Grandchildren of Dean Emmerson play together in Noblesville Babe Ruth game
By RICHIE HALL
NOBLESVILLE – The spirit of Dean Emmerson was looking down at the field named after him on Saturday, May 30 and was undoubtedly smiling.
Three of Emmerson’s grandchildren were playing a Noblesville Babe Ruth game together on Emmerson Field in Noblesville’s Forest Park. The two grandsons – Ben Emmerson, 16, and Samuel Emmerson, 13 – were joined by Dean’s granddaughter, Addi Emmerson. Addi is 18 and just finished her freshman year at Lee University, but she was still age-eligible to play in a Noblesville Babe Ruth game and joined her brothers on the field that morning.
(Photo provided)
Addi Emmerson said that getting to play the game was a “good experience” and that it was nice she and her brothers are close enough in age that they could play with each other.
“You never think that you’re going to be on the same field as your little brothers, but it’s really special and I know that Grandpa’s looking down and he’s really appreciating the family moment for us,” said Addi Emmerson.
The three siblings played for the Mountain State Financial Group team. While the team lost the game, the focus was more about getting to play with each other and honoring Dean Emmerson. Family and friends gathered after the game for a small pizza party.
Dean Emmerson was a board member of Noblesville Babe Ruth Baseball and took care of the fields for Noblesville Babe Ruth and Noblesville Girls Softball. Emmerson Field was named after Dean in 2008 and he was honored by the City of Noblesville with a “Dean Emmerson Day” in 2013. Dean passed away in 2021 at the age of 73.
“Just knowing how much effort my grandpa put into this, just being able to play out here is amazing,” said Ben Emmerson.
“It’s pretty cool seeing that our grandpa did all this and we’re playing on it like we’re behind him, and he’s helping us through the game,” said Samuel Emmerson.
Addi Emmerson agreed, saying that playing on the field “definitely draws us closer to him.”
“It does feel like we’re playing with Grandpa, that we’re able to share this with him, even though he’s not here anymore,” she said.
For the Emmerson boys, it was the first time playing for Babe Ruth. Ben said he has been playing travel ball “for about 10 years,” while Samuel has played for Noblesville Youth Baseball and a travel team.
“It’s been amazing,” said Ben. “It’s completely different. You meet new people and they’re just the best people you’ll ever meet, man. I’m probably going to be friends with these dudes for 50 years. These are some of my best friends right now and I cannot wait to keep playing with them.”
“Babe Ruth has been my favorite experience so far, by far,” said Samuel. “I like how they keep the fields nice and all my teammates and coaches are just amazing.”
Mike Concannon, the Mountain State Financial Group team’s coach, mentioned to Noblesville Babe Ruth president Chris Thomas that Addi Emmerson was still age-eligible to play in the league, and things developed from there.
“It was really a simple conversation we had,” said Concannon. “I called Chris and the wheel started going. It was just good to have them play on Grandpa’s field. I would do it every week if we could, to be honest.”
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