Steve Cox Memorial Park dedicated in White Center

The spirit of Steve Cox, and a chilly wind, were felt by many on the field and in the stands of the newly dedicated Steve Cox Memorial Park Saturday as family, friends, dignitaries, and many King County police and firefighters honored the deputy who died in the line of duty just over a year ago.

King County provided $430,000 toward the renovation of the park, formerly known as White Center Field. The name "Mel Olson Stadium," on park grounds, will remain. The community leveraged those funds and came up with another $600,000 or so of in-kind donations, materials and volunteer work.

Seattle Mariners public address announcer Tom Hutyler emceed in uniform.

Guest speakers included King County executive Ron Sims, King County sheriff Sue Rahr, Steve Cox's wife, Maria, and his brother, Ron.

After speeches, Hutyler invited the Cox's' son, two and a half year-old Bronson to the mound to throw the first ceremonial pitch both to honor his father and to start the Seattle Preparatory School vs. Eastside Catholic High School baseball game to follow the dedication. To the delight of those in the stands, Bronson gave the ball a lengthy toss to end the bittersweet dedication on a high note as people cheered. The young star then ran back into his mother's arms and the first game at Steve Cox Memorial Field was soon to begin.

"This is a heartwarming tribute for Steve," said Rohr prior to the dedication. "I hope Bronson gets to play (ball) here. He lost his father but there'll be that connection to him with this field."

Standing beside her, North Highline Fire Chief Scott LaVielle, who once played catcher at the field added, "The firefighters are proud to be part of this (dedication.) Steve will always be on our minds. It was nice that the King County sheriffs department made us feel part of this whole improvement process. A lot of fire department labor went into this park and I'm proud we helped make this a gem and reality."

Before becoming a reality, however, the stadium was in bad shape. Inspiration to create the gem came from three volunteers who would come to watch their kids play.

Joe Mentor, Dale Bethel, and Greg Drobnick saw the gem as a diamond in the rough when, in October 2006 on a Sunday afternoon they stood at home plate.

Drobnick recalled, "Center field was four feet lower than home plate, and half the infield between home plate and third base was under water and mud. This wasn't acceptable."

"Now the infield has proper drainage. We have six rubber and sand layers under the field (artificial) turf. Now you can play in rainier weather, and the soft surface is safer for the kids."

Bethel, the father of a Seattle Preparatory School senior, added modestly that he showed up with many others on weekends in work clothes to volunteer.

Said Drobnick, "Nobody would have wanted their name attached to this field in its former condition. This is perfect for Steve Cox."