How Gault Field got its name

Bill Gault is a Canyon Lake resident who was instrumental in seeing that the Canyon Lake baseball fields were completed in time for spring training in 1979. Pastor Pete, who gave the opening prayer at the April 29, 1979 field dedication says, “I don’t recall much about that day, but I do recall Bill contributing a lot to help make the field a reality.”

It was said that Bill did not know the field was dedicated to him until he was asked to unveil the scoreboard, which donned his name. According to the June 1979 edition of the Lighthouse Magazine, when Bill unveiled the scoreboard, “it was obvious to all he was quite moved and most surprised.”

The original scoreboard was built by the POA Maintenance Department and the lettering was donated by Steve’s Signs of Canyon Lake. The dedication plaque was donated by Evans-Brown Mortuary at cost. The plaque reads: “Dedicated April 29, 1979, in recognition of William A. Gault, and all other citizens of Canyon Lake.”

The field dedication was attended by some 100 people and was presided by Bob Baumgartner, a long time friend of Bill’s.

After a closing prayer by Pastor Pete, four baseball teams and their coaches and managers who represented Canyon Lake in the Lake Elsinore League were introduced. Two T-Ball teams played an exhibition game. Bill was given the honor of throwing out the first pitch.

The completion of Gault Field was a group effort. The Canyon Lake Lions Club donated $79.34 for bases and several residents contributed with cash donations. Bill Gibson donated $20, Lynn Ward donated $10 and Bill Darcy donated $5 to name a few.

At the time of the dedication, $1500 was still needed to complete the sprinkler system and have grass installed on the field.




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