Updated following renaming ceremony
His given name was Alexander John, but everyone knew him as “Duey,” and they knew him as a St. John’s icon and one of the pre-eminent movers — in addition to one of the most beloved characters — in local sports.
Duey Fitzgerald was honoured Saturday as the ballfield at Victoria Park in St. John’s was renamed in his memory.
The ceremony came a year and two days after Fitzgerald died at 84.
Fitzgerald was a member of no less than seven Halls of Fame and was involved in a myriad of sports, including baseball, where he was a player and coach for the St. John’s Capitals senior side before becoming an umpire in that sport
But as an official and organizer, he is probably most associated with softball. An umpire and coach in that sport as well, Fitzgerald went on to become president of the provincial softball association. He would eventually be inducted into the St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Canadian softball Halls of Fame.
But Fitzgerald may have been just as well known for his quick, sometimes stinging, wit and his humorous observations, including those made as a colour commentator for broadcasts of local ball games. And much of the talk at Saturday well-attended renaming ceremony was centred around “Duey” stories and quotations.
“Knowing my father and knowing his wit, he’d probably say ‘It’s about time’ they did this,” laughed Stephen Fitzgerald, who spearheaded the effort to have the park renamed.
“But he’d be happy and honoured, too, especially by all the people who showed up here today.”
The unveiling of the sign carrying the park’s new name came in the midst of a slo-pitch softball tournament that was also held in Fitzgerald’s honour. Among those in attendance for the ceremony were St. John’s Mayor Danny Breen, former premier Danny Williams, comedian Mark Critch, who emceed the event, and the venerable Gordon Breen, “Mr. Baseball,” who like the park’s new namesake, is another multiple Hall of Famer and Holy Cross stalwart.
“He grew up around Victoria Park, but my dad spent so much time at all the ballfields in this city and he spent so much time in sport, I just wanted his legacy to be remembered and I thought this was a great way to have it live on.” — Stephen Fitzgerald, Duey Fitzgerald’s son
Fitzgerald was a product of the capital city’s west end and was a long-time resident of Atlantic Ave,, just a short walk from the ballpark now bearing his name.
“He grew up around Victoria Park, but my dad spent so much time at all the ballfields in this city and he spent so much time in sport, I just wanted his legacy to be remembered and I thought this was a great way to have it live on,” said Stephen Fitzgerald, who spoke at the unveiling on behalf of his family, which includes his mother Shirley and brother Andy.
“To have the support to make it happen from the community and sponsorships and the Victoria Park Foundation was just wonderful.”
Twitter: @TelyBrendan
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