Fairfield honors Nuxhall by renaming field
First exhibition game at Joe Nuxhall Field shortened because of rain.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
A week after Hamilton High School retired Joe Nuxhall's No. 41 jersey, Fairfield High School honored the late Cincinnati Reds player and broadcaster by renaming its baseball field — located at the middle school on Nilles Road — "Joe Nuxhall Field".
The dedication ceremony took place Sunday, April 20, at the field and was followed by an exhibition game between Hamilton and Fairfield.
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Nuxhall was a Fairfield resident for more than 50 years and an active supporter of the city's schools.
"It was pretty emotional for me," his son, Kim Nuxhall said. "To have both Hamilton and Fairfield honor him like this – Hamilton being where he grew up and Fairfield where he raised his kids. It's really touching."
Kim Nuxhall, who teaches physical education at Fairfield Central Elementary School, threw out the first pitch. To honor his father, known as "The Ol' Lefthander", he threw out the pitch left-handed.
"I definitely haven't thrown out many left-handed pitches in my life," he said. "But it was close to a strike."
The ceremony included the unveiling of the new "Joe Nuxhall Field" sign in left-center field, and the new archway that also bears his name.
"Hopefully for years to come, it will keep his legacy going," Fairfield baseball coach Larry Price said. "(Joe Nuxhall) didn't look down on anybody, whether you're a hero or an everyday citizen."
Joe Nuxhall pitched for Hamilton High until 1944 when, at age 15, he signed with the Reds and soon after became the youngest player ever in baseball's modern era to appear in a major league baseball game.
The idea to rename the field was first brought up by the Fairfield Board of Education in October, a month before he passed away at the age of 79.
"I was contacted by (board members) Mark Morris and Dan Murray," Kim Nuxhall said. "We were at a Bob Evans (restaurant) with my dad. Once he stepped away for a second, they told me about the idea. I was really touched by it."
Sunday's exhibition game was called in the third inning because of rain.
