KCK Baseball Field Renamed to Honor Deputy Elijah Ming
Kansas City, Kansas, is set to honor a fallen hero as the baseball field at Heathwood Park will be officially renamed the Elijah Ming Memorial Field. This unanimous decision by the Unified Government Commission pays tribute to Wyandotte County Sheriff’s Deputy Elijah Ming, who was killed in the line of duty in July, and celebrates his deep ties to the community and the sport.
A Community United for Deputy Ming
In a unanimous 6-0 vote on Thursday night, the Unified Government Commission approved the renaming of the Heathwood Park baseball field. This move comes after family members and colleagues from the Sheriff’s department simultaneously approached the government about recognizing Deputy Ming’s legacy.
Remembering Elijah Ming: Athlete, Servant, Friend
Before his dedicated service as a Wyandotte County Sheriff’s Deputy, Elijah Ming was a baseball player, gracing various fields, including Heathwood Park. Phil S. Dixon, co-founder of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and a renowned baseball historian, shared a personal connection with Ming, noting they attended the same church and bonded over their shared love for baseball and their history at the park. Dixon described Ming as “well-respected,” “easy to talk to,” and a cherished member of the community.
Heathwood Park’s Rich Historical Tapestry
The field’s renaming also shines a light on Heathwood Park’s profound historical significance, which extends far beyond baseball. Originally owned by Nathaniel “Nat” Singletary, the first Black man to run for mayor of Kansas City, Kansas, the 8.5-acre tract was acquired by the city under condemnation. Initially known as Booker T. Washington Park, it transitioned to Heathwood Park in 1911. The park served as a vibrant community hub, hosting speeches, football, track and field, and, of course, baseball.
Phil Dixon vividly recalls the park’s “golden days,” playing for teams like Douglas State Bank and coaching others, including JW Jones Mortuary. He described an electric atmosphere during night games, with “a couple hundred people there assembling” in the grandstands, watching kids play under the lights. Both Dixon and Ming dreamed of playing night baseball at Heathwood Park, a place known for producing “great people.”
A Look Back at Heathwood Park’s Evolution
| Historical Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Original Landowner | Nathaniel “Nat” Singletary (First Black man to run for KCK Mayor) |
| Previous Park Name | Booker T. Washington Park |
| Current Park Name | Heathwood Park |
| New Baseball Field Name | Elijah Ming Memorial Field |
Dedication and Future Hopes for the Park
The dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Elijah Ming Memorial Field are scheduled for mid-December. Phil Dixon is actively encouraging former players and community members from all generations to attend, hoping to revitalize the park’s community spirit and honor both Ming and Nathaniel Singletary’s legacies. Deputy Ming’s wife, Tiara Ming, expressed her pride, noting that their son, Deuce, will carry on his father’s name and legacy.
Dixon envisions new additions like a walking trail, aiming to restore the park to its former glory as a cherished community space. He declared, “I want to encourage all the ballplayers who played at Heathwood Park through all the generations… and let’s make the renaming one of the most joyous things we could have in this city this December.”
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who was Deputy Elijah Ming?
Elijah Ming was a Wyandotte County Sheriff’s Deputy who was tragically killed in the line of duty in July. He was also a former baseball player with deep ties to Heathwood Park. - Why is the baseball field being renamed?
The field is being renamed to honor Deputy Elijah Ming’s memory and his contributions as both a law enforcement officer and a respected member of the Kansas City, Kansas community. - When will the dedication ceremony take place?
The dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Elijah Ming Memorial Field are scheduled for mid-December. - What is the historical significance of Heathwood Park?
Heathwood Park was originally owned by Nathaniel “Nat” Singletary, the first Black man to run for mayor in KCK. It was previously known as Booker T. Washington Park and has a rich history as a community hub for sports and gatherings. - How can community members get involved?
Phil S. Dixon is encouraging all former players and community members to attend the dedication ceremony in December to celebrate Deputy Ming’s legacy and the park’s future.
Join fellow Kansas Citians this December to celebrate the Elijah Ming Memorial Field, a tribute to a local hero and a rekindling of community spirit at a historic landmark.
KCK Baseball Field Renamed to Honor Deputy Elijah Ming
