One of Etobicoke’s top amateur baseball booster may soon have his field of dreams.

The name of late baseball lover Jim Horton, who passed away last February at the age of 76, may soon grace the North West Baseball Diamond at Martingrove Gardens Park, at 31 Lavington Road.

Ward 2 Councillor Stephen Holyday in a motion to be considered by City Council on October 21 proposed the field be named the ‘Jim Horton Baseball Diamond,’ for his dedication to the sport.

Horton, who was dubbed “Mr. Everything,” started coaching the sport in 1987 and was a life member of Martingrove Baseball.

He received the prestigious Etobicoke Baseball’s Lifetime of Excellence Volunteer Award for his ‘outstanding dedication to the sport of baseball in the city.’

“Jim’s contributions went far beyond coaching,” Holyday said. “He served as executive member of the Martingrove Baseball for more than 35 consecutive years.”

He said Horton held nearly every executive role, including president, vice-president, equipment manager, umpire-in-chief and treasurer.

Hoyday said the avid basketballer was instrumental in getting the City , with an Optimist Club donation, construct the Centennial Park baseball diamond, which is ‘still a jewel of ballparks in the west end.’

More than 325 people signed a petition showing their strong and positive community support for the park being named after Horton. Letters and testimonials of support were sent by members of the baseball community.

“Considering Jim Horton’s contribution to our community, and with the support of his family, it is appropriate that the City recognize his impact by naming the north west baseball diamond in Martingrove Gardens in his honour,” Holyday wrote.

He said Norton was dedicated to supporting children and youth, as well as fostering community health and well-being through the sport.

Martingrove Baseball was founded in 1958 and is an all-volunteer, community-based organization featuring all levels of co-ed baseball and girls’ softball from ages 4 – 28.