Deb Malewski
Contributing Writer

With great pride, and the assistance of many, the Lions of Maple Valley installed a new baseball scoreboard at Griswold Field recently.
The baseball scoreboard was donated by Sid and Sarah (Hansen) Kenyon and Harry and Susie (Hansen) Moore in memory of Harold and Molly Hansen and their son, Chris. A special sign was added to tell the story of the Hansen family: “Harold and Molly were committed to education and the students of this community. Chris (Class of ’73) played baseball for Maple Valley and with his parents shared a love of the sport and the commitment to make a difference.”
At the same time, the baseball diamond was renamed The Griswold Field at the Roger Corey Diamond. Roger Corey was a graduate of Maple Valley, class of 1972, and passed away on February 3, 2020. His obituary told the story:
“His real passion…was the baseball diamond at Maplewood school, used by the Maple Valley High School. Roger single-handedly made sure the field was meticulously cared for, mowing it himself every week, caring for the field before and after games, ensuring that a sprinkler system was installed so the grass was fantastic, and organizing and helping build a press box. Hundreds of young baseball and softball players enjoyed this field over the years.”
The Moore and Hansen families agreed it was appropriate to put his name on the scoreboard.
The project has been going on since last spring, said Landon Wilkes, the Maple Valley Athletic Director. The previous scoreboard was on its last legs, he explained. Nate Moore spearheaded the Athletic Boosters to get the new board installed. Batting cages were included in the deal, also.
“It provides big dividends to a lot of athletes who dream of having nice facilities in the middle of nowhere,” Wilkes said, “and instills a sense of pride.”
It’s awesome that someone is willing to help the kids out here,” Wilkes added. “It’s all about the kids.”
The baseball team is doing well, Wilkes added. “The Lions are holding their own; we have good staff and good kids—they work hard! Wins will come when kids work hard.”
You can visit their website at maplevalleylions.com or their Facebook page at Maple-Valley-Baseball.