43 years ago last month, the (then) Town of Orting lost one of it’s favorite sons in a far away land no body cared about. William Joseph Hobert, OHS ‘65, gave his life for his country in a war that no one cared about. If I am correct, Billy Joe was the only one from Orting that did not return from that place. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to name this new stadium in his honor, as a rememberance of him, and the recognition he brought to Orting in his short time on the earth. I think Hobert Field would fit just fine. Lee Pravitz, Class of ‘65.
NEW ORTING STADIUM NAME
September 7, 2009 · 14 Comments
Categories: Uncategorized
Tagged: William Joseph Hobert
14 responses so far ↓
ckorting // September 7, 2009 at 7:36 pm
I think this would be a wonderful and fitting tribute and stadium name. I hope the school board and district take the suggestion of Mr. Pravitz.
Tamara Potter // September 8, 2009 at 10:51 am
Wow it is amazing what we find out here. I went and searched Billy Joe’s name to see what this hero was about. Of course I only scratched the surface of who this great man was. I say great just for the fact that when called upon he served this great country in a war that was not popular to say the least. However not only did he serve our great country and lose his life to the war he was an outstanding athlete. He was a super baseball player. Iread that in his senior year he pitched 5 consectutive shut outs with a total of 8 in his senior year. I am sure this would be a GREAT honor for Mr Hobert to have this fine stadium named after him and his honorable service to not only our country but to OHS.
Jerry Simpson // September 8, 2009 at 11:10 am
I will agree with Lee Pravitz suggestion that we name our new stadium after Bill Hobart. But to make the statement that no one cared about that war, is ignorant and anti American. Lee, you owe every Veteran who served and every family who lost a family member, an apology, Jerry Simpson.
Penny Yoro // September 8, 2009 at 1:14 pm
I also think that this woud be a great tribute… but, there are a lot of inspiring individuals in our community. I think that there should be a process where you can submit your nomination and why. After a designated time, then a vote taken. I would like to have Coach Danley considered. He spend years and years dedicated to our youth serving us as football coach.
We are paying for it, I think that more voices need to be heard.
Joe Stainfer // September 8, 2009 at 4:41 pm
I watched all the Hobert boys play football, basketball, and baseball. The boys were raised by two athletic parents Tootie and Red Hobert, this family sacraficed one of the best athletes to ever play sports at Orting. Billy Hobert was a natural born leader on and off the field. I think Hobert field would not only be a great honor to Bill but also to the Hobert family.
Betty // September 8, 2009 at 5:59 pm
Although I did not know Mr. Hobert, I am also a graduate of the same year, and remember, all too well, that war. I can’t think of a more fitting tribute to a veteran who made the ultimate sacrifice for us. It would also be a wonderful way of teaching future generations about this hero.
Honoring Hobert // September 8, 2009 at 8:45 pm
If you’d like to see the stadium named to honor Hobert let your voice be hear. Email or call school superintendent Michelle Curry right away. The first home game and dedication is this Friday night! 360-893-6500 currym@orting.wednet.edu or head of the school board Kacie Nesby email knesby@gmail.com or facilities and athletic director Marty Parkhurst email parkhurstm@orting.wednet.edu
Mike Reed // September 10, 2009 at 6:07 pm
Here’s my thinking…a name along the lines of Veteran’s Stadium, with a Wall of Honor that contains the names of those who LETTERED in a sport AND served in the military. The highest honor would be to those who gave their lives for country. That way, we would recognize the sacrifice of those who served.
Also, remember , the City of Orting lost the plaque in City Park (across from the Drug Store)containing the names of those who lost their lives in WWI and WWII! A fitting tribute to those brave men AND women.
Let’s get back to our roots….
Veterans Viewpoint // September 11, 2009 at 11:55 am
Given that Orting is home to not only the Old Soldiers home but also the Veterans Cemetary, I think that it would only be fitting to name as Mr. Reed suggests, the Stadium “Veterans Stadium” . Thus honoring all Orting Veterans who have served their country with many like PFC Hobert having made the ultimate sacrifice for thier country.
PFC Horbert served in A CO, 2ND BN, 7TH CAVALRY, 1 CAV DIV. The same Battalion led by Lt Gen Harold Moore. “We were Soldiers once…and Young”. I, as a retired 1st Cav soldier, get goose bumps just thinking that we have one of those young soldiers still guarding the Orting Valley as are own.
If PFC Hobert’s name is choosen, I do hope the School knows to play with Bag Pipes, “Garryowen” in his honor.
In Honor of PFC Hobert // September 11, 2009 at 11:58 am
Garryowen 7th Cav Version
We are the pride of the Army
And a regiment of great renown,
Our Name’s on the pages of History.
From sixty-six on down.
If you think we stop or falter
While into the fray we’re going
Just watch the steps with our heads erect,
While our band plays Garryowen.
(Chorus)
In the Fighting Seventh’s the place for me,
Its the cream of all the Cavalry;
No other regiment ever can claim
Its pride, honor, glory and undying fame.
[Verse 2]
We know fear when stern duty
Calls us far away from home,
Our country’s flag shall safely o’er us wave,
No matter where we roam.
” Tis the gallant 7th Cavalry
It matters not where we are going”
Such you’ll surely say as we march away;
And our band plays Garryowen.
(Chorus)
[Verse 3]
Then hurrah for our brave commanders!
Who led us into the fight.
We’ll do or die in our country’s cause,
And battle for the right.
And when the war is o’er,
And to our home we’re goin
Just watch your step, with our heads erect,
When our band plays Garryowen.
Marilyn // September 11, 2009 at 11:06 pm
I would like to propose the naming of the stadium to be Cope Family Field or Cope Stadium. The Cope family has been here for many generations and has helped the community in so many ways over the years. They have been there for our youth in good times and bad and never say no if there is a way they can help. They not only sponsor youth and school events, they are very active in the Lions Club, Eagles Club, Daffodil Committees, volunteer firefighters, fire commissioner and Alumni scholarship funds just to name a few. If you are sick and can’t afford your medicine, they will help you out. I could go on and on about all the things they have done over the years for Orting, but anyone who has been around for long probably knows better than I do. As the generations continue to be a part of our community, they find more and more ways to help out. They are avid sports fans and attend almost all sporting events. Please consider this when you are thinking of an appropriate name for our beautiful new community stadium.
Mike Reed // September 12, 2009 at 10:41 pm
Another great input! Such is the reason we shouldn’t rush into naming this great new venue. Interestingly enough, though…I believe several Copes both lettered and served in the military, so they would have representation on the Wall. Go Cards!
Don Rakes // September 23, 2009 at 3:32 pm
Question= when Coplan Field and Lion’s field were named, were the names that have been suggested for the new stadium not in contention?
It seems that only since Bill Hobert’s name has been suggested that Veterans Stadium, Cope Family Field and Danley Field have been brought up.
Do I sense that some of us have a reason NOT to put a young mans name on the Stadium who put Orting on the map nationaly when the population was approxmatly 1600?
Not to mention that he could have stayed in college but instead chose to serve his country.
We all know what happened because of the choice he made.
He did this for me, you and every Americian.
Is it too much to ask to put his name on the stadium?
Bill, thank you.
May God bless you and rest you.
Duane // September 24, 2009 at 9:51 pm
I think all of the suggestions are great. Hobart, Cope and our veterans along with all the local businesses that support the local community. You also should consider the everyday people and tax payers of Orting and what they have done to get this great new stadium. This is a major victory for everybody. I’m throwing a new name into the mix that I feel will be great for everybody. Victory Stadium. Think about it. Are community has a victory with this stadium. Our history has a victory. Our students and future are striving for a victory every time they take the field. Just another thought.
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