Oxford, AL – The Ozone baseball field at Oxford Lake Park received a new name during dedication ceremonies held Friday, March 6, 2026, honoring two individuals who played significant roles in the development of youth baseball in the community.
During its regular meeting on February 10, 2026, the Oxford City Council approved a resolution naming the field “Russ Baker – Sal Gardner Field” to “recognize, honor, and express appreciation” for the contributions both men made to the Oxford Baseball for Youth program.
The newly named field hosted its first games of the 2026 Oxford Baseball for Youth season following the dedication ceremony, which featured elements of a traditional hometown celebration.
Members of the Oxford High School Jazz Band opened the event with the National Anthem as Ozone League teams, made up of players ages 10–12, lined the baselines and outfield.
“This is a big moment for all of us,” said Mayor Alton Craft. “Many of us played here when we called it ‘The Hole.’ I didn’t know Mr. Baker, but I did know Sal Gardner. I know Mr. Baker had a lot to do with building this field, but I can tell you there were a lot of mammas and daddies also working on this field.”
Craft also reflected on his personal connection to Gardner, recalling both competing against him and later coaching alongside him for more than three decades.
“He was one of the most phenomenal coaches I have ever met,” Craft said. “He loved children more than anything. I don’t know if Sal knew everything about x’s, o’s, and batting, but I do know he knew and loved children. He was a fantastic person, and I loved him like a brother.”
Russ Baker played a key role in the early development of youth baseball facilities in Oxford. He helped establish the Baseball for Youth playing field at Oxford Lake Park and was instrumental in bringing lighting to the ballfields. The field was constructed in the early 1960s largely through volunteer efforts and support from General Electric, where Baker worked.
Baker later returned to Kentucky in the late 1960s, where he remained active in civic organizations and church service while continuing to support youth sports. He passed away on September 16, 1999, at the age of 86.
Oxford Parks and Recreation Director Don Hudson shared additional history about the field and the individuals honored during the ceremony.
“Sal Gardner played in the first games here after the field was built in 1960,” Hudson said. “Before then, you had to go to Anniston to play baseball.”
Hudson noted that Baker was motivated to help develop the field because he wanted opportunities for his three sons to play youth baseball in Oxford.
“This used to be just woods,” Hudson said. “The field was built mostly with the help of GE, for whom Mr. Baker worked, along with a lot of volunteers.”
Hudson also recalled playing in the very first game on the field.
“I played in the first game ever played on this field, and I am proud of that,” Hudson said. “We are also proud of what this youth baseball program continues to do. Congratulations to all of you who have made it successful and continue to make it successful. Thank you to the mayor, city council, and a special thanks to all of you parents who make this a very special event.”
Coach Sal Gardner coached local youth baseball teams in Oxford for 47 years. During that time, his teams won or tied for area championships four times, made several playoff appearances, and captured two state youth baseball championships in 1985 and 1990. Gardner passed away on May 4, 2024, at the age of 76.
Following remarks during the ceremony, Hudson presented a formal copy of the proclamation naming the field to Gardner’s son, Ty Gardner. Ty then threw the ceremonial first pitch, which was caught by Ozone player Kypton Reeves while members of the Gardner family stood nearby.
Mayor Craft concluded the ceremony with the traditional call to begin the season.
“Let’s play ball!”
Heather Leigh Gardner, Coach Gardner’s daughter-in-law, later shared appreciation on behalf of the family.
“We as a family couldn’t be more proud of the stunning wall, a testament to the enduring legacy of Sal’s selfless contributions to the kids and community,” Heather wrote. “It was a profound honor for us to celebrate the remarkable impact he had on the lives of so many.”
Oxford Baseball for Youth is an entirely volunteer-run organization and has registered more than 500 athletes for the 2026 season.
