NORTHFIELD—The first day of Little League baseball season is always a big deal but this past Saturday is one opening day that will go down as possibly the most memorable in city history.

Before the first pitch was thrown out the city dedicated a new flag pole and a memorial at Birch Grove Park in honor of New Jersey State Police Officer Jim Hoopes who passed away suddenly in 2012. Hoopes, father of two sons, was a popular Little League coach and mentor to many.

City Councilman Tim Carew said the marble memorial plaque was provided by the N.J. State Police. The flag pole was donated by several others and that Atlantic City Electric came in and dug the 3 foot by 6 foot deep hole necessary for the base to hold up the 50 foot flag pole with the 4 foot by 10 foot flag.

“This was the most moving Pledge of Allegiance I have ever witnessed,” said Carew Tuesday evening. There were more than 150 people there to pay tribute to a great guy. I think Dennis Foreman said it best when he said to the crowd that even in times of tragedy, Jim taught us something and that something like this event brings out the best in all of us; it brings out the best of Northfield and demonstrates what a great community we have.”

The State Police flew over the park and troopers jumped from the chopper, marched over and gave baseballs to Coach Hoopes sons, Jayson and Joey. Those balls were used as the first pitch of the new season.

Carew said there were many fighting back tears as they stood by during the moving ceremony.


Credit: The Press of Atlantic City
Original story here: https://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/currents_gazettes/mainland/northfield-little-league-and-nj-state-police-honor-coach-jim/article_60518498-54a7-5892-bcc6-8f0040451962.html