Last month, the Saint Joseph's baseball program unveiled a number of tributes to former team captain and head coach Harry Booth at Smithson Field.  Members of the Booth family, Harry's former players, and friends of the program assembled on a gorgeous Saturday afternoon for the culmination of a drive that began two years prior.

After Harry's passing in September of 2022, a collection of Hawk baseball alumni led by Steve Alemi '77, Don DiJulia '67, Dave Landers '71, Joe Levins '72, Dave Owsik '70, Tom Pippett '73, John Smithson '68, and Michael Thomas '78, began spearheading an effort to honor Harry and his dedication to the Hawk baseball program.  Harry's legacy is now forever enshrined at Smithson Field in multiple ways.

"What a terrific day we had when celebrating all that Coach Harry Booth meant to the Saint Joseph's baseball program!" head coach Fritz Hamburg said.  "Harry's commitment to mentoring and developing his players who wore the Crimson and Gray during his coaching career was very special.  The players who played during the years that Harry coached have always been instrumental in this program.  They attend our golf outings, our Lead-Off Dinners, and come to Smithson Field to cheer on our team.  This is the positive effect that Harry had on his guys."

The press box behind home plate has been renamed the Harry Booth Baseball Press Box in honor of the late Hawk legend, with his name emblazoned across the facade of the building.  In addition, a plaque has been installed on the first base dugout, visible to all who pass through the bleachers behind home plate, commemorating the roles that Harry played over the course of his decades-long affiliation with Saint Joseph's.  He was, as the plaque reads, a "teammate, coach, and mentor whose dedication and passion impacts generations of Hawks."

And in accordance with what might be considered the highest honor a baseball player or coach can receive from his team, Harry's number 4 jersey has been retired and is now displayed in the left field corner at Smithson Field alongside the number 10 of Jamie Moyer.

"Harry was a Hawk through and through, and all of us who had the good fortune to spend time with him are better for it," Hamburg said.  "It was an honor to celebrate Harry's day with his family, former players, and closest friends.  I appreciate that our players were able to see firsthand how much Harry and this program mean to so many."

Fans will be able to see the new additions to Smithson Field when the current Hawk squad takes the field in the spring.