FARMINGTON — The bleachers were filled and many brought their own lawn chairs for the Hippach Field Centennial Celebration on Saturday night.

Local attorney and historian Paul Mills served as master of ceremonies.

The Howard Hippach Memorial Athletic Field was opened and dedicated in June 1916. Hippach was a three-sport athlete at the prestigious Abbott School in Farmington, and graduated in 1914. He was killed in an automobile accident four months later. His parents built Hippach Field as a memorial to their son.

Mills said Hippach was captain of the basketball team. Abbott School had about 50 students at the time but was able to beat powerhouse Deering High School and wiped out everyone in the state, he said.

Town Manager Richard Davis said, “This facility remains so phenomenal because of the diligence of the Parks and Recreation Department.”

Hippach’s great-nephew Michael Spalding said, “An unintended consequence of this field is it’s a place where memories are created. Memories are the most important things in our lives. Hopefully this field will create many more in the future.”  

Roger Spear, who helped spearhead the celebration, spoke of two famous baseball players who played at Hippach Field. One was Clyde Sukeforth, of Washington, Maine, who helped bring Jackie Robinson to Major League Baseball.

The other was Hall of Fame pitcher Lefty Gomez. After his retirement, Gomez was recruited by the Rangeley Town Team to play against the Farmington Town Team. Gomez pitched two innings and didn’t give up a hit. He walked five and hit another batter, Spear said.

Roger Lambert read the poem “Casey at the Bat.”

UMF graduate Jake “Shoeless” Newcomb explained how baseball in the 1860’s differed from today. He is a member of the Dirigo Vintage Baseball Club, which was formed 10 years ago to preserve the way baseball was played during its formative years.

Newcomb spoke of the lemon peel ball that was later used during a game between his team and the Sunrise Club of Brunswick. The Dirigo team represented the Western Maine Normal School in 1864, the year it was established. No gloves are used, and the pitcher pitches underhand and the game is fan-friendly, Newcombe said. The team also wore uniforms from that era.

Records show the Sunrise Club played Bowdoin College in 1860. One of the bats used then is on display and is the second oldest bat on record, Newcombe said.

Sammie Angel sang the national anthem, and Hippach’s great-nephew Edward Spalding threw out the first pitch.

Current members of the town’s still-active first Little League team, the Farmington Braves, yelled, “Play Ball!” and the game began.

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