Mother nature had other plans which caused the July 11 'Tribute to Hank Overin' game to be called off but the show went on with a dedication ceremony.
Earle Overin, son of Hank Overin planned on coming back for his 50th Wayne High Class reunion during the Wayne Chicken Show parade. He resides in Port Orange, Florida.
Rolling Hills Supply Wayne Post 43 Senior American Legion baseball head coach Robbie Gamble thought a first pitch of a baseball game would be perfect.
"I bet we contacted 30 different teams trying to get a game here," said Gamble. "With Junior Area Tournaments starting on July 11 that takes a lot of teams away because they rely on Juniors to make a Senior team. Once they start postseason they can't play with a Senior team until their postseason is over."
The Wayne vs. Lakeview Seniors game was going to be an exhibition game but was canceled due to field conditions.
Henry Clay "Hank" Overin III was a standout athlete and served in the US Army during the Korean War. His dreams of playing professional baseball with the Baltimore Orioles were cut short due to an arm injury.
In 1961, Hank and his wife Glenda settled in Wayne where he dedicated his life to sports and community service. He founded a youth center and later became the city's full-time recreation director, a role he held until retiring in 1992. The City of Wayne honored Hank's contributions by declaring "Hank Overin Day" and renaming the baseball field "Hank Overin Field."
Still having Earle, son of Hank Overin in attendance with the portrait of Hank and his number '9' being dedicated brought back memories to those in attendance.
Along with several coaching highlights for Hank Overin, many were noted when he served as head coach of the American Legion Post 43 baseball teams leading his teams to multiple state championships and runner-up titles.
There were several memories that coach Gamble shared and it all started with he was at the ball park everyday he could.
"Once I got into high school I was helping Hank with coaching and doing umpiring of little league and pony games or softball games," Gamble added. "If we weren't doing that, there was a few of us that we were just hitting in the cage all day long."
When asked what coach Gamble would like his players and the youth to take away, he responded with somebody is always watching.
"One thing that they do (players) is that they take really good care of this field," Gamble mentioned. "We've always said Hank Overin Field is one of the nicest fields around. They take pride after games and practices of getting it put back together."
Several other family members were in attendance which included Earle Overin, son of Hank Overin, throwing a few pitches to Mike Meyer his teammate and catcher from their playing days.
A number '9' will now forever be located on the left field fence retiring the number worn by Hank.
Hank Overin III passed away on May 17, 2005, in Ormond Beach, Florida, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to sports and community service in Wayne.
The 2025 Wayne Seniors (18-2) were scheduled to be in action on July 16 in Grand Island but hte games were canceled. Post 43 will be hosting the Class B Area 5 Senior Legion tourney starting on July 25.
