The Ozone baseball field at Oxford Lake Park was given a new name during dedication ceremonies on Friday, March 6, 2026.
Oxford City Council passed a resolution during their February 10, 2026, regular session naming the field in honor of Coach “Sal” Gardner and Russ Baker to “recognize, honor, and express appreciation” for the contributions the two gentlemen made to the Oxford Baseball for Youth program.
“Russ Baker – Sal Gardner Field” hosted its first games of the 2026 Oxford Baseball for Youth season following all the ruffles and flourishes of a hometown Americana ceremony.
Baker was instrumental in lighting the ball fields at Oxford Lake Park and helping establish Baseball for Youth’s new playing field there in 1963. Baker returned to Kentucky in the late 1960s, where he remained active in civic organizations and church service, and remained a lifelong supporter of youth sports. He passed away on September 16, 1999, at the age of 86.
Gardner coached local baseball teams in Oxford for 47 years, winning or tying for the area championship four times, making several playoff appearances, and winning two state youth baseball championships in 1985 and 1990. Coach Gardner passed away on May 4, 2024, at the age of 76.
Members of the Oxford High School Jazz Band opened the dedication ceremonies with the National Anthem as the Ozone league baseball teams, ages 10-12, filled the baselines and the 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 recalled playing against Coach Gardner, then coaching alongside him for more than 30 years.
“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.”
Oxford Parks and Recreation director Don Hudson added his memories of the field and the honorees.
“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 explained that at the time, Baker had three sons and wanted them 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.”
“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.”
Hudson presented a formal copy of the proclamation naming the field to Coach Gardner’s son, Ty, who was given the honors of throwing out the ceremonial first pitch while backed by members of the Gardner family. That pitch was caught by Ozone player Kypton Reeves.
Mayor Craft then gave the shout to “Let’s play ball!”
Heather Leigh Gardner, Coach Gardner’s daughter-in-law, expressed her 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 entirely volunteer-run and has registered over 500 athletes for the 2026 season. For more information, visit the program’s Facebook page.