Richard V. Hansen

Richard V. Hansen. . Richard had an interest in sports at a very early age and baseball became the passion that fueled his life. An avid St. Louis Cardinals fan, he took his love of the sport to the Smithfield Blue Sox. In 2009 he celebrated 60 years with the Blue Sox, 47 of those as manager/coach. He happily managed his 2500th game May 9, Health Days 2009. During his tenure as the "Skipper" of the Blue Sox he was honored with many prestigious awards; Smithfield City's Outstanding Citizen, inductee in U.S. Open Baseball Hall of Fame, honorary member of the Major League Baseball Association, Utah Summer Games Hall of Honor awardee, Utah Sports Hall of fame inductee, and perhaps one of his greatest honors, the naming of the Richard V. Hansen Baseball Park in recognition of his relentless service and commitment to Smithfield City and the baseball players he cultivated through the years. Richard will forever be remembered as "Mr. Baseball". Richard was always thankful for the support of his family, community, players, fans, board of directors, the Smithfield Lions Club, sponsors, media, and the city of Smithfield for believing in him and the team. , , Born in Amalga, Utah on Aug. 30, 1930, the oldest of 5 boys born to Vagn Wilford and Ruth Schiess Hansen. He attended Summit Elementary and graduated from North Cache High School in 1948. He served the country he loved in the United States Army as a line medic in the Korean War from 1950-1951. Richard married his sweetheart, LuDean Nielsen, in the Logan LDS temple on Sept. 26, 1952. Four cherished children came from their union; David, Paul, Amy and Emily. He served 25 years as a Scoutmaster and Explorer leader, and 35 years as athletic director for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Dairy farming was his livelihood along with his business of agricultural products distribution. Other interests included; stamp collecting, ballroom dancing, planning social and family activities, and an appreciation of music and live theatre. Richard had an amazing memory with an interest of keeping and studying history. He loved to travel and was a real adventurer. Richard passed away on Jan. 21, 2010 in Amalga at the age of 79, leaving a legacy of service and friendship for his family and countless friends to emulate.