Ron Howard and John Hart
The Board approved the recommendation to name the John Hart Stadium at the American Legion Memorial Field on Monday night. Ron Howard, who taught for Ottumwa Schools, presented why his former coach, John Hart, deserves this recognition.
Ron Howard presented this in front of John Hart and the Board, "Ottumwa Schools recommends naming our baseball stadium the 'John Hart Stadium' at the American Legion Memorial Field. This honor for John comes after decades of care for the facility, players, and community. John is an Air Force veteran who served during the Vietnam War. Initially, John is from Blakesburg, Iowa, and his wife, Mary, was a teacher in the surrounding area. He has two sons, Jeff and Nathan, who both graduated from Ottumwa High School. He played baseball for the Ottumwa Merchants, a semi-professional team that originated in Ottumwa. John's jersey was #15. For decades, John has coached Pee Wee, Little League, Babe Ruth, and American Legion baseball teams. In 2014, John was inducted into the Iowa Legion Baseball Hall of Fame. For over forty years, he has made Ottumwa youth his priority. His selflessness, dedication to our youth and community, and humbleness would be honored by naming our stadium the "John Hart Stadium" at the American Legion Memorial Field. We will hold a dedication ceremony for John and his wife this summer at the baseball field at a boys' varsity game on June 16th, 2022."
Let's honor John Hart by filling up the stadium on June 16th, 2022. Go Bulldogs!