Richard V. Hansen, born in Amalga, Utah on Aug. 30, 1930, was devoted to baseball from an early age and became closely identified with the Smithfield Blue Sox, celebrating 60 years with the team in 2009, including 47 as manager and coach, and managing his 2500th game on May 9 during Health Days 2009. An avid St. Louis Cardinals fan known as "Mr. Baseball," he received numerous honors, including Smithfield City's Outstanding Citizen, induction into the U.S. Open Baseball Hall of Fame, honorary membership in the Major League Baseball Association, the Utah Summer Games Hall of Honor award, induction into the Utah Sports Hall of Fame, and the naming of Richard V. Hansen Baseball Park in recognition of his service and commitment to Smithfield City and its baseball players. The oldest of five boys born to Vagn Wilford and Ruth Schiess Hansen, he attended Summit Elementary, graduated from North Cache High School in 1948, served in the United States Army as a line medic during the Korean War from 1950-1951, and married LuDean Nielsen in the Logan LDS temple on Sept. 26, 1952. They had four children, David, Paul, Amy, and Emily. He also served 25 years as a Scoutmaster and Explorer leader and 35 years as athletic director for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. His livelihood was dairy farming and agricultural products distribution, and his other interests included stamp collecting, ballroom dancing, planning social and family activities, music, live theatre, history, travel, and adventure. He died in Amalga on Jan. 21, 2010, at age 79, leaving a legacy of service and friendship.