Rotary Clubs Dedicate Batting Cages To Tuttle

By BOBBIE GREEN

The Progress

Members of the Rotary Club of Mesquite and the Mesquite Sunrise Rotary Club got together early Saturday morning, April 17, to dedicate the new batting cage facilities that they had sponsored for the Mesquite Recreation and Leisure Department.

Upwards of 50 people attended the ceremony which dedicated the batting cages in memory of former Mesquite resident Rick Tuttle. Tuttle was serving as President of the Rotary Club of Mesquite when he succumbed to COVID-19 on January 11, 2021.

“I mentioned to Rick that I hoped someday to get batting cages for our teams to practice,” explained Nicholas Montoya, Director of the Mesquite Recreation and Leisure Department at the event.

Montoya said that Tuttle had seized upon Montoya’s words and immediately brought in the Rotary clubs to sponsor the project. Soon the first phase was completed.

Working in partnership with the recreation department. Rotary Club members not only provided funds, they came out to physically help move dirt around preparing for the flooring, Montoya said.

Tuttle’s wife Peggy and children were present at the dedication. A beautiful sign, provided by the Rotary Clubs, stands tall in front of the Batting Cages.

“The project is still not complete as a shade structure is still to be erected with picnic benches beneath,” Montoya added. “The Rotary Memory Bench will be moved to set below the dedication sign when the cement pad is put in place.”

Rotary Sunrise Club President Craig Petersen said, “I am so glad the Clubs could get together on this project. This dedication to Tuttle is well deserved.”

Speaking with heavy hearts at the dedication was Nic Montoya, Keith Buchhalter, Rotary Assistant Governor District 5300, and Jake Noll, Acting President for the Rotary Club of Mesquite. Each praised Tuttle for his attitudes in ‘Service Above Self’, which is the Rotary motto.

Peggy Tuttle said a few words, reminding everyone that Rick did not expect accolades, he only liked to help people.

Mesquite City Council Member Sandra Ramaker remarked how everyone worked together to complete this community project.

Five minutes after the dedication the girls’ softball team was already using the batting cages in practice.