Charter Member
All Steve Domachowski wanted for his father was Hall of Fame consideration.
He got much more.
The late Leo Domachowski — who died last year at age 84 — will become the charter member of the newly-created Pullman Park Hall of Fame July 13. He will be inducted at 5:45 p.m., prior to a 6 p.m. Butler BlueSox doubleheader at the ballpark.
“I didn't know he was going to be the first,” Domachowski said of his father. “I heard there was a Pullman Park Hall of Fame and figured I'd throw his hat in the ring on behalf of my father.“When they called to tell me he was being inducted, I asked who he was going in with. I was floored when they said he would be the first-ever inductee. I had no idea.”Domachowski was one of six applications considered for induction. A five-person HOF committee selected him.“We wanted someone who was dedicated and made significant contributions to the park over a long period of years,” HOF committee member Dan Cunningham said. “Leo certainly qualifies in that regard.”Domachowski contributed time and effort to Father Marinaro Park as well as Pullman. Steve played organized baseball from Peewee through the age of 18.He began his baseball years as a youth at Father Marinaro before switching over to Pullman.“I played catch with my dad in the yard before I ever stepped foot on a baseball field,” Domachowski said. “He joined the (Butler Area Baseball) Association when I began playing and helped coach my youth teams.“By the time I reached bantam (ages 11-12) ball, Dad was involved with working the concession stand and began doing administrative things for the league. The concession stand had been losing money and he turned it around to where it wound up making thousands of dollars.”Leo Domachowski began helping with field maintenance and equipment storage. When umpires were needed, he began umpiring on a volunteer basis.”Once Steve's playing career transitioned to Pullman Park, Leo did similar work there. He helped to repair the stands, did some painting, helped with equipment and field preparation.He managed registrations and was involved in selecting teams for every player. He recruited coaches, volunteers, even “ball chasers.” He ordered uniforms and distributed them.“Dad was involved in scheduling all (Prep) League games, scheduled and paid umpires, still umpired himself ... He did it all,” Domachowski said.Cunningham coached some Prep League teams at Pullman when Domachowski was coaching.“I got to know him pretty well,” Cunningham said. “From every aspect, Leo was involved with that ballpark.“He spent much of his adult life promoting youth baseball.”Long after his son was done playing, Leo Domachowski remained committed to Pullman Park and youth baseball.“He probably stayed with it well into his 60's,” his son said. “He loved it. He made a lot of great friends through his work at the park and they all just stayed with it.“I learned about being a father who takes interest in, and spends time with his children, and that gives back to the community when he can. I've tried to do that as he did.”Domachowski lives in Findlay, Ohio, and plans on being at Pullman Park for his father's induction. His wife, daughters Hannah and Maya, and Leo's wife, Mary, plan on attending as well.“It's something none of us would miss,” Domachowski said. “As a family, we are so proud.“Youth baseball and Pullman Park wasn't just a hobby to him. He was dedicated to it. Seeing him recognized this way ... we're simply thrilled.”
