Talk:Sal Madrid

From BR Bullpen

My father Sal Madrid loved baseball. I loved to travel the town with him. Every one knew him as a local hero. When I was 8 years old he started the Wallen baseball leage just north of Fort Wayne IN just so I would have a chance to play organized ball. He stated with 4 teams behind the Washington Center Grade School on two old diamonds in need of repair. The other fathers in the area pitched in and the league grew and included the following sponsors Bakers Standard, The Dairy Queen, Butler Drug, The Wallen Methodist church, Washington Township Lions club, and many more. That was in 1959 and the league prospered. My family spent ever weeknight at the field. It was my Dad's passion for years. I moved away but the league has grown in the hands of capable leaders and now has over 1700 children playing yearly on 10 lighted fields. It is still located in the same neighborhood. It even played a part in the Major League career of Eric Wedge manager of the Cleveland Indians who played there as a child. Eric told me at a recent awards ceremony that he keeps his "Sal Madrid" MVP trophy in his trophy room right next to his World Series Trophy. Today in Fort Wayne there is a new Minor League field belonging to the Tin Caps, a San Diego Padres affiliate. And there are Fort Wayne baseball history pictures adorning the posts in the viewing areas. Of course there is a picture of the World Champion Caphart Semi Pro team and mention of Sal Madrid and his professional history and how he started the Wallen leagues in 1959. My Mother, Brother, Sister and I as well as all his grand and great grandchildren are proud of him and the contributions that have long outlived him. Thanks to this web site for acting as a forum. Mike Madrid 1951......