Baseball diamond number three at North York’s Bond Park is now officially called the "Tom and Pat Lawson Memorial Field."
The diamond at the park, between Leslie Street and Don Mills Road south of York Mills Road, has been named in honour of the husband and wife who dedicated their time and energy to the organization of amateur baseball in the community for more than 35 years.
The Lawsons, who died six months apart in 2012 after 62 years of marriage, first joined the North York Baseball Association in 1969 by helping with their son’s t-ball team, according to a report to North York Community Council June 17.
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Tom began coaching in 1971 while Pat kept score and worked behind the scenes.
In 1974, Pat became the association’s first woman convenor. She went on to become secretary and treasurer.
The couple’s long involvement with baseball continued for many years.
Tom continued coaching until he was elected the association’s president in 1985.
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A year later, he was asked to represent the Toronto Baseball Association on the Ontario Baseball Association.
Tom was president of Toronto Baseball from 1987 to 1997, while Pat became Toronto Baseball’s secretary-general in 1990.
"In the winter of 1988/89 Tom was appointed general manager of the Ontario Youth Team, which won back-to-back Canada Cup titles," the report said.
"Tom also helped found a five-team league named Metro East League. In 2001, Baseball Canada presented Tom Lawson with the Baseball Canada and Major League Baseball Volunteer of the Year Award. Tom and Pat were also inducted into the Carmen Bush Signature Club."
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