O'Connor Honored at Pickford's Field

Participating in the Ken O'Connor Memorial Field dedication Saturday, May 10, are (from left) Mary O'Connor, Pickford-Cedarville Pirates' catcher Luke Murray, Chelsey O'Connor, Bill O'Connor, Pirates Coach Dan Rambo, Dan O'Connor and Duke O'Connor.

Sunshine graced the dedication of the Ken O'Connor Memorial ball field at Pickford Public Schools before the Pickford-Cedarville Pirates baseball game against Brimley Saturday, May 10.

To celebrate the occasion, Mr. O'Connor's granddaughter, Chelsey, a 2007 Pickford High School graduate, threw the ceremonial first pitch to Pirates' catcher Luke Murray. Pickford Athletic Director Chuck Bennin introduced the O'Connor family members gathered at the event, and the Pirates team.

He also commended everyone involved in bringing baseball back to the Pickford and Cedarville communities after a long absence.

With emotion in his voice, Mr. Bennin dedicated the field in memory of Mr. O'Connor, whom he called "a teacher, coach, a friend, and a special person."

Mr. O'Connor passed away a year ago in April at age 81. His widow, Mary O'Connor, made a donation to the field in memory of her husband.

Sporting her Pickford sweatshirt, Madison Thurmes, 2, shows support for the Pickford-Cedarville baseball team Saturday, May 10, at the dedication of the Ken O'Connor Memorial Field. She attended with her grandmothers, Sharon Cottle and Mary Jane Bennin, mother Christy Thurmes, and two sisters, Taylor and Tori.

She also attended the dedication, and was presented the ball from her granddaughter's ceremonial first pitch.

Baseball was the first sport Mr. O'Connor coached, after he was hired in 1954 to teach and coach at Pickford Public Schools, Mrs. O'Connor said.

He taught eighth, ninth, and 10th grade mathematics, and seventh and eighth grade English, and finally coached football and basketball toward the end of his 22 years with the district.

Three of Mr. and Mrs. O'Connor's six sons were able to attend the dedication, in addition to several friends and family members. Bill, Duke, and Dan O'Connor joined Mrs. Mary O'Connor and Chelsey O'Connor on the field, along with the baseball team.

Three other sons, Barry, Tim, and Tom, were unable to attend.