On June 24, the Muskoka Hornets Minor Baseball Association and the Muskoka Outlaws Baseball Academy will have a newly named Home Field, as Kerr Park will be officially renamed “Holm Diamond at Kerr Park” in memory of Mike Holm.
On April 11, Bracebridge Town Council general committee formally endorsed a request to rename Kerr Park. Bracebridge Town Council will be formalizing the recommendation in the coming days.
“Mike Holm was a giant in Muskoka Baseball. He was one of the driving forces that have had a hand in unprecedented growth in baseball in the Muskoka region over the last decade,” said Joe Hickes, the President of the Muskoka Outlaws Baseball Academy and Vice President of the Muskoka Hornets, who
Holm passed away in 2017.
Holm’s sons, Mark (17) and Lucas (15), have continued their dad’s legacy within baseball in Muskoka. Lucas plays for the Muskoka Hornets 15u team and has signed to join the Muskoka Outlaws High School Baseball Academy for his Grade 10 year starting in September. Mark has played for the High School Academy team for the past two seasons and for the Muskoka Hornets 18u program. Mark will continue his baseball pursuits at the post-secondary level in New York starting in September.
“It was time for this baseball giant of a man to be permanently recognized in a town that he spent so many hours on the ball field helping our game grow. Mike has a legacy. In not only the Hornets but in his two boys who play the game in a way that would make their dad proud. I am thrilled that both boys will have an opportunity to play on a field that carries their father’s name. This will ensure that Mike’s contributions to our community are never forgotten,” said Hicks
Hicks was the applicant to the town council for the name change.
“I had the pleasure of working with Mike Holm during his time as Vice President in our program, and you will not find a more dedicated, selfless and hard-working community volunteer than Mike. He coached, raked diamonds, organized social events and fundraising efforts, and even argued with the odd umpire call. Mike was taken from us much to early and I miss him every day I think about baseball and the Hornets. It seems only fitting for a person that cared so much about youth baseball in the community to name the ballpark he and his kids grew up on in Mike’s memory,” said Muskoka Hornets President Peter Haynes.
Holm’s mother, Heidrun, provided a statement on behalf of their family.
“The family is honoured to have Michael’s efforts and contributions in the community recognized. We are proud and thankful that his memory will live on,” said Heidrun.
The official renaming, and number retirement ceremony, will take place at the newly named Holm Diamond at Kerr Park on June 24.
“The Muskoka Hornets and Muskoka Outlaws would like to extend their sincerest thanks to Mayor Maloney for personally providing guidance throughout the process, as well as all of town council for the support. It is also important to recognize Bracebridge town staff Cindy O’Regan, Will Crowe, and Scott Clayton for their guidance throughout the process,” said Hicks
