Cain’s support of ball teams a big hit
PLYMOUTH – Baseball has always been a passion of Bill Cain’s. His love for the game has shone through for many years in Plymouth as a player, coach and supporter.
“I’ve enjoyed playing ball and sponsoring teams. I help where I can. Baseball is dear to my heart,” said Cain, a Plymouth resident.
“I love baseball, kids and life in general.”
Cain was recognized for his longtime support of Plymouth youth baseball and softball when he was inducted into the Plymouth Youth Athletic Association Hall of Fame June 20.
“If it wasn’t for his involvement and financial support, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do,” said Scott Haun, PYAA president.
“His support is invaluable to the community and the PYAA. We can keep our prices low [for baseball and softball registration] because of his support.
“He sponsors teams and that frees up money for the upkeep of facilities. I can’t express my level of thanks to him. It’s well overdue that he finally gets credit [for all his support of youth ball teams],” Haun said.
“There’s no end to our appreciation. He makes our job a lot easier. We appreciate all of the sponsors’ support.”
Cain’s generosity has enabled the PYAA to purchase uniforms and equipment, and keep participant fees among the lowest in the area.
Cain is very humbled to be honored.
“It’s a great honor – something I didn’t expect,” he said. “It’s an honor to help the kids. It’s exciting.”
Cain played Little League and high school baseball, and began playing softball in high school. He coached Cadet baseball in the 1970s and his younger brother, Butch, was a batboy on one of his teams at about the age of 9.
“I helped inspire Butch into playing baseball when he was a batboy,” Cain remembered.
Butch is the Plymouth High School head baseball coach and a member of the Plymouth Flames.
“I started playing when I was 8. Ron Einerson led the Little League and Dan Salzwedel also helped. Baseball is a great summer sport,” said Cain who helps run Re/Max Universal Realty in Plymouth where he is a broker associate. He also has an auctioneer business and supports local charity events through his auctioneering.
“I sponsored Little League teams and helped coach. I was on the committee when we started Pick Field and helped raise money.
“Ozzie Pick was the one who came to me about helping raise money for the park. It was his drive. His idea [for a ballpark] was fantastic,” Cain recalled.
Haun noted that Cain sponsors nine youth baseball and softball teams combined at all levels. Cain also sponsors three adult softball teams and a men’s recreation basketball league team.
He has sponsored local ball teams for over 30 years and first became involved in the PYAA in 1982 when it was known as the Pee Wee Baseball Association. He served on both organizations’ boards.
“I really enjoy sports and want others to enjoy what I had as a kid,” Cain said. “Playing, coaching and sponsoring are all very enjoyable and a big part of my life.
“I went to my first Milwaukee Braves game when I was about 9. I saw [Hank] Aaron, Lew Burdette, Joe Torre and Warren Spahn. I’m a collector of sports memorabilia.”
Cain is impressed with the baseball and softball facilities that Plymouth offers.
“Kids deserve to have a place to play ball. Plymouth is a leading community as far as youth baseball and softball. It has one of the nicest facilities in the state for a smaller community,” he said.
“The PYAA is a unique organization. All of the people in it make it successful – the coaches, people who work on the fields, sponsors and people who work in the concession stands.”
Cain, 54, overcame a serious illness about three years ago and received a clean bill of health from the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., in June.
Cain was a longtime softball player until his illness. “I’d like to play softball next year,” he said. “I’m blessed to have good health again and am ready to serve people’s needs.”
