The spirit of Steve Cox, like the chilly wind, was felt by many on the field and in the stands of the newly upgraded Steve Cox Memorial Park during Saturday's dedication.

Family, friends, dignitaries, and many King County police and firefighters honored the deputy who died in the line of duty just over a year ago. But the occasion seemed to warmed things up in a hurry.

King County provided $430,000 toward the renovation of the park, formerly known as White Center Field. The name "Mel Olson Stadium," referring to the structure itself on park grounds, will remain. The community leveraged those funds and came up with another $600,000 or so of in-kind donations, materials and volunteer work. Twenty-eight businesses donated supplies and labor.

Safeco Field pitched in. Three weeks ago their grounds crew took a swing at the infield and constructed a pitchers mound. They installed 90 pads, or backstops, that hang on the walls.

The Seattle Mariners even "donated" their public address announcer, Tom Hutyler, to emcee the ceremony, giving it a big-league touch.

Guest speakers positioned near shortstop included King County Executive Ron Sims, King County Sheriff Sue Rahr, Steve Cox's wife Maria, and his brother, Ron.

"This is a heartwarming tribute for Steve," said Rohr prior to the dedication. "I hope Bronson gets to play (ball) here. He lost his father but there'll be that connection to him with this field."

Standing beside her was Cox's replacement, King County Deputy Jeff Hancock, who many praised that day. Emotional about the dedication, he said simply, "I can't fill his shoes. No way." And then he quietly headed for the field.

North Highline Fire Chief Scott LaVielle, who once played catcher at the stadium said, "The firefighters are proud to be part of this (dedication.) Steve will always be on our minds. It was nice that the King County sheriffs department made us feel part of this whole improvement process. A lot of fire department labor went into this park and I'm proud we helped make this a gem and reality."

Before becoming a reality, however, the stadium was in bad shape. Inspiration to create the gem came from three volunteers who attended the park to watch their kids play.

Joe Mentor, Dale Bethel, and Greg Drobnick saw the gem as a diamond in the rough on a Saturday afternoon in October 2006 when they stood at home plate with measuring equipment.

Mentor recalled, "Center field was four and a half feet lower than home plate, and half the infield (between home plate and third base) was under water and mud."

"This wasn't acceptable," said Drobnick, and praised Safeco's involvement in the updates.

"Now the infield has proper drainage," said Mentor. "We have six rubber and sand layers under the field (artificial) turf. You can play in rainier weather and the soft surface is safer for the kids."

Bethel, the father of a Seattle Preparatory School senior, added modestly that he showed up with many others on weekends in work clothes to volunteer, and remarked that even Rohr would show up in jeans to help.

During his speech, King County executive Ron Sims said Deputy Cox had three great loves, his family, the King County sheriff's office, and pride and love for the community he served. Naming the field in his honor was "appropriate and magical," said Sims.

Ron Cox, Steve's brother, also shared some thoughts at the microphone.

"Earlier this week I was speaking with my mother over the phone. She said she'd snuck into the park to see what they've done. In her words, 'spectacular.' My brother spent a lot of time playing little league in these fields. He'd be very proud. Our parents were both high school teachers. Steve taught at Highline Community College ... and at the police academy. Education was always a large part of the fabric of Steve's character."

Following the dedication Seattle Preparatory coach Ed Paulter was enthusiastic.

"Incredible," he remarked of the field's improvement. "I've coached Prep 23 years, and in this field 17 years. I always saw that it had a lot of potential. It took a little elbow grease and a buck or two and an amazing job by the volunteers.

"I have never seen a better high school baseball facility. We just came back from Florida. We played in the Tampa Jesuit Tournament in a beautiful park and it still couldn't hold a candlestick to this park. Not even close."

"Nobody would have wanted their name attached to this field in its former condition. This is perfect for Steve Cox," said Drobnick.

After speeches, Hutyler invited the Cox's son, two and a half year-old Bronson to the mound to throw the first ceremonial pitch both to honor his father and to start the Seattle Preparatory School vs. Eastside Catholic High School baseball game that followed the dedication. To the delight of those in the stands, Bronson gave the ball a lengthy toss to conclude the bittersweet dedication. Loud cheers erupted. The young star then ran back into his mother's arms and the first game at Steve Cox Memorial Field was soon to begin.

Steve Shay may be contacted at steves@robinsonnews.com