Toledo Mayor Brian Sokol gave a brief speech at the field's dedication. PHOTO BY MICHAEL D. DAVIS

Last Saturday was a day dedicated to baseball. A celebration for a local man that made it all the way to the major leagues — the one, the only, Leonard “King” Cole.

King was born in Toledo on April 15, 1886, and now, 137 years later, the local baseball field bears his name. Cole attended Toledo public schools before working his way up to becoming the “Rookie of the Year” while playing for the Chicago Cubs. George Herman “Babe” Ruth had his first hit in the major leagues on a pitch thrown by the King.

Saturday, April 29, started its festivities up at the Wieting Theater with several speakers on the docket. First up on the stage was Vicente Javier, originally from the Dominican Republic. Javier was the shortstop, second baseman, and third baseman for the Cedar Rapids Reds (Kernels) from 1987 to 1991.

Vicente talked about growing up in the Dominican Republic; and his love for baseball.

“I would steal my brother’s socks and fold them multiple times with a rubber band,” Vicente said about improvising a baseball.

The new sign that labels Leonard “King” Cole Field. PHOTO BY MICHAEL D. DAVIS

Second up to speak were Jim Van Scoyoc and Kent Stock, former head coaches for Norway High School. The pair are known for coaching Norway High School to victory in their last season of baseball, the story of which became the basis of the movie “The Final Season.”

“It was a lot of pressure; It was following a legend. But I had the most wonderful 14 boys on that baseball team,” Kent said.

After an intermission filled with cookies and other refreshments, where those in attendance could look over historic baseball memorabilia, John Liepa, a historian and Professor Emeritus of History and Political Science at Des Moines Area Community College, spoke about the history of baseball in general and its specific ties to Iowa.

“In 1867, there were over 200 town teams in Iowa, including nine in Des Moines and one in Toledo,” Liepa informed.

The last speaker at the Wieting was Steve Seder, the Great Nephew of Leonard “King” Cole.

A Baseball Game was had between STC and West Marshall. PHOTO BY MICHAEL D. DAVIS

Those present then proceeded across town to Toledo Heights Park. Gathering around the field on the north end of the park, the baseball fans encircled the new sign that dons the King’s name.

Toledo Mayor Brian Sokol stood next to the new sign and recited a quick speech to those assembled.

“This is a good day. This is what we want to be remembered about,” he said.

Grilled burgers were then served for lunch out at the STC baseball field as a game of Spring League Baseball was played between STC and West Marshall.

The day was wrapped up with a viewing of the movie “The Final Season” at the Wieting Theater, which was inspired by two of the day’s speakers from neighboring Benton County. It was just one April Saturday filled with baseball, but it has forever changed the local landscape.

Attendees enjoy themselves at the Wieting Theater learning about baseball. PHOTO BY MICHAEL D. DAVIS

A local Toledo boy that made it all the way to the major leagues will now never be forgotten as the local baseball field is now, and will always be, The Leonard “King” Cole Field.

Historic baseball memorabilia was available for people to peruse. PHOTO BY MICHAEL D. DAVIS