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Alumni ask Richland School Board to name Richland High baseball field for retired coach Ben Jacobs
Summary
Alumni and former players urged the board during public comment to make an exception to district policy and name Richland High’s baseball field 'Jacobs Field' in honor of retired coach Ben Jacobs, offering to supply signage and a plaque at no cost; the board said it would consider the written proposal and could not act the same day.
A group of Richland High School alumni asked the Richland School Board to formally name the high school baseball field "Jacobs Field" in honor of retired varsity coach Ben Jacobs and to allow installation of signage and a plaque at no cost to the district. Duke Mitchell, Jerry Curado, Roger Chambers and Tom Albert presented during the public comment period, described Jacobs’ 24‑year coaching career, and outlined a proposed criteria framework that included a 10‑year waiting period from retirement but asked for an exception in this case.
"Over an inspiring 24‑year career, Coach Jacobs made an extraordinary and lasting impact not just on the field, but in the hearts and lives of his players and the community," Duke Mitchell said, citing state championships and fundraising projects the coach led. Presenters proposed a crafted stainless‑steel plaque, signage reading "Welcome to Jacobs Field," and a plan to have the work performed by a professional contractor "at no cost to the Richmond School District," according to the written attachments handed to the board.
Board members acknowledged the request but reminded the speakers the board cannot consider new approvals on the same evening. The board asked staff to accept the written materials and said it would deliberate in a future meeting under the district’s naming policy. No formal board action or vote on the naming took place during the meeting.
