City of Palm Bay Honors Jackie Robinson, Hank Aaron During Baseball Field Dedication Ceremony
By Space Coast Daily // April 16, 2021
at Fred Poppe Regional Park
BREVARD COUNTY • PALM BAY, FLORIDA – The City of Palm Bay Parks & Recreation Department hosted the renaming and dedication ceremony of the baseball-softball complex at Fred Poppe Regional Park on Thursday.
The baseball-softball complex was officially named the Roberto Clemente Walker Baseball/Softball Complex. The two baseball fields will then be officially named Jackie Robinson Field and Hank Aaron Field.
The park is located at 1951 Malabar Road NW in Palm Bay.
The ceremony included a dedication and proclamation reading by Palm Bay Mayor Rob Medina.
“Tonight I had the honor of participating in the dedication ceremony for the Roberto Clemente Walker Baseball/Softball Complex and the Jackie Robinson and Hank Aaron baseball fields,” said Medina.
“As a boy, I was inspired by Roberto Clemente’s groundbreaking career and dedication to service. As your Mayor, I was humbled to be joined by Roberto’s sons as we commemorate the legacies of some of baseball’s greatest players.
“A special thank you to the family of Sam Lopez for joining us tonight – this event would not have been possible without him. Play ball Palm Bay.”
Following the ceremony, there was an exhibition baseball game between the Space Coast Rockets, who honored Jackie Robinson by wearing his retire number 42, and the Alpha Prime Aviators, who will honor Hank Aaron by wearing his number 44.