New Historic Sign For Mays Field Honors Duane W. Mays, Who Made Baseball History in the Village

Photo: (right to left): Village of Washingtonville Mayor Tom DeVinko,

Two Washingtonville Little League Members who unveiled the

Historic Sign, Washingtonville Village Historian Jeanne Versweyveld

Blooming Grove Councilmember and Town Historian Johanna Kiernan

Mayor DeVinko emphasized the tremendous historic sites and records of important

events that the Village is fortunate to have, and some plans he has to have other sites in the Village recognized as well (including Sewell Park).

Mayor DeVinko thanked Mrs. Versweyveld for her ongoing tremendous efforts digging through piles of historic records to help bring the Village's history alive., through this and other projects, and especially for the work involved in applying for amd receiving grants like this one that came from the Pomeroy Foundation.

Duane W. Mays, (1905-1929) was a prominent semi-pro baseball player who came

to the Village as a young boy. An accident during a hunting trip resulted in his death.

From the Washingtonville Little League Page:

"On his birthday, we honor the namesake of Mays Field – Duane William Mays – a beloved athlete, role model and community hero. Bon in Avon, CT on February 6, 1905, Duane moved to Washingtonville at 12 after 'becoming separated' from his parents for unknown reasons. He quickly became known for his plucky spirit, sportsmanship, and talent on the baseball field. A star shortstop, he played for teams in Washingtonville, Port Jervis and Newburgh, earning a reputation as a major league prospect.

Beyond baseball, Duane was a respected plumber, a beloved member of Blooming Grove Church and a role model for local youth. His unselfishness, fair play and good nature made him someone young athletes looked up to. Tragically, at just 24 years old, Duane lost his life after a hunting accident in 1929. His incredible strength and courage in his final days moved even hospital nurses to tears. His funeral drew thousands, despite a severe storm, as the community honored the young man who had touched so many lives.

In 1975, a plaque was placed on the concession building in his memory: "A local athlete and an example to the youth of our community."Today, Mays Field stands as a tribute to his legacy of sportsmanship and character. His story reminds us that baseball is more than just a game – it’s about heart, teamwork, and the impact we leave on others"

On the beautiful bright sunny morning of October 18, 2025 the Village of

Washingtonville dedicated a beautiful historic sign in memory of the young man and his love for the game of baseball. Mays Field's adjacent sport fields, have recently expanded. In addition to several baseball fields, it now has newly rebuilt basketball courts and paddleball courts. In this Village of

Washingtonville and Town of Blooming Grove residents of the community are very sports-minded. They love the fields they are fortunate to play on (as well as the game itself and the friends they compete with) and recognize that the effort that is made to care for the grounds of their sports makes a big difference in both the quality and safety of the games they play. This historic dedication in memory of Duane Mays shares recognition both to the young man who became known for his skill and the torch that local young men still carry to strive for that Home Run that brings cheers and applause from the bleachers.

The Little Leaguers gave a heave-ho to a heavy plastic cover that was draped

over the sign, revealing it in bright blue and gold Washingtonville Wizard colors.

Little League members participate in a short history discussion by Jeanne

Versweyveld about the Park and their gratitude to the Pomeroy Foundation

for the Grant that allowed the sign to be made.

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