Former Little League coach, president honored
by Peter Jakey, Managing Editor
Dick McDonald was honored at Little League opening day festivities last Saturday at Edna Lound Recreation Area. Surrounded by baseball and softball players, who lined the foul lines and outfield grass, McDonald went to the mound with a baseball and threw the ceremonial first pitch to grandson, Ian, and in the famous words of legendary baseball announcer Bob Uecker in the movie ?Major League? the pitch was ?just a bit outside.?
McDonald coached Onaway Little Leaguers for 15 years, starting in 1966 and continuing until 1981. He was instrumental in getting the local program sanctioned in 1973 and became the first president.
In 1975, McDonald?s Major Boys? club became the first Onaway all-star team to win a tournament game, winning two in the districts, before losing to Onaway in the final. He was given a rousing round of applause to conclude the ceremony, which was followed by team pictures in the outfield and a slew of games throughout the day.
The weather cooperated in spectacular fashion, with the mercury already at 80 degrees by the time McDonald threw the pitch just after 10 a.m. The coaches and team sponsors also were acknowledged for their efforts in making the start of another season possible.