For three decades, Dave Wallis has been a fixture at Fort Vancouver Little League.
Now Wallis has a permanent place at the complex just south of Hudson’s Bay High School.
On April 18, friends and supporters were on hand as Fort Vancouver Little League renamed its main field “Dave Wallis Field.”
In addition to coaching at several times, Wallis has served as president for Fort Vancouver Little League several times, including from 2000 through 2014. This year he is a vice president and player agent.
“It’s a well deserved honor,” said Mike Ray, the administrator for District 4, which includes Fort Vancouver Little League. “He’s done great things for that league.”
Wallis contributions have touched players well beyond Fort Vancouver Little League. Working alongside Ray, Wallis was instrumental in bringing the Little League Softball Western Regional to Fort Vancouver Little League. From 2004 to 2010, the tournament for teams from across the Western United States was played at the complex bordered by Officers Row to the South and Mill Plain to the north.
Even after a fall in 2006 put Wallis into a wheelchair, he continued to be a leader and advocate for Little League. He said that staying active with Little League helped him cope with life in a wheelchair. He also noted that since his accident, Fort Vancouver Little League is more accessible with new blacktop paths and new bleachers.
Ray said that Wallis passion for Little League and connections in the community make him a special volunteer. Ray also calls Wallis a trusted friend.
“I can’t say enough good things about him,” Ray said. “He’s not afraid to tell me if I’m crazy or not.”
Ray said having Wallis as a friend and sounding board has been vital to the success of projects such as hosting tournaments.
“Dave has been a good friend to me and a good friend to Little League,” Ray said.
When Little League reorganized its softball tournament, Wallis worked with Ray to bring the Junior League Baseball Western Regionals to Vancouver. This year, that tournament is scheduled for August at Propstra Stadium.
Wallis especially enjoys visiting with people who return to Fort Vancouver Little League to relive their experiences playing there.
“I’m more proud of the place than anything else,” Wallis said. “You can find brand new fields, but you’ll never find a nicer place to play baseball.
“It’s a peaceful, nice place.”
