starts on Clinton Street and will travel on Main Street to RMS. Please note that ALL cars MUST be in RMS parking lot or Plaza parking lot. There will be 30 minute traffic stop of ALL vehicles going into or out of RMS immediately following the last parade vehicle. Please park and walk in and out to ensure you do not miss the opening ceremony.

11:15  Opening Ceremony 323 softball and baseball athletes join the Boy Scout Troop 252 and Cub Scout Pack 258 color guard in Robinson Field with live music from The Imperfectionists and Bob Flint as our guest speaker.

12:00 – 8:00  Playball Food and merchandise available all day!!!!

2:00  Cake Cutting Ceremony – Join us for an a sweet treat and a beautiful cake

8:00  Closing Ceremony on Robinson Field    

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