When I was a young boy, just beginning to learn baseball from Paul Themer, Warren Hatley, and D. C. Carpenter, these three men received permission for us to practice and play practice games on a baseball field (that even had an old backstop) that was next to Hwy. 80 with the cotton gin on the other side.
As we became a little older and “age-group leagues” were formed, we played our “real games” on what was known as “Legion Field,” which was across the street from Forney Grammar School. When we played “pick-up” games, we played them there, too. It was our “home field.”
At the end of my 8th Grade year, Coach Barry coached our Forney Jr. High Team, composed of 7th and 8th Grade athletes, against DeSoto for the District Softball Championship, and we defeated them to win the only “Boys’ Softball Championship” ever played in Forney, Texas, as far as I know. We played on the Legion Field. (Yes, it had lights for night-time playing and also served during earlier years as the Softball Field for Men’s Commercial League games.)
As far as I know, this field served as the Forney High School Baseball Team’s home field and was still the only regulation high school field in Forney, even after I graduated in 1969 and some years after that!
When the new high school facility was opened in 1973-1974, a new “Jackrabbit Baseball Field” was put into use and was located off Bois d’Arc Street in the field and park area between the high school and the elementary school. It remained “The Baseball Field” even after I retired “for good” in 2010, and I sat in the stands there as I wrote articles about baseball games for The Forney Messenger.
All this leads to information sent to me by Forney Athletic Director and Friend, Neal Weaver. I wish to share with you what he wrote.
“Appropriately, the final district game played in the Old Ballpark on Bois d’Arc ended in a Jackrabbit Run Rule.”
“Countless of those have been seen here over the years, along with heated vics in extra innings, and oh those heartbreakers too, walk-off home runs, and even a perfect game or two. For the players who wear the black and gold, those who wore the colors before, coaches who poured heart and soul into baseball and softball out there, and all the fans who have enjoyed the action, this moment may be bittersweet.”
“New fields made of that wonderful stuff called artificial turf, so much more common on Texas ballfields these days, are in the works to be the new Home of the Jackrabbits. Saying goodbye to grass and dirt almost means goodbye (well almost) to mowing, irrigation, pre and post emergent weed control, marking, lining, dragging, prepping, raking, amending, winterizing, and a lot of etc. It also means a lot more practice time and a lot less rain delays and cancellations.”
“So don’t you shed no tear! But don’t forget your roots either. They are still in that soil. Generations of wonderful memories were made there for Forney-ites. A lot of local love for the national pastime was freely given, and our hats are off in appreciation and pride. Goodbye old friend.”
“Coach Jason Farrow’s post as he turned out the lights after the last game said it all so well…..”
(Jason Farrow) “Last ever regular season game at this ole place. Rabs win 10-0. I’ve coached many a great game and countless # of great young men on this field in the last 12 years. And had the pleasure of coaching with about 12 great men here by my side. As pumped as we are about our new state of the art facility, this place will always hold a special place in this old guys heart. Yes as I turned out the lights one last time, I notice a jackrabbit in the batting cages. Ironic?? I think not..I recon JMO might have had a hand in that.”
And, as my (Themer) mind still thinks I am 23 and able to run with the Rabbits, my body reminds me I am a “tad” older and more able to lope along with the ‘possums and armadillos and maybe just turtles; I remember the good ol’ days with love and affection but also look forward to what the future and progress have to offer!
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