Since the 20 years after her death, Anne Butterfield is still remembered for her commitment to baseball fundamentals and attention to detail. Known as Annie, Butterfield started coaching in Kerrisdale sometime in the late 60s and, as B.C.s first female Little League coach, made history as well as memories and skilled ball players.
She played adult baseball and was invited to umpire a Little League game, after which she moved from behind the plate to the dugout as the new manager of the Elm Park Chevrons.
I just cant imagine summer without baseball, she said in a 1971 newspaper article in The Province.
During the Little League provincial championships last week at Elm Park, Kerrisdale Little League announced it dedicated new bleachers in Butterfields honour. A friend, Marlene Flater, bequeathed $10,000 in Butterfields memory. Butterfield died in 1993.
Annies legacy truly lives on through this generous bequest and through the thousands of little leaguers over the last 50 years who also cant imagine a summer without running those same base paths at good old Elm Park, stated a tournament program.
Annie was known as a stickler for detail and baseball fundamentals. She had high expectations and the boys responded with enthusiasm and respect.
mstewart@vancourier.com
Twitter.com/MHStewart
