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Eagle Scout project honors late Robin Harvey

Joseph Severino, a Life Scout in Troop 88, recently completed his Eagle Scout project. Severino, a three-year Babe Ruth baseball player, raised funds to replace the Robin Harvey Memorial Field sign at Bluegrass Park. The old sign was 28 years old and the weight of it was causing the outfield fence to sag.

The new sign, painted by Brad Basil of The Art Medium Company, is constructed of PVC, a much lighter material. Severino, along with several volunteers, removed the old sign and hung the new sign in center field.

Robin Harvey, who died March 12, 1985, spent many years as a Babe Ruth coach, league coordinator and head groundskeeper. Harvey is credited as being instrumental in developing the outstanding Babe Ruth Youth Baseball Program in Elkins. At the time of his death, he was the secretary of the Elkins Babe Ruth League and of Bluegrass Park. The Elkins Parks and Recreation Commission unanimously voted in May 1985 to rename the Blue Grass baseball field, “The Robin Harvey Memorial Field.”

Phil Gainer, director of the Parks and Recreation Commission, said at the time there were many members of the league who wanted to see the park renamed after Harvey. The name change was approved by Elkins City Council. A dedication ceremony was held on May 12, 1985. The late John Busch served as master of ceremonies.

In his remarks, Busch stated, “Today this playing field is to be named in honor of Robin Harvey, a man devoted to baseball at all levels, and to sports – but with a special concern that young men learn – on this field, fundamentals of baseball but more importantly, the lessons of life.”

Severino said, “I thought replacing the sign would be a great way to honor someone who was looked as highly upon as Mr. Harvey.”

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