“You’re looking at one overwhelmed, grateful person,” said Nuxhall.
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The Fairfield Optimist Club for 30 years has held a “Nuxhall Night,” which started with the late Reds Hall of Fame pitcher and announcer Joe Nuxhall right before he made his annual trip down to spring training. But the club had organized with the Fairfield and Hamilton community foundations to surprise Nuxhall with a large donation to support the mission of Joe Nuxhall, who died in November 2007.
The donation will likely be divvied up between multiple missions, including the scholarship fund, character education fund and Miracle League Fields, all named for Joe Nuxhall. Thursday’s donation comes just a few days after Nuxhall received $3,000 for the Miracle League Field from the Dennis and Robin Kurlas, owners of the Hicks Boulevard Skyline Chili.
Before the Hamilton Community Foundation’s donation, Mayor Pat Moeller broke the news that added to Nuxhall’s amazement of the support toward his dad’s legacy.
“The Ohio History Connection, which allows there to be placed in the state of Ohio a historical marker, has now accepted the application and there will now be a marker at the North End fields in the name of Joseph Henry Nuxhall,” said the mayor, adding he found out the news on Wednesday.
The city of Hamilton earlier this year applied to have a historical marker placed at the fields.
Fairfield Community Foundation trustee chairman Lou Silverberg said the mission of the foundation is “to enhance and strengthen the quality of life in Fairfield and the surrounding area. What better way to fulfill our mission than to award the Joe Nuxhall Miracle League … this check for $3,000.”
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The night of donations came on a challenge, said Fairfield Mayor Steve Miller, a member of the Optimist Club.
“What you got tonight is the Optimist Club challenged both foundations because of all the good work you’re doing,” he said. “It’s regional, and it expands borders.”
Miller said when Fairfield and Hamilton changed Forest Lake Lane to Joe Nuxhall Way in October 2007, Nuxhall said he appreciated the honor but was more proud to see his two homes working together. Miller said Nuxhall is continuing to strengthen ties between the two communities.
“This is something you’re doing. It’s regional,” Miller said. “It’s bringing people together from different communities for the best for the kids.”
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