(March 8) — The York County Industrial Development Authority (YCIDA) and the York Revolution will honor the legacy of Louis Appell, Jr., at PeoplesBank Park by renaming the ballpark’s lawn section in his honor, planting a large garden of white roses, and erecting a commemorative plaque to share his legacy with fans, the team announced today.
The rose garden will be planted at the top of the newly-renamed Appell Lawn, honoring Appell’s commitment to and love of the White Rose City and incorporating his horticultural interest. The garden also connects the current Revolution to the historical York White Roses minor league team. The roses will stretch the length of the lawn area and be visible from throughout the ballpark.
“It is safe to say that this ballpark would not exist without Louis,” said team President Eric Menzer. “From the earliest idea back in 1995 to bring professional baseball to downtown York through all the changes in leadership, volunteers, and stadium sites, he was a visionary who saw what this could bring to downtown and the York community as a whole. He constantly prodded those involved to stay focused on the end goal.”
Once the stadium site was selected, Appell helped recruit the York County Industrial Development Authority to become its developer and contributed generously to the project, according to Jack Kay, Chairman of the YCIDA.
“His financial contribution not only helped make it happen, but it is because of him that so much of the quality and details of the park were brought to fruition,” Kay said. “The rose garden is the kind of touch he would have enjoyed. It will be unique to York and be another expression of our community and history.”
Appell died last June at the age of 92
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“He loved the Revs,” said Menzer. “He and his wife, Jody, were here at most games, even early in the 2016 season. Despite his role in the project, he never let us give him tickets. He always insisted on paying. He resisted getting a special parking spot. He never let us bring him his beer and hot dog, even when he started to have a little trouble walking. He just wanted to sit with his friends and fellow Yorkers and enjoy baseball and the community. I feel lucky to have known him.”
Kay concurred. “His example of quiet leadership and humble generosity is a rare thing. He probably would be embarrassed by this gesture. The world would be a lot better off with more people like him.”