Everett Talmadge, John Dowd and Jim Jachym will be three of the men honored during tonight’s pregame ceremony at Post 124’s home game against West Springfield at Bullens Field. (Photo submitted)
WESTFIELD – For the first time this summer, Westfield Post 124 will host a regular-season game across town, moving from their home field at Westfield State to play under the lights at Bullens Field.
The special 7 p.m. first pitch is just part of the special event of the night as tonight will also serve as a night of honoring and remembering the Post 124 coaching staff of the 1981 team on its 25th anniversary.
The trio of commander John Dowd, manager Everett Talmadge and Westfield native Jim Jachym, as well as Richard K. Sullivan, Sr., all made major contributions to the American Legion Post 124 and its baseball program.
A veteran of the United States Army, Corporal Dowd joined Post 124 in 1959. In his 54 years of continuous membership, Dowd served as a post officer for 50 years, including positions as commander, historian, chaplain, chairman and the honor guard. As part of the honor guard, Dowd marched in over 200 parades.
Jachym starred at Westfield High School as a multi-sport athlete and was recruited by many top colleges. After being drafted by the Oakland Athletics in 1968, Jachym declined the offer and decided to attend the University of Connecticut, where he starred in baseball and basketball. After his playing career, he coached Westfield High School baseball, where he led the 2008 squad to a Western Massachusetts championship
Sullivan, grandfather of current Post 124 player Robby and father of current Assistant Coach Kevin, played American Legion baseball for Post 28 in Northampton. While attending Boys State in 1952, Sullivan was elected governor and attended Boys Nation in Washington, D.C.
This love and interest of politics has transferred generations. Of Sullivan’s five children, three sons are public figures. Richard, Jr., was a former Westfield mayor and serves as Gov. Deval Patrick’s Chief of Staff. Brian is a Westfield City Councilor at-large, and a member of the 1981 team. Kevin is Vice Chairman of the Westfield School Committee.
Be sure to stop by Bullens Field tonight to help the American Legion honor these men who have served many years of Post 124, both on and off the diamond.
