Beyond Fehrman's wildest dreams

Anytime Ian Fehrman stepped on to the ball diamond in his hometown of Townsend, there was always a story behind it. Whether it be a game of scrub, or making a play as a kid, it was always a time to remember.

Those moments with those friends paved the way for an amazing fastball career. Little did he know, all of that would lead to last Saturday’s unveiling of that old park being named in his honour.

On July 16, hundreds gathered as Haldimand County unveiled the Ian Fehrman Fastball Field.

“It was a really great time. A lot of people that I haven’t seen in a long time showed up and we got to share a few stories. It was a pretty big honour and a pretty cool moment when they unveiled it. There’s a couple of hundred people there and seeing it for the first time is a great feeling. They had a tarp on it midway through the week, so that was the first time I got to see it. I was really happy with it. They did a great job.”

Though it was announced a few months ago, things began to sink in for Fehrman during the unveiling.

“When you get there and see everybody and hear the speeches, it starts to sink in,” Fehrman story. “It means a lot. I grew up hear and I’ve lived here almost my entire life. I moved away to play hockey and went to school. But I’ve spent pretty much my whole life here. I grew up on those diamonds, and to have one named after you is a special honour.

“I never thought something like this would ever happen,” he said. “It’s not something you dream about as a kid. It’s been nice to win but you never think something like this would have a park named after you.”

But with a resumé like Fehrman’s the renaming seemed to be a walk-off of an idea.

After helping the Jarvis Juniors capture back-to-back national titles, Fehrman easily made the transition to senior ball, winning a pair of Canadian titles with the Kitchener Hallman twins. He also  helped the Twins win an International Softball Congress world title, before being part of the three-time champions with the Jarvis Travelers.

Playing for Canada’a Senior Men’s National Team six times, Fehrman won a silver at the 2006 Pan Am Games, gold at the 2008 Three Nations Challenge, bronze at the 2009 ISF World Men’s Championships, and gold at the 2015 ISF World Men’s Championships as well as gold at the 2015 Pan Am Games.

During this time, Fehrman garnered several all-tournament team nods, and captured top hitter awards.

“It was a lot of fun,” Fehrman said. “I was lucky to be part of so many great teams. Winning is great, but the real memories are with those teammates that you call your friends now.”

That’s the same sort of perspective he has about the newly named ball diamond.

“There were a bunch of friends I grew up with there on Saturday and we shared some stories about the place,” Fehrman said. “The homerun derbys, playing games and playing pickle, or whatever you could think of, we would play it either there or on the tennis courts or at the Townsend pond. We were sharing some good stories and memories. That’s what stands out most.”

It was great seeing old ball coaches and teammates and friends,” he said. “People you haven’t seen in 20 years or so. It was pretty special.”

Now that Fehrman’s playing days are done, he is enjoying his first summer away from the diamond with his wife Christi, and sons Jase, 3, and Bryce, 6.

“I miss it, but I enjoy the time home,” Fehrman said. “I was joking with my wife when I took a holiday off in June, that it was the first time I did it not to play ball. We’ve had a good summer, taking the kids around, and being able to enjoy the time off.”

 

dsmart@norfolknews.ca

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