Ballfield in Jaycee Park named in honor of Hickory police officer

WSOCTV.com News Staff
·1 min read

The public was invited to Jaycee Park in Hickory for the naming dedication of P.D. Fowler Field on Sunday.

The ballfield will pay homage to dedicated Hickory police officer and baseball coach Paul David “P.D.” Fowler.

Fowler, who was born in Burke County, joined the Hickory Police Department in 1966 following his return from Vietnam. After serving in the force for over two decades, he retired in 1990.

ALSO READ: West Charlotte HS to dedicate gym to former legendary coach

As a baseball coach, Fowler shared his passion for the game with kids and adults for over 65 years. He enjoyed teaching baseball fundamentals, as well as the values of teamwork, sportsmanship and hustle.

Fowler currently helps coach at East Burke High, and he has also coached for Hildebran High School, Hickory High School, Hickory Foundation Center, Grandview Middle School and Granite Falls High School.

“Helping kids with baseball is my life; I have seen a lot of good come out of it,” Fowler once said.

(WATCH BELOW: ‘Help give back’: Top high school outfielder adds diversity through baseball clinic)