Kingsville City Commission names girls youth field for longtime umpire David Chavez

The Kingsville City Commission voted to permanently name the city girls youth softball/t‑ball green field the David Chavez Field, honoring David Chavez for more than 30 years serving as an umpire for youth and adult baseball and softball in the area.

Advocate and staff presenter said Chavez rarely turned down a request to officiate games and served multiple generations, including weekend tournament play. The presenter said Chavez worked for Claiborne County, the city of Kingsville and regional softball organizations and that the family and community circulated roughly 2,500 signatures in support of the naming. Family members, including a brother and Amanda Gilmore, attended the meeting for the request.

Commissioner Lopez moved to approve the resolution naming the field for Chavez; the motion was seconded and carried on roll call. The city will prepare a plaque and hold a ceremony through the parks department once the plaque is ready.

The resolution text as summarized at the meeting memorialized Chavez’s service, noted the family’s petition and directed that the Green Field at Claver Park be designated the David Chavez Field. The commission indicated the proclamation and a formal ceremony would follow, with the parks department handling arrangements. No budgetary impact or opposition was recorded during the discussion; the motion passed on a recorded vote.