Dear City Of Fortuna,
We, the Shelton family, are writing to you with a heartfelt proposal to dedicate the 76er Field in memory of our beloved Odell Shelton. Odell's unwavering dedication to baseball and his profound impact on our community make him a fitting candidate for this honor.
In the mid-1990s, the 76er Field was little more than a dirt diamond, devoid of amenities or infrastructure. It was Odell who saw the potential in this neglected space and took it upon himself to transform it into a thriving hub for baseball enthusiasts. With determination and grit, Odell worked tirelessly, often with the help of family members like his grandson Kyle, to build bleachers and other facilities that would make the field more accessible and enjoyable for all.
Odell's efforts did not stop there. He reached out to organizations like PG&E and successfully secured donations, including lights for the field, which allowed for evening games and extended playing hours. Through his leadership and vision, Odell turned the 76er Field into a place where families and friends could come together to share in the joy of America's pastime.
But Odell's impact extended far beyond the physical improvements he made to the field. As a coach, he was a mentor and role model to countless young athletes, instilling in them values of teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship. He treated each player as if they were his own family, fostering a sense of camaraderie and belonging that went beyond the game itself.
Odell's dedication to baseball and his community knew no bounds. He organized fundraising efforts to take his team on unforgettable trips, creating memories that would last a lifetime for all those who were fortunate enough to participate.
Baseball was more than just a game to Odell Shelton; it was a passion that defined his life and brought joy to all those around him. Therefore, we, the Shelton family, believe that dedicating the 76er Field in his memory would be a fitting tribute to his legacy.
We propose renaming the field as the "Odell Shelton JR Memorial Field" to honor his enduring contributions and to ensure that future generations remember his love for baseball and his commitment to our community.
Thank you for considering our proposal. We are hopeful that you will support our endeavor to honor the memory of Odell Shelton in this meaningful way.
Sincerely,
The Shelton Family
To whom it may concern,
I am writing this letter to shed light on some of the many reasons Odell's name should be considered.
First, he was the 76'ers head coach for 20+ years, Imagine the countless hours Odell spent running that program! Off season scheduling, recruiting, fundraising and more! Then when the season began, there would be practice, games, travel, snack shack, umpires, etc. Odell did it all! But more importantly, Odell coached hundreds of young men during the Summertime American Legion Baseball Season!
20+ years of great competition, tournaments, road trips (for many years Odell's team would travel to Hawaii for games) and many lasting memories!
Odell led the way when the 76'ers moved from Rohnerville Park to their current home at Newburg Park. He was instrumental in making 76'ers field what it is today! If the 76'ers field is to be renamed, Odell's consideration is justified by his many years of contribution, effort, and impact!
Sincerely,
Chris Gaiser
Former 76'er player 1974-1976
Former 76'er Head Coach 2004-2009
60-year resident of Fortuna
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gary klinetobe Fri, Mar 8, 2024 at 6:27 PM
Reply-To: gary klinetobe
To:
To city council
When it came to baseball in fortuna there was one man that stood out. Odell Shelton was that man for years. He to be named after odell.
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Cody Baker Thu, Mar 7, 2024 at 8:41 PM
To:
To whom it may concern at Fortuna City Council,
My name is Cody Baker and I would like to provide some additional support to the Shelton family and their hopes for the Newburg American Legion Field to be named in their Patriarch's honor.
Odell Shelton played a pivotal role in so many young male adult lives through the Southern Humboldt 76er program. I had the pleasure of playing for Odell my 17yr and 18yr old years, and this is a time in my life where his guidance and mentorship extended far beyond just the baseball field. My years playing ball for that organization we were more than just a team, we were a family. And in that sense he was more like a Patriarch to us all. I can't think of anyone in our community more deserving of this honor.
Please take into consideration my support and the support of so many others in our community.
Thank yọu.
Cody Baker
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Nate Jacobsen Fri, Mar 8, 2024 at 8:06 AM
To:
Writing to whom it may concern.
1 was introduced to Odell Shelton when I was 12 years old. I just finished babe Ruth tryouts and he called our phone at home to let me know that he had just drafted me and that I'd be on the Phillies. I spent three years playing babe ruth for Odell and he was my coach teaching me everything about baseball and life at the same time. There were times that I couldn't make it to practice and he would drive out and pick me up at my house and take me to practices without him. ! would probably wouldn't have been playing very much because my dad was constantly working out of town and I didn't have rides. I still remember that pristine Ford
After Babe Ruth, 1 played for Odell on the Southern Humboldt 76ers for three more years. During this time he also offered me a job when I was old enough to work at his oil shop in town. It was one of my first jobs and he taught me about hard work and treating customers with respect. To this day I still apply the lessons | learned then to my life in business.
I still remember when they opened Newburg Field. At first a lot of us didn't like it and wanted to go back and play at the other park but | never heard Odell say one negative thing about it. I think he worked with my Dad and the community to finally get lights installed because we could only play day games. Eventually it just became home to the 76ers as it is today.
I think one thing as you get older you realize that there's an appreciation for someone that goes out of their way every day to be at practices and games and knowing that they had a family life outside of playing baseball. But Odell took the time and the energy to be there for us every day and every game. He did this for years in the community for multiple generations of local baseball players and years of my life and I was always forever thankful.
If anyone should be considered for a dedication of the 76ers field, and recognition for what someone means to the baseball community of Fortuna, I couldn't think of anyone more deserving.
Thanks,
Nate
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Jeremy Collings Thu, Mar 7, 2024 at 8:53 PM
Reply-To: Jeremy Collings
To:
To whom it may concern,
I would like to see the Southern Humboldt 76ers field at Newberg park dedicated to Odell Shelton. There are so many reasons why it should be named after Odell. Odell was my baseball coach from the age of 14 to 18 and I also coached the 76ers with him later in my life. He gave his heart to baseball and the youth of the whole Eel River Valley. He taught me more than baseball during my younger years. He taught me and all his "boys" how to win and lose with dignity. He also gave us life lessons and put us in our "place" when needed. He worked tiresly on the the 76er field to make it into a beautiful field that players loved to play on.
Iworked for Odell at his Auto Lube where he was my boss but also a friend I could talk too. Numerous former players came and visited Odell at the Auto Lube where they would talk baseball and about life. Odell always had time to talk to his "boys" and the community.
Odell is worthy of having 76er field named after him. He spent thousands of hours of his own time for the youth and people in the Eel River Valley. There is no other person | can think of to have 76er field dedicated to.
Sincerely,
Jeremy W. Collings
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