(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries and letters to the Editor of The Somerville Times belong solely to the authors and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville Times, its staff, or publishers)

To the Editor:

I led the effort to honor baseball great Harold “Pie” Traynor in his birthplace, Framingham. Now, I hope Somerville, where he grew up, will do the same. Richard J. Trum Field would be the perfect spot.

The Somerville Times reports that Traynor learned to play baseball at Trum Field. He later starred for the Pittsburgh Pirates, finishing with a .320 career batting average and being elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1948.

But today, Trum Field offers no recognition of him.

Picture a young player pausing to read a plaque and learning that a Hall of Famer started out on this field. That kind of connection would make local history real and give kids another reason to be proud of Somerville.

A permanent marker with Traynor’s photo and story would keep the field’s name and its dedication to Richard J. Trum, while also sharing another important part of its history.

I encourage the City Council and city staff to partner with local historians and youth baseball groups to install a permanent marker. Holding a dedication during a youth baseball game would be a great way to introduce Traynor to today’s kids.

Cooperstown remembers Pie Traynor. Let’s help kids in Somerville know his name, too.

— Mark Alexander Shibley Trainor