On Sunday, May 4, the Dartmouth Youth Activities Association opened its baseball season not just with bats and gloves, but with a tribute. The concession stand at Crapo Field was officially dedicated to former coaches and long-time volunteers Ken Vincent and Bob Mayo.

The moment was emotional for both men, who spent decades volunteering for the league and helping shape it into what it is today. 

Vincent, a retired canine officer who served more than 30 years with the Dartmouth Police Department, reflected on the bench he installed near the field in honor of his father, who would come to watch him coach before he died in the early 2000s. 

He said he feels thankful every time he sees people sitting there, watching the action. The league brings the bench out each season and takes good care of it, which has meant a lot to him.

In regard to the association overall, Vincent said, “Without the volunteers and without the people who do this, it’s not possible.”

Mayo, who worked alongside Vincent at the police station for over three decades, highlighted how he and Vincent were involved in the expanding of Crapo Field from three fields to five. 

“It’s a very good place for your children to be. Hopefully it will grow in the coming years,” he said.

DYAA President Adam Mathes, who played under Mayo as a 12-year-old on the All-Star team and coaches alongside Vincent, said the league wouldn’t be what it is without them. 

Mathes recalls missing a concession stand shift during a tournament one year and received a firm reminder from Vincent about responsibility and community. “It was not very pleasant,” he said, “but the message landed.” That message: it takes more than a board and a handful of volunteers to run a league — it takes everyone.

This year, the DYAA takes a major step forward as it becomes officially affiliated with the national Babe Ruth Cal Ripken organization. For the first time, the league’s major division is playing on 50/70 fields, with 50-foot pitching distances and 70-foot base paths, allowing for leadoffs, steals and a more advanced brand of baseball.

“It’s a huge step forward for the organization and we’re very excited about it,” Mathes said, noting that the change not only helps prepare players for the next level, but also opens the door to district, state, and regional tournament play — with the potential to compete in a World Series.

He highlighted the time board members took to prepare the fields for this transition.

Participation is strong this year, with 405 kids signed up across all age groups. Volunteer numbers are also high, adding to the optimism heading into the season.

Heading into the new season, 12-year-old Jamesly Sard, who’s been playing for four years, said he appreciates how the league isn’t too competitive and can simply be something fun to do. 

Though his competitive side does come out here in there as he recalls defeating his best friend's team in a game where he hit a home run over the scoreboard.

Ezekiel Oyebamiji, 12, said he enjoys watching professional baseball and talking with friends in the league. His proudest moment so far: an in-park home run.

Vaughn Gata, 12, said hitting is his favorite part of the game and he too has hit “a lot” of home runs. He’s focusing this season on improving both his pitching and batting. “It’s a very great place,” he said. “I love it.”