(photo courtesy of Dana Dunagan)
GOOD HOPE, Ala. – Feb. 25, 2019 is a day that will always be remembered in Good Hope sports history as Good Hope’s softball field was dedicated and named in honor of Greg “Pooh” Owen and the Lady Raiders defeated Holly Pond 6-1 to start the 2019 season.
Dana Dunagan, park director for the City of Good Hope, was there for the emotional day and talked about the process that led to the big moment.
“I talked to Kerry Neighbors back in August and he assured me it would be done,” Dunagan said. “Pooh has been a huge part of all athletics at Good Hope. Neighbors jumped on it and had it planned. He called me with the date, I contacted Pooh’s family and it happened.”
Dunagan talked about how happy Pooh and his family were after his name was revealed underneath the scoreboard and she, along with a group of people, are looking to do something similar for him at Good Hope Municipal Park.
“He is thrilled to death,” Dunagan added, “He said, ‘Dana D., it really happened.’ They can’t ever change it now. Pooh is my best friend and he was almost in tears. To be honest, I was in tears. His family was speechless and overjoyed. He was so excited and kept wanting me to take pictures of him with the sign.”
Dunagan also talked about how special Pooh is, how there’s never a dull moment with him around and how much this means to the softball team.
“Pooh is genuine,” Dunagan said. “He loves everyone, and everyone loves him. He has a heart of gold. He sees only the good in people, that’s why Pooh is my best friend. He hangs out with me all summer at the ball field and we hang out a lot away from the ball field. There’s never a dull moment with him around. We laugh all the time. They all love and respect Pooh and they were all very honored to have their field named after him.”
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