'It was part of his blood': Gordie Howe Fastball Field to be renamed for veteran Saskatoon softball coach

According to those that knew him best, Joe Gallagher grew up with a softball glove in his hand.

Next week, Saskatoon's Gordie Howe Fastball Field will be officially renamed in honour of the veteran coach and player. Active in the sport for 50 years, Gallagher made a major contribution to the sport.

"He worked with kids of all ages and adults of all ages," Saskatoon Amateur Softball Association president Bryan Kosteroski told CBC Radio's Saskatoon Morning.

"We thought it was a great honour to put his name on that diamond."

And Gallagher's contributions didn't stop at the diamond. His wife Vera would sew team uniforms for children who couldn't afford them.

"She would go buy material so the kids would have an opportunity to play," he said.

"They have a legacy there, and they're well-known in the community."

The softball association started looking for a new name for the fastball field around a year and a half ago, after the entire sports complex was named after Gordie Howe.

"We talked to Mark and Marty Howe regarding the name change, and they were very supportive of it," said Kosteroski.

"Joe knew Gordie from way back. They had a friendship."

Gallagher died last year, but the baseball community says he'll never be forgotten.

"He was at the diamond every day," he said.

"Whether his team was playing or he was watching, he had to be there. It was part of his blood."

An official ceremony will be held at the newly-renamed Joe Gallagher Field on Wednesday, May 17 at 6:45 p.m. CST.