Billy's Field fitting tribute to Hantsport native

BY CHRISTY MARSTERS

The Hants Journal

NovaNewsNow.com

Billy Cleveland committed a great deal of time to programs offered at the Hantsport Memorial Community Centre. He would swim, skate and bike there. He played T-ball and soccer.

In the winters he helped fill holes at the outdoor rink and in the summer before he passed away in a motor vehicle accident, he became an assistant coach for a young Shamrocks ball team. Now Cleveland’s name will live on at HMCC.

The former Porters Ave. field in Hantsport was recently renamed The Billy Cleveland Field as a memorial was unveiled in front of a huge crowd. Billy’s mom Susan Hines-Kennedy said the tribute to her son was very appropriate and it meant a lot to see his monument there. “He was always a fixture there. Now he’ll always be there,” she said.

Sports a part of his life “Sports were his life and he was always part of this community,” Hines-Kennedy said. “I just think he would have been elated to know the field was named in his honour.”

During the ceremony many Shamrocks ball players, young and old, turned out, in full ball attire, to honour Cleveland’s memory.

The inscription on his headstone reads: “A young man…remembered for his giving spirit, and for putting his heart into everything he did.”

HMCC co-president Steven Miller said Cleveland was always around to help out kids in town. “He was a good role model and influence in the community. We (the HMCC Board of Directors) felt this was one good way for his name to live on in Hantsport.”

Cleveland always had a kind word or a funny story to share and was a happy, joyous, fun-loving young man, Miller said. “It was so nice to be able to bring some sense of appreciation to the type of person he was. He was taken away from us too early.”

Hard to keep emotions in check

Billy’s dad Trevor Cleveland said it was very hard to keep his emotions under control as he spoke about impacts his son made within this community at such a young age. “I was quite surprised at first; this is quite an honour. But he sure made us proud,” he said.

And if he were still around he’d be quite taken aback too, Trevor Cleveland said. “He would have a grin on his face for sure. He was at the community centre all the time. “He loved sports, kids and games,” Trevor added. “And those who walk on this field should remember he loved the game of baseball and wanted kids to enjoy the game.”

Billy’s brother Johnathan Cleveland said the ceremony was a bit overwhelming, but he was happy his community would forever know who his brother was. “It reinforces the fact that this is a strong little community that sticks by each other.”

It was nice to see people out, he added. “I’d like to thank everyone involved.”