It is with enormous sadness that Herts Baseball Club has to announce the loss of one of our family. Kal Dimitrov passed away on Sunday afternoon after he was taken ill suddenly during a game at the Essex Archers.
Over the course of more than a decade, Kal was a catcher, coach, umpire and manager for several Herts teams. This year, he had been co-manager of the Herts Raptors in the Single-A league. He had also done invaluable work behind the scenes with club organisation, and with the growing youth leagues.
But more than all of that, Kal Dimitrov was a dearly-loved friend to us. His character, humour and spirit lifted every baseball occasion, and he inspired and encouraged countless players. We will miss him dreadfully.
Our thoughts are with Kal’s family, including his brothers Aspi and Ilya who also have such a place at the heart of our baseball club.
On Saturday, we ask anyone who knew Kal to come down to Grovehill ballpark in Hemel Hempstead any time from 11 o’clock for ceremonies to retire his number 12 shirt at 12 noon. We will hold a minute’s applause at 12:12 as we remember the smile he brought to the game. Please bring a baseball shirt – Herts or any other — so we can lay them out on the diamond as a tribute.
The BBF has kindly agreed to postpone all Herts baseball games due to take place this weekend – the Raptors at the Mariners; the Hawks at the Bucks; the Eagles against the Knights; and the Falcons against the Essex Arrows.
In the long term, the club is pledged to provide a fitting memorial to someone who gave us all so much.