Staff Report

The answer is simple._ “I just love the game.” For those who know Dennis Gagnier his answer to why he volunteers so much of his time supporting Prescott baseball is no surprise._ His affinity for the sport began as a youngster at St. Joseph’s School and continued at Cretin High School in St. Paul. Gagnier’s spring and summer playing days saw him toe the mound in Georgia, Washington DC, and in baseball parks throughout the Twin Cities. Once his playing days ended, Gagnier never abandoned the game._ After purchasing a farm in Oak Grove in the mid 1960’s Gagnier and his family would become a fixture in the community of Prescott and among the most enthusiastic supporters of Cardinal baseball._ Recently the Wisconsin Baseball Coaches Association presented Dennis Gagnier the State Award_ for Distinguished Service. The award is given to people who have helped promote baseball in the state of Wisconsin and in their communities. Individuals receiving this award have shown years of dedication and exemplary service to the game of baseball._ “Dennis is so deserving of this award,” says Prescott Cardinal High School coach Brad Matzek._ “He spends so much time volunteering at the field and supports every- Volunteer

From Page 1 Think about the baseball program. We are so lucky to have him in our community.” Fellow Prescott Coach Duane Miller agrees. “I just don’t know how Dennis does it. If the field needs raking, he’s there. If the infield needs weeding, he’s there. If the scoreboard needs an operator, he’s there. If the field needs dragging, he’s there. We owe Dennis a lot of thanks for all the time and effort he has put into helping kids in Prescott.”

“It’s just a way for me to give back,” says the always humble Gagnier. “I am fortunate to have time to volunteer and it gives me an opportunity to give something back to the players.” And boy does he give back.

Many are aware of the old adage “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure” and most do not associate such a phrase with baseball. However, when it comes to Dennis Gagnier the phrase and the game go hand in hand. “I, Head Coach Steve Block, and a couple of other guys went out to the old Prescott dump and picked up some fencing that somebody had tossed. We loaded the fence up and used it at Firehall Field,” says a smiling Gagnier.

That was only the beginning. In 1988 Prescott qualified for the WIAA State Baseball Tournament for the first time in school history. Gagnier’s son Steve was the starting second baseman for the Cardinals who finished as the Class C Runner Up.

“What a great experience that was for everyone,” says Gagnier. At that time the WIAA State Tournament was held at Athletic Park in Wausau and was moved to Appleton in 1999.

“I remember a lot of us really liked the dugouts in Wausau,” says Gagnier. “We got the measurements and I along with Dave Pattridge, Jim Metzler, Rich Matzek and others got a bunch of material donated and we built exact replicas at Firehall Field.”

“Dennis was such an enthusiastic supporter then and still is today,” says former Prescott Head Coach and WBCA Hall of Famer Steve Block. “In a small community it is impossible to have a successful program unless people are willing to volunteer their time. Dennis has done that for so many years and it is a person a lot of coaches have grown to count on. Through his many behind the scene efforts, Dennis contributed both physically and financially to the improvement of the baseball experience for countless young men in the Prescott area. He is the embodiment of the humble benefactor and never seeks recognition.”

Among the most prominent fixtures at Firehall Field, rarely is a game played at Firehall Field without Gagnier in attendance. The former Left handed pitcher admits a fondness for southpaws and has long admired the exploits of his all time favorite pitcher Los Angeles Dodger great Sandy Koufax. “I didn’t throw very hard but I threw strikes and if you can throw the ball over the plate you always have a chance.”

On the playground at St. Joseph Gagnier credits the Nuns for teaching him the game. “They were the ones who taught us the game and some of them were really good ball players. They really were my first baseball coaches.” After graduating from Cretin, Gagnier was drafted and ended up being assigned to the Pentagon in Washington DC working for the secret service.

“That was quite a time for me,” says Gagnier. “Working in the Pentagon, spending time in the White House, going to Camp David, it was really an incredible two years.”

When it comes to his interaction with President Eisenhower, Gagnier has nothing but praise for the former World War II General who was known around the country as “Ike”. “President Eisenhower and his wife Mamie were such nice, genuine people. It was an honor to be a part of his security detail”.

However, his security detail did not stop him from playing the sport he loved. “I played a lot of ball while I was in Washington DC and we had some really good players on the team. It didn’t matter where I was, I was able to find a place to play some baseball.” Gagnier returned to St. Paul in the late 1950’s and worked at Cenex for over 30 years. He and his wife Dorothy purchased a farm in Oak Grove Township in 1965 and have remained connected to the community ever since. Their son Steve currently lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado and their son Paulette lives in Rosemount, Minnesota. “The game of baseball has just been a big part of who I am,” says Gagnier. “I’m just doing my part.” “He has done so much for the players. Mr. Gagnier has helped us buy equipment and was the reason why we have the new batting shell. He has contributed to scholarships. He has helped us during field work days. I know I am speaking for a lot of players who are so thankful for everything Mr. Gagnier has done for lots of players,” says 2019 baseball alumnus Cody Rohl. Gagnier is looking forward to the start of baseball this year. He, like many others, opined the loss of the 2020 spring season. However, hope springs eternal. Beginning in April passersby will begin to see his scooter parked down at Firehall Field. For 85 year old Dennis Gagnier there is a lot of work to be done. The baselines need to be groomed. The infield needs to be dragged. The home plate area needs to be raked. The dugouts need to be swept and cleaned. Why? “I just love the game.” A typical attitude from an atypical human being.