Holland, MB Ballpark Named in Honour of Legendary Volunteer, Patti Hacault

Patti Hacault during the The Holland Ball Diamonds Rejuvenation Project Community Auction.

All of us at Baseball Manitoba want to congratulate long-time dedicated volunteer Patti Hacault on the exciting announcement of the naming of the Patti Hacault Ballpark in Holland, Manitoba. Patti is the founder of the Baseball Manitoba Girls Baseball Program and has been an outstanding baseball volunteer for over 30 years. 

The Holland Ball Diamonds Rejuvenation Project, which is a sub committee of Holland Recreation and is dedicated to improving their ball diamonds to ensure they are enjoyed for years to come, held a Community Auction on Saturday, March 16th. They kicked off the event by surprising Patti with the exciting news, and, with the help of their community, went on to raise $138,000 in one evening towards their diamond rejuvenation project. Patti was honoured with the following speech:

"For over three decades, Patti Hacault has been the heartbeat of baseball in our town. Her unwavering commitment to the sport and the countless lives she has touched through coaching is unparalleled. Patti's love for baseball transcends on; it is a calling, a lifelong devotion that has shaped the dreams and aspirations of generations.

Patti's accolades speak volumes about her immense contributions to the sport. Her induction into the Manitoba Baseball Hall of Fame stands as a testament to her remarkable skill, leadership, and profound impact on the game. But Patti's legacy extends far beyond individual recognition. She has been instrumental in fostering unity and growth within our baseball community.

One of Patti's most significant achievements was her pivotal role in the amalgamation of the Turtle Mountain and Tiger Hills Baseball League into the Pembina Hills Minor Baseball League. Through her visionary leadership and determination, Patti brought together different entities, forging a stronger, more cohesive foundation for baseball development in our region.

Moreover, Patti's unwavering commitment to expanding avenues for young women in baseball is truly praiseworthy. Serving as a longstanding member of Baseball Manitoba's Girls Committee, she has championed gender equality in athletics, emboldening numerous girls to pursue their sporting ambitions.

Patti's impact goes beyond the field; it permeates the fabric of our community. Her selfless dedication to nurturing young talent has not gone unnoticed. In 2011, Patti was rightfully recognized as Baseball Manitoba's Volunteer of the Year and Sport Manitoba's Volunteer of the Year—an honor that speaks volumes about her profound influence and unwavering commitment to the betterment of our community.

In 2017, Patti's illustrious career reached new heights with her induction into Baseball Manitoba's Honour Society—an accolade reserved for the most esteemed figures in our sport. Patti's enshrinement serves as a testament to her enduring legacy and her immeasurable impact on the lives of those she has coached and mentored.

To put it simply, if you're under the age of 40 in our town, chances are you've been blessed with Patti's guidance and wisdom on the baseball diamond. Her passion, dedication, and unparalleled coaching acumen have shaped the trajectory of countless young athletes, instilling in them the values of teamwork, perseverance, and sportsmanship that transcend the game itself.

Patti has lived for baseball her entire life, and has committed herself to growing the game in Holland and the surrounding area. Without Patti’s selfless dedication to the game, baseball in Holland would be completely different, and we may not find ourselves here tonight. Patti, your impact on our town and its baseball program is immeasurable, and for that, we are eternally grateful.

Now, each of our baseball diamonds will eventually receive sponsored names. However, all good ball facilities should have a name to the entire facility. This name is a symbol of what it means to play baseball on those grounds. In Holland, we hope our ball players exhibit a love for the game that can’t be beat, dedication to making themselves and everyone around them better, and, hopefully, a willingness to help those who are younger develop the same love for the game. Nothing could symbolize these values better than Patti. For that reason, I am pleased to announce that the rejuvenated ball facility will be known as the Patti Hacault Ballpark."

Congratulations again to Patti on this well deserved honour, and to the town of Holland on this amazing fundraising achievement! Learn more about Patti here.