Pictured L-R: Head coach of the 18U AA Beavers, Dean Dimmick and junior umpire, Hudson Ford received postseason awards from Baseball Sask for their efforts over the baseball season. (Twitter/Baseball Sask)

By Martin Martinson

Making an Impact

Locals Dimmick, Ford recognized by Baseball Sask. for contributions to game

Dec 21, 2021 | 4:00 PM

A pair of familiar faces around the Battlefords ball diamonds were recognized by Baseball Saskatchewan for their contributions to the game in the community and province.

Local head coach of the 18U Beavers, Dean Dimmick, has been named 2021 Builder of the Year, while Hudson Ford was named recipient of the 2021 Lou Slotsve Junior Umpire of the Year Award.

Builder of the Year 2021, Dean Dimmick

Dimmick said while the news came as a surprise when he heard it, it is something he called an honour.

“I didn’t even know I was nominated so I really wasn’t expecting it, but it’s something special for sure,” he said. “It was nice to be recognized, but I do it for the kids and for the love of the sport with many others, and we have so many on our board alone who are as deserving if not more, so I couldn’t do it without them.”

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Behind the bench, Dimmick led the 18U Beavers to a season to remember, as the team won AA provincials; their first in more than a half-decade. Dimmick said the team’s ability to come together and steadily improve throughout the year made the provincial win one he’ll remember for some time.

“On the field it was a great season, we had a very young team and they just grew as players throughout the season and peaked at the right time of year,” he said. “It was really great just getting to watch the team develop this year, and really put it all together.”

In addition to his duties as coach, Dimmick also served as the Baseball Sask. representative for senior AA provincials, held in North Battleford this past summer.

Player-coach with the senior Beavers, Kyle Gregoire said they were grateful to have Dimmick there to ensure the tournament was the success it turned out to be.

“Dean took care of any issues concerning the games, umpires, and just ensuring everything went smoothly for the weekend and he really did a great job,” Gregoire said. “He’s been a great community guy for baseball here in North Battleford, whether at the minor level or helping out with senior, and the length of time he’s been doing it is outstanding. It’s something special to have someone like that to be around for baseball in the community.”

Lou Slotsve Junior Umpire of the Year award winner 2021, Hudson Ford

Hudson Ford just wrapped his third year behind the plate for Battlefords Minor Baseball in the community.

“Three items stand out when considering Hudson for the nomination,” read a statement from Baseball Sask. “First, his appearance is always neat, [and] he is on time and considerate of those he is working with and officiating. Second, he attempts in every game to improve on his last attempt. Finally, he takes a very mature approach when dealing with coaches, fans and players[…] You always hope as an Umpire in Chief you get a young official like Hudson in the program.”

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Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @MartyMartyPxP1