Hert brings passion to Babe Ruth baseball

Hert doesn’t do it for headlines or attention, however, he does it because of his love for baseball and as a show of support for the local kids who grace the fields living out their athletic dreams.

And while Hert is at the forefront of everything involved with the Babe Ruth baseball program, he chooses to remain in the background.

But, there are many who notice the difference he is making.

“Butch is amazing,” said 13-15-year-old all-star, Spencer Guscette. “I don’t think he gets the credit he deserves. A lot of people don’t see what he does and how much he puts in to make the fields nice and everything. I wish we could all give him a day just to show our gratitude to him for all he has done for baseball players over the years.”

Hert established his love for the game all the way through from peewee leagues back in the 1950s to the fast-pitch softball ranks.

Once he decided to hang up his uniform, baseball kept calling his name.

Although he would not be hitting and fielding, there was a new platform, responsibility and challenge thrust to the forefront.

That fire and passion for the sport could not be denied, so he sought to expand on The Dalles Little League program in 1975, where only Intermediate and Majors divisions were offered.

In 1979, he got an idea from some a network of associates in California to start a T-ball program.

“It was kind of a trial thing here,” said Hert of the initial introduction. “I wrote up the rules, about six rules, and they were very simple. The main idea behind it was for the little kids to go out there, learn the fundamentals and have a lot of fun. The people here were very receptive to this idea.”

The program has evolved from just Intermediate and Majors to T-Ball, Coach-Pitch and Softball in that 43-year span.

After eight years of overseeing and growing the Little League program, Hert expanded his reaches into the realm of Babe Ruth baseball back in 1983.

His long-term goal was to provide an outlet for youths once their Little League careers were over.

“If we didn’t have Babe Ruth, there would be nothing for us play after Little League, but now we can do it because of Butch,” said TD all-star Gabe Petroff. “He has put a lot of hard work into this league and I am pretty thankful for him.”

In more than 35 years as part of the Babe Ruth organization, Hert has worn many hats, with his responsibilities ranging from president, assistant state commissioner and commissioner of the Pacific Northwest.

When looking at Hert’s body of work, TD All-Stars Coach Greg Cummings was adamant in saying that Hert is underappreciated.

While Cummings and The Dalles 13-to-15-year-old All-Stars were in Portland for regional play in late July, Hert was in Gillette, Wyo. in his commissioner role for the 16-to-18-year old Babe Ruth Regional Tournament.

Hert returned home after an 18-hour drive and then made a trip to Portland to watch TD’s All-Stars play their final few games.

“That is just incredible to see that amount of dedication to these kids,” Cummings said. “What Butch has done for baseball here in The Dalles over the last 40-something years is inspiring to everyone. I know I appreciate it and I know these kids do too. He needs a statue or something for sure.”

As the years have gone by, Hert has seen a major transformation at Kramer Field in how elaborate in detail the fields are presented –there are scoreboards, batting cages, fences and diamonds all around – a hardball Mecca.

Hert paid homage to Bob Williams, Doug Sawyer, Bob Brockman and many others, for their help in building the foundation for future generations.

He also mentioned a major player in the game: The sponsors, local businesses, have come through in spades over the years.

“You can see that with all of these outfield fence signs and the various other things that they have been a key element in this,” Hert said. “I think it is well-known throughout the Pacific Northwest that The Dalles is known as a baseball community. Not by the involvement of all the kids, players and volunteers, but our community really stands behind them. This is a collaborative effort.”

Cummings sees Hert as much more than a man on a mower cutting grass – he sees Hert as a father figure and a mentor.

There have been many heart-to-heart conversations spanning many subjects between the two.

Hert’s words have helped him become a better coach, father and person.

“I have known Butch for over 20 years and he has basically been through it all and seen it all,” Cummings said. “He is a good person to bend an ear with. He will give it to you straight and he doesn’t sugarcoat anything, which I like as a person. He has given me countless words of advice over the years and he has obviously given myself and these coaches the opportunity to pass the knowledge on to today’s youths. Just for that alone, he should be appreciated.”