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Crosslake Legion baseball pioneer Garin honored
By COREY HERMANSON Staff Intern Bob Garin always said a ballpark wasn't complete without a big American flag.
Although Garin died Feb. 28 at the age of 75, his legacy now flies high above the 390-foot sign in center field at the Crosslake American Legion baseball field.
That legacy, which includes introducing T-ball and Legion baseball to the Crosslake community, earned Garin induction into the Minnesota American Legion Baseball Hall of Fame in Bloomington Aug. 8 at the Division I state tournament.
"He's the one who got Legion baseball into Crosslake and got the field qualified for regional baseball," said Bob's wife, Kay Garin, who accepted the award on his behalf.
At a dedication ceremony June 26, Crosslake-Fifty Lakes American Legion Post No. 500 raised an American flag in center field in memory of Bob.
The American Legion also donated a plaque, which rests on a stainless steel and bronze stand designed by Crosslake metal artist Jeff Kreitz. Kay, her daughter, Cindy, and son, Buck, accepted the honors at the ceremony.
"He loved the game of baseball, that was his life," said Kay, who was married to Bob for 51 years.
"He worked with a lot of kids, he loved them and they loved him right back," Kay added. "He would have been very well honored."
Garin was the reason Crosslake has had a Legion baseball program for the last seven years. He was instrumental in installing dugouts at the baseball field, qualifying it for Legion standards.
Garin, who retired from the propane business two years ago, served as the District 6 Legion director for the past six years.
After moving to Crosslake in 1972, Garin quickly left his mark on the local baseball community, starting a baseball team with friends "just for the fun of it."
In addition to the American Legion, where he was a longtime member and commander, Garin was active in the Crosslake police and fire departments.
"We were all very proud of what he did with baseball," Kay said. "He was a happy guy, he loved life."
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