Smithfield has fielded a baseball team, known as the Blue Sox, continuously since the 1890s. For most of that time, the Blue Sox played as a semi-professional and college summer league entity. But in 1921, when the Northern Utah League, a six–team Class D level minor league was formed, a team from Smithfield, using the “Blue Sox “ moniker was a charter member. The Northern Utah League permanently folded as a minor league following the 1921 season, and sadly Smithfield, Utah has not hosted another minor league team since then.
But the legacy of the Blue Sox continues, as the team competes against other semi-pro teams in Northern Utah, playing their home games at Richard V. Hansen Ballpark, on Smithfield’s west side. Richard V. Hansen served as manager/coach of the Blue Sox for 47 years, and over 2,500 games. Hansen was inducted into the U.S. Open Baseball Hall of Fame, having received multiple awards from the community for his service to the Blue Sox.
In 2009, he celebrated his 60th year with the team and 47th year as its manager, missing only six games during that tenure. Hansen passed away on January 21, 2010. The Richard V. Hansen Award has been awarded annually since 2010 to a person who has done all they could for the Blue Sox organization. A statue of Richard Hansen has been permanently placed on the east side of the park that bears his name.
Countless individuals have played, contributed and otherwise supported the Blue Sox through the years. Dale Anderson, has served for many years as equipment manager, and Paul Hansen, Richard’s son, announces the games over the intercom. Richard’s brother, Keith Hansen, has always been a big supporter of the Lions & Blue Sox and Paul Buttars sells advertising in the souvenir program. Utah State University’s first Track & Field All-American, Ralph Roylance played 15 years for Blue Sox, and was a long-term supporter until his death in 2022.
In addition to the Richard V. Hansen Award, the Sportsman Award, sponsored by Ted & Marilyn Boman Family has been awarded since 2004 to the player who personifies the true nature of a sportsman. The Most Valuable Player Award, presented by the family of Faye Roskelley, a long-time supporter of Blue Sox, is awarded at the conclusion of each season.
Smithfield Lions Club
The Smithfield Lions Club has been proudly associated with the Sox for many years, operating a concession stand at the ballpark. They are locally famous for their “Lion Pups” corn dogs, sold there since 1953. Ruth S. Hansen, Richard’s mother, an avid member of Lions Clubs International. Speaking of the corn dogs, she suggested in 1953, “We should call them Lion Pups.” And the name stuck. Traditionally served with its own secret sauce of ketchup and mustard, Lion Pups originally cost only 5 cents, and are only available at “The Lions Stand” at the ballpark.
Smithfield Blue Sox Overall Record:
From 1960-2022: 2294 wins, 766 losses (.759 pct)
Single Game Records:
RBIs: Brett Payne 10- 1986; Hits: Brett Payne 7- 1986; Doubles: Jody Allen 4- 1992; Home Runs: Brad Pond- 1983, Roger Hansen- 1985 4; Strikeouts: 24 Stan Richardson 1948, three with 22: Ralph Roylance -1950, Bill Lugo-1966, Jed Murray & Don Tarbet –1978
Season Leaders:
RBIs: Jody Allen 107-1993, Todd Barr 2003; Home Runs: Jody Allen 31- 1993; Doubles: 30- Jordan Hansen 2013 Wins Pitching: Ken Spring 16- 1961
Career Leaders:
Batting Average: Rhett Nielsen 2015- .539; Games Played: Roger Hansen 826; Stolen Bases: Breenan Reese 146
Home Runs: Kimber Hall 184; RBIs: Kimber Hall 720; Triples: Kimber Hall 43; Runs Scored: Rick Thorne 907; Wins Pitching: Scott Hyde 123
Sources: ”Smithfield Blue Sox Celebrating the American Tradition 127 years 1896-2022 souvenir yearbook; Wikipedia Nov. 2022 Search for Smithfield Blue Sox
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