Build it he Did, And Come they Have
Vince Genna
January 1, 1921- April 7, 2007
It was last year, cozied between Elks GM Jim Richards, and 1986 Boston Red Sox Hall of Fame inductee Bobby Doerr, that Vince Genna announced with a tear in his eye that he would be saying goodbye to his beloved hometown at the end of the summer to live under the care of relatives in the Puget Sound. And it was Saturday, April 7, 2007- just two months shy of Opening Day- that Elks fans were forced to say goodbye to the man responsible for housing baseball in Bend.
Those who knew him best will tell you that pioneering Bend's crown jewel of a stadium was about more that just a game to Vince- it was about creating an atmosphere that would bring people from all walks of life in the community together on common ground. More than anything, he was determined to make a reality- a reality that has become a beloved summer tradition over the past 61 years for Central Oregon's baseball enthusiasts.
When questioned at his ballpark on a hot summer's day about just one of his many contributions to the Central oregon community, Vince told us with a smile and a humble nod of his head that, more than anything, it was really just "a labor of love." It is with a smile in our hearts that we remember our first fan to walk through the gates of Vince Genna Stadium on a nightly basis.
As the years passed, his stroll from the car to his seat at the tall round table cornering the backstop may have slowed, but his passion and devotion to the players and fans only grew. He was the only fan to catch batting practice every afternoon, the only fan to draw just as much attention as a second base Hall of Famer Bobby Doerr on "Bobby Doerr Night." Mr. Vince Genna truly was a living proof of the Field of Dreams testimony that "if you build it, they will come." Build it he did, and come they have. For Genna, all it took was a vision, a supportive community and, as he would tell you, "a little bit of love." We thank you Vince. We honor your park and your memory. We will miss you.
-Courtney Richards
Vince Genna's last public appearance, July 15, 2006 at Vince Genna Stadium celebrating 60 years at the VG.
"Vince, the Bend Elks will take good care of your stadium"