Weather
The Pine Tree, News for Calaveras County and Beyond Weather
Amador Angels Camp Arnold Bear Valley Copperopolis Murphys San Andreas Valley Springs Moke Hill/West Point Tuolumne
News
Business Directory
Weather & Roads
Sports
Real Estate
Search
Weekly & Grocery Ads
Entertainment
Life & Style
Government
Law Enforcement
Business
Wine News
Health & Fitness
Home & Garden
Food & Dining
Religion & Faith
Frogtown USA
Calendar
Polls
Columns
Free Classifieds
Letters to the Editor
Obituaries
About Us


Log In
Username

Password

Remember Me



Posted by: thepinetree on 07/27/2021 06:03 PM Updated by: thepinetree on 07/27/2021 06:03 PM
Expires: 01/01/2026 12:00 AM
:

The Men Behind Courtright—Emerson Ballpark on its 40 Year Anniversary ~ By Ralph Emerson

Arnold, CA...Mike Courtright, Born November 5th, 1964 and tragically killed in accident September 12, 1977 and Mark Emerson, Born June 5th, 1959 and tragically died in backhoe accident September 13, 1979.  Courtright—Emerson Ballpark is named in their honor.   The memories of the two young men who died too soon can live on every time somebody visits White Pines and plays on the field built for their remembrance.  The field is a legacy left for the community they love. Below is a heartfelt message from Ralph Emerson, the brother of Mark Emerson, as well as a few photos and video from a men's softball game earlier this summer.










My Brother was my closest friend and died at age 20 but amidst the pain of losing him when
His backhoe flipped over, a plan was developed to build a softball field in remembrance
of Mark and Mike. I was at the first excavation meeting on site with Ray Shires
and my Dad, who donated their equipment and time to do the Excavating for the field.
When you complain about the short fields or configuration, it came from that first day
And we knew nothing about building a softball field,, when wood bats were still used
Regularly but we kept adding length to field because homeruns were easy, so the fence
Got taller as bats became aluminum, titanium and composite. Certainly since 1981 at the
First game to now, much has changed but I love playing softball and especially at this
Memorial field.

I suppose it is fitting that a softball field was chosen to remember these friends to all
Because my Mom started the first Little League team in Arnold and with Ray Shires
Was my coach and my Brothers coach. My Mom wanted something for her boys to do
In Arnold and from hers and others commitment to Arnold and the youth, there are now
Many activities for youth and adults to do but it started from a couple people and a
vision.

The community donated money and time to do this project and to maintain it for all these
Many years, which is a bittersweet feeling for me as I have played on this field since it was built
40 years ago. As I still play all these years later, it is with a deep sense of sadness and remembrance
of how we got this field and that the lives of Mike and Mark will forever be etched in the minds
of every person using this field.

Play and enjoy Courtright-Emerson Field
But never forget the sacrifice
That was made so you can
Enjoy it.
Ralph Emerson



Comments - Make a comment
The comments are owned by the poster. We are not responsible for its content. We value free speech but remember this is a public forum and we hope that people would use common sense and decency. If you see an offensive comment please email us at news@thepinetree.net
No Subject
Posted on: 2021-07-27 18:57:13   By: Anonymous
 
Thank You for building the ballfield

[Reply ]

No Subject
Posted on: 2021-07-27 20:19:57   By: Anonymous
 
Nice Ralph, many memories have been made there!

[Reply ]

    Re:
    Posted on: 2021-07-27 20:52:16   By: Anonymous
     
    Definitely a tragic time back then. Please do not forget the manpower & funding the Arnold Rotary Club provided. Many of those members from then are deceased & those of us remaining were down to 6 members recently. . Unfortunately, we have shut down Arnold Rotary due to the inability to recruit any young members. It is still a wonderful thing to still see the field up & running. Back in the day, it was truly a total community effort to make this field a reality. And a big thank you to both the Courtwright & Emmerson families for their contributions to Arnold over the years, both prior to & after those two tragic events.

    [Reply ]

No Subject
Posted on: 2021-07-28 06:48:45   By: Anonymous
 
Repeated profanity from this IP Address

[Reply ]

    Re: thanks
    Posted on: 2021-07-28 08:11:17   By: Anonymous
     
    There are those that give and those that take.
    Thanks to those that give. Emersons. Tom O. Candie. Chris Self.. And a host of people that continue to keep softball going at the most beautiful ballpark I've ever played at.
    Here's to hoping the younger generation continues to keep
    the ballpark going by way of helping.
    This year's Work Day was an encouraging sign of the new generation stepping up and putting in the time needed to keep Emerson/Courtright Field looking special. More volunteers showed than in year's past.
    Finally, to the snack bar family(Stacey etal) that stepped up to run the nightly serving of food, a big thank you. Those that visit the lake to cool off in the evening should bring a few dollars with you and spend 20 minutes while you eat a well made meal and watch a little softball. Just don't sit with your dog in the stands. ;-)
    Here's to hoping CCWD and the County allow 100+ residents to continue their love of softball playing at White Pines.

    [Reply ]

      Re: thanks
      Posted on: 2021-07-28 09:44:31   By: Anonymous
       
      The county will “BE ABLE TO ALLOW” it if people get vaccinated!!
      Just look at the exploding numbers going on right now. Come on people!

      [Reply ]

        Re: thanks
        Posted on: 2021-07-28 10:19:17   By: Anonymous
         
        Tell me. How many players on this field caught Covid because they aren’t vaccinated. If you want the vaccine go get it but quit shoving it down the throats of those who don’t. Perfect example? No outbreaks from this ball field!!!

        [Reply ]

          Re: thanks
          Posted on: 2021-07-28 11:15:34   By: Anonymous
           
          Catching covid.
          Get the vaccine. Most of us don't spend 100% of our life outdoors.
          Shopping? Wear a mask. Even if you're vaccinated. Keep the special senior times for those of us that do wear masks and care about being around others that don't mask up.
          Shoving a vaccine down your throat? Rational people understand the importance of a vaccine for the entire population.
          Is your dog vaccinated against rabies? Ignorance because of political beliefs doesn't mean you don't see what the right thing to do is. Your stubbornness will kill you.

          [Reply ]

            Re: thanks
            Posted on: 2021-07-28 16:04:52   By: Anonymous
             
            You’re pushing a vaccine that is killing thousands and it’s not even approved by the FDA. I’ve had covid. My antibodies are higher than you who had the vaccine. Wear your masks I don’t care but keep your lies to yourself

            [Reply ]

              Re: thanks
              Posted on: 2021-07-28 16:47:38   By: Anonymous
               
              Killing thousands of vaccinated people?
              Where'd you get those "facts"?
              99.9% of those dying from covid are unvaccinated. Fact.
              If you don't want a vaccine. Fine. Stay away from others though.

              [Reply ]

      Re: thanks
      Posted on: 2021-07-28 09:45:59   By: Anonymous
       
      Hey Ralph, don't forget the many women who have given to the ballfield.
      Patty Shires. Marge Oswald. Candie Miller. Mary Billings. The numerous snack bar ladies through the 40 year's that have had to put up with vandals.
      There are 40+ ladies playing softball this along with the 100+ men.
      Thanks to all that have been a part of the 40 year experience.

      [Reply ]

        Re: thanks
        Posted on: 2021-07-28 15:53:05   By: Anonymous
         
        They should stay home in the kitchen and clean mens houses.

        [Reply ]

Wonderful!
Posted on: 2021-07-28 10:56:54   By: Anonymous
 
Thanks so much, Ralph, for taking the time to give everyone the heartbreaking but truly inspiring history and background of our beloved softball field! It must be painful for you to relive that time in your life, but please know that your efforts are truly appreciated.

[Reply ]

    Re: Wonderful!
    Posted on: 2021-07-28 15:54:04   By: Anonymous
     
    I was raised near there and my dad picked weeds. SRS

    [Reply ]

Thank you Ralph
Posted on: 2021-08-02 13:46:05   By: Anonymous
 
Thanks for ensuring people know tragedies about Mike and Mark and the community coming together to create this facility. Mike was a childhood friend of mine and I will never forget the events of his passing even after 44 years. Incidentally, Mike's birthday was May 11th. Thanks again remembering the origins of the ballpark.

[Reply ]

인터넷바카라 우리카지노 온라인카지노
Posted on: 2022-01-31 08:00:27   By: Anonymous
 
몰디브게임사이트 온라인사설바둑이게임주소 모바일바둑이환전 Boss Breaks Down Gambling Scenes from Movies


[Reply ]


What's Related
These might interest you as well
Photo Albums

Local News

Calendar

phpws Business Directory


Mark Twain Medical Center
Meadowmont Pharmacy
Angels & San Andreas Memorial Chapels
Bear Valley Real Estate
Gerard Insurance
Bank of Stockton
Fox Security
Bistro Espresso
Chatom Winery
Middleton's Furniture
Bear Valley Mountain Resort
Cave, Mine & Zip Lines
High Country Spa & Stove
Ebbetts Pass Scenic Byway
Sierra Logging Museum Calaveras Mentoriing
Jenny's Kitchen

Copyright © The Pine Tree 2005-2023