Shame on Council wrote on Mar 9, 2010 7:38 PM:

" The first time the ball park came to light to be renamed, linderman asked for a policy and that was shame on Linderman, the second time it was brought up at council meeting it was delayed to rename streets instead, it is shame on Douglas. "




Eddie Gonzales wrote on Mar 8, 2010 6:55 PM:

" I wanted to say first and foremost that the community has really come forward to write what is felt about the re naming the field in the honor of our father, Ramon P. Gonzales "Monchi". I clearly understand what the Mayor and council members are trying to do. For anyone that knew my father he came with unconditional love for what he did and for those that he helped out. He loved Douglas and did what he did with love, pride and dignity. He never expected to gain or recieve anything in return for what he did. All we knew is that our father wanted to be a part of this community and give all that he could. Wether it was his time, his helping hands, his voice etc. My father was a very proud man and he wanted to share his talents and also wanted to give to anyone that needed him. He gave his values and morals to help those that needed postive direction. It is a true honor for the re naming the field in his name, knowing that my father never asked for any recognition. Thank you to everyone who thought so much of him and loved him as much as his family. We will always miss him and as his family we know that he is in his field of dreams. Our father was a positive thinker and and again never expected anything in return for what he gave or shared. Knowing him was an honor in it self. Thank you! "




Get over it wrote on Mar 6, 2010 8:17 AM:

" It is unfortunate Mr Linderman brought this upon himself with a poor decision a choice he mad badly in which people would call him out on. As Ms. Aguilar stated she has said all she was going to say about it. Unfortunately others could not leave it alone as she choose to leave it alone. When a poor decision is made by someone in politics it is just a given all the lies and deception would be brought out so this was brought upon himself. I agree with Ms. Aguilar freedom of speech is for everyone and not once did she say Monchi did not respect or know Mr. Linderman she said he would be laughing about this whole policy thing. There is a huge difference. So if your choice is to support someone who lies and then back paddles that is your choice. I agree with Ms. Aguilar in sense that whatever you say or think about her opionion does not matter to her because at the end of the day just like Ms. Aguilar each one of us has to answer to only one person at the end of the day and that is the Big Man upstairs! As long as she is straight with the Lord and accepts her faults and asks for forgiveness, that is all that matters. So the big picture is this whatever you say or think does not matter to Ms. Aguilar because at the end of the day it was never between you and Ms. Aguilar because you do not matter, you never did at the end of the day. So Enough is Enough move on and realize this is a game of politics in which a simple thing turned into something huge because of a poor choice made my Mr. Linderman. "




In Response to Douglas wrote on Mar 4, 2010 11:24 PM:

" Sad to say YOU obviously missed out, because if you actually knew Mr. Gonzales then you would obviously know that honoring him in this way needs NO Policy or should even be an issue! Your just like all the other council members, know nothing. If you all have more important issues to worry about then you don't need to be wasting your time disrespecting a man who gave nothing but good for our community! "




Enough is Enough wrote on Mar 4, 2010 1:21 PM:

" I read all the support that Monchi has and it is wonderful. Yet, I am ashamed of all the bashing in which I know that my dear friend would not approve of. Ms. Aguilar, Monchi would not be laughing at all of this. It is obvious that you did not know this gentle man very well. I am in great support to re name the field for my dear friend. I believe the Mayor and the council know this and are trying to write a policy for the future. I also feel that they will do the right thing in re naming the field in Monchi's name. For now it is in the council's hands and they know the phenomenal support from the community for re naming the field. So, let us show our true professionalism as the citizens of Douglas that we are. Also, Mr. Linderman, Mr. Gonzales respected you and was a friend to you and I know you know that. This is for those that may not be aware of your admired friendship of my friend Monchi. "




Still Saddened Mr.Gonzales wrote on Mar 4, 2010 7:27 AM:

" ''Now'' Douglas needs a policy? ''Now'' we need, as Mr. Lindeman says, our ''professional'' side to take a look @ whaf policies exist of renaming the field after Douglas' True Champ, ''Monchi Gonzales''. There is a whole lot of things wrong with this picture! First of all, if we started with Mitch Lindeman, thag should say enough,working our way up to our professional staff, Laughing Out Loud, what professional staff? Oh, the one's that sit there now need to think of a policy that ''never'' existed! Is this the way we honor Mr. Gonzales a man who gave nothing but his love and dedication on and off that field, he did nothing but good for the Douglas Community, if you all know this Mitch Lindeman and council then why are you all making it difficult, give Monchi what he deserves! keep blowing your whistle Mr. Lindeman since thats all you been good for! "




Joan Aguilar wrote on Mar 3, 2010 9:41 AM:

" Linderman while you tried to redeem yourself with your response to me I have to say it is apparent you truly missed the meaning of band camp and should seriously step down. My son had you when he was in school and seriously I was not even impressed then.
Your making a motion to create a policy for a policy that did not exsist is redundant. Seriously I think Monchi would be laughing. He would not say anything but he would be laughing at the motion to create a policy. And seriously Carl's Jr did not go into Douglas because of anything you did. They went to Douglas because they felt there was a market for them. I no reason to contact you Linderman, I have made my feelings known and seriously I have better things to do with my time than to listen to your nonsense. Rename the LLP afer Monchi and stop wasting peoples' time with your nonsense. "




Douglas wrote on Mar 2, 2010 8:46 PM:

" To everyone, its not easy to do anything in City Government! And anyway the city is going through more important things, than renamming a field. Then we name this field, what happens the next person that deserves it as well? Will we be changing the name each time? Thats why policy is NEEDED! "




Goldfire Mom wrote on Mar 1, 2010 10:56 PM:

" Ramon "Monchi" Gonzales was an outstanding man that deserves to have the field named after him. I had the privilege of knowing him on and off the baseball field and I can tell you he was an honorable man who took much pride in everything he did. He not only helped the little league but he helped many others in our community. Monchi was not too sure about his son Eddie leaving Little League to coach a girls softball team but he embraced it and also dedicated many hours to them, and for that we are greatful. He was a HERO and should be treated as one. The field should be named in Memory of Monci. "




Always have faith wrote on Feb 28, 2010 3:04 PM:

" In response to have faith, I would like to say that it is in the hands of the mayor and the council. There should never have been in question to re naming a field after a genuine person. I so agree that the council knows this. The issue at hand is the question of the no city policy. The council should have been in agreement to re name the field to honor Mr. Gonzales. Then after, they could have taken a look at the policy and set some form of precident. Questioning a non existing policy is not giving the residents of Douglas faith in the "DON'T want to name the park". So now lets see the faith of the council to its residents to show that the policy in question is not in question. "




mitch lindemann wrote on Feb 28, 2010 9:51 AM:

" Dear Ms. Aguilar;Thank you for your concerns.I counted 'Monchi' Gonzales among my friends and like all of Douglas I was extremely saddened when I learned of his passing. I fully SUPPORT and will push for the renaming of the Little League field in his honor.'Monchi' and I often talked of the need to expand and upgrade the facilities to include practice fields. The City of Douglas' professional staff and legal department reccommended that the Council formulate a policy regarding the naming of facilities to ensure transparency and so I made the motion to do so which passed unanimously.I knew Mr. Gonzales to be a giving man of humility, integrity, honesty and truthfulness and I believe he would have wanted things done the right way! Also,a Band Camp in Douglas is a great idea as we have many fine musicians here many of whom I have taught. I have always been available to parents or constituents should they wish to call. My number is listed in the phone book. Thank you. "




Whats wrong wthis picture..... wrote on Feb 27, 2010 5:31 PM:

" It's a shame that it takes an act of congress, to change anything in Douglas! Who voted and had the street on 12/13th named Borane? How ironic, that the street just ends and doesn't continue. Is it because Mr. Borane doesn't want to deal w/the traffic and noise issue? Why do we continue to allow our streets, parks and bldg's be name after Anglo's? "




Have Faith Douglas wrote on Feb 26, 2010 7:27 AM:

" Come on Douglas! Give the City Council a chance here! They're not saying they DON'T want to name the park after Monchi, they just need to establish a precident.
Monchi was a good man and a good coach. His love for the game and good sportsmanship has touched the lives of the children of Douglas for a lifetime. Our City Council knows this-how many of them had kids in Little League or played with/for Monchi himself.

Have faith Douglas. "




Joan Aguilar wrote on Feb 25, 2010 8:04 AM:

" Citizens of Douglas stand up and send Linderman back to band camp. This is an outrage and a slap in the Gonzales' family face. It is unthinkable that Monchi spent and gave 53 years and did not ask anything in return from the community of Douglas. To ask for a policy now is simply put redundant. Mayor of Douglas should stand up and say the park is renamed instead of listening to Linderman and his redundancy. Come election time citizens of Douglas remember those who did not appreciate or adknowledge a true hero! This is a slap in the face to all those people Monchi helped for no selfish reason but pure goodness.
I don't even know why Castro park was renamed or why DeLucas was renamed. I grew up in Douglas and I cannot tell you one thing I remember they did. Citizens of Douglas stand up and be heard, don't vote for people who are selfish, spiteful and shed shame on the town. SEND LINDERMAN BACK TO BAND CAMP.......... "




To a True Champ from one who learned wrote on Feb 23, 2010 11:50 AM:

" When I left Douglas after I graduated, I have to say that the one thing I could look back on was the one thing that was given to me by one person. Monchi, gave me belief in myself. He gave so much of himself and I for one am very proud to have had him in my life. I want to thank his family for sharing such a special person. He was the ultimate high. I never needed drugs or anything else bad in my life because Monchi said that I was the most important person to myself and that I mattered. Well, because of his knowledge I have succeeded and now have my own family. I will never be able to fill Monchi's shoes but I will carry his teachings to my own kids. RIP Monchi and I pray that the Mayor and the council not even think about re naming the park. Just do it. It would be such an honor to put it Ramon "Monchi" Gonzales field. The history that comes with that goes without saying. "




Re-name the Park wrote on Feb 23, 2010 10:02 AM:

" I agree with “another sad moment”. Armando De Lucas was compensated; he worked for the Douglas Unified School District. The 10th Street Park is named “Raul Castro Park”, Mr. Castro was a resident of Pirtleville and Governor of our State. Mr. Castro has never contributed a thing to Douglas. His present residence is not even in Douglas. The 08th Street Little League field is named after the late Rabbit Lewis and the men’s and ladies softball field is named “Veterans Memorial Park/Field. Mr. Gonzales donated his time to the youth of Douglas. Many of us have coached when our sons or daughters have played baseball or softball. We as parents continue to follow our children, sometimes even when our child attends college out of our hometown. Not Mr. Gonzales, he continued touching lives and continued volunteering in what he loved best “baseball”. I ask the Mayor of Douglas and the Council Members, to please do what is right, rename the field. It would be a great honor to Mr. Gonzales and his family, by renaming the park/field to the Ramon “Monchi” Gonzales park/field "




another sad moment for douglas wrote on Feb 22, 2010 5:05 AM:

" I seem to remember that not so long ago DHS football field was RENAMED as Armando de Lucas field shortly after his death. Was there a policy for that? City or school? No. Granted, yes, there should be a policy in renaming a facility, why start with Monchi? Do it after Monchi. The City of Douglas in the end, before the season starts, will say the park will indeed be renamed. "




Ernesto wrote on Feb 21, 2010 4:33 PM:

" Monchi not only coached myself, but he has coached several of my nephews. He believed in me when I wanted nothing to do with baseball because of my fear. He not only made a ball player out of me I went on to play college baseball and am so grateful because of Monchi. He took the time to show me a curve ball, a drop and a slider. Monchi spent long hours with me at the little league field when he could of been home with his family. To honor this man and name the little league field after him would be an honor to the community, the children and his family. Let us be proud for what he taught the town of Douglas. To come across another Monchi will be difficult. It's time for the community to acknowledge this great man. "




Love of Baseball wrote on Feb 20, 2010 10:02 PM:

" Wow! It is such an honor to know how many lives My Grandfather has touched. He gave so much time and dedication on and off that field, he loved every second of it! Over 50 yrs of helping the youth, wow! grandpa UR a TRUE CHAMP and not only was he a champ but every kid he coached in his eyes, are CHAMPS. "




Jano wrote on Feb 20, 2010 3:32 PM:

" To the Mayor and City Council;

Did you know Ramon and what he did for the community? The many hours he spent in his lifetime teaching the youths about the sport of baseball. The field he was at every year for every season for the past 54 years. Did he not help out with every fundraising event and help coaching the allstars even when his team did not make it? What about the youths he coached that were not even on his team, yet he never said "No". It did not matter to Monchi who you were or what team you were on. All that mattered was that you were someone who wanted to learn, needed the help and he was there to teach you. I know this because I was one of the youths he taught and would come on non-practice days and meet me at the field to teach me to be a better baseball player, but in the end, he also taught me to be a better person and Monchi, if I could see you again, I would say thank you and I will never forget your words and what you taught me to be.

In conclusion, I say to the Mayor and the city council members, please consider renaming the park in honor of a man who spent every day throughout the baseball season for the last 54 years at a park and field that was so much part of his life. Is this not the perfect candidate? Does this not meet the criteria?
Thank you, "




Fransua wrote on Feb 20, 2010 3:15 PM:

" I really hope the Mayor and the city council consider renaming the field to the "Monchi Field". Monchi was an outstanding man that gave his all to any task, job, sport and especially to his family. He is a man that taught with respect and love and gave so much to the community. He was there helping raise funds, organizing the food and dedicating a lot of his time to the youths, teaching them the sport of baseball with an awesome passion. He took in foster children and directed their paths and gave them a home where they felt they had a family. Baseball was his love and his sport and what an honor for those who believe in him and started the petition to rename the park. Thank you to those who support this and believe in him and now I say "what is the problem here city council?" Give back to the man who gave so much to the community, to a man who wells deserves this.
His grandson, Fransua "




Joan Aguilar wrote on Feb 20, 2010 2:36 PM:

" The city of Douglas lost a great asset to the community. Monchi dedicated a great majority of his time to Little League. Are you serious create policy to change the name of 15th street ball park? If a policy does not been in existance and there never has been one in place why now? Personally it is a disgrace to the community not to rename the park after Monchi. To not rename the LLP after Monchi is done out of pure spite and jealousy on the City Counsels' part. Shame on you! Recreate a policy I am sure there are much better ways to spend tax payers money than to write a policy to change a name just to get attention. There are better ways. Do the right thing and change the name and then just maybe citizens of Douglas might think about re electing you. "




Genny wrote on Feb 20, 2010 2:35 PM:

" It is with utmost sadness that the major and city council have to think about renaming the 15th st little league field after a man who gave 53 years to little league and devoted his time to the city of douglas because of a policy. What do we need to review: Monchi was a man who dedicated his time to little league, he made his famous carne asada events for not only little league but also the city of douglas. He gave so much to the community that we should all be honored. So in due respect to the city council and mayor, I ask, what can we do to honor a man who was our mentor, and a parental figure to our children? Why not rename the park Ramon "Monchi" Gonzales. We took so much from his family by him always being involved not only with Little League but the community of Douglas also. They never said anything because they all knew it was what he loved doing the most. "




Jose wrote on Feb 20, 2010 2:23 PM:

" Ramon P. Gonzales lived and believed in giving rather than recieving. So why can't the Mayor and the council live by his motto of giving rather than recieving. I am sure that all the citizens of Douglas would agree. "




Secily wrote on Feb 20, 2010 2:20 PM:

" Coming from his grandaughter who never has played baseball in my life. I can tell you that I know everything there is to know about baseball because of my grandfather. Though I chose not to play ball I still use my grandfathers life lessons in other aspects of my life. The Mayor and the council have the facts and a no policy should NOT get in the way of re naming the park after my grandfather. "OUR CHAMP" "




Southern California Residents wrote on Feb 20, 2010 12:30 PM:

" Many of us are proud to say we are from Douglas Arizona. It sad to say how ashamed we are of our home town. It is okay not to have policies when law enforcement or government people do wrong. Everthing is hush hush. Give the people of Douglas what they want. Monchi took kids that never held a ball and bat in their youth. He made ball players out of them. He showed them to believe in themselves. To see the joy in their face and in their parents when they caught or hit the ball for the first time was so exciting. Not only was he a mentor or coach to young kids, but to everyone that crossed his path. Monchi was proud to be a resident of Douglas and never hesitated to not help anyone. Honor the man that Douglas residents (not council members)have been so proud of having not only as a coach but as a true friend. "




Carlito wrote on Feb 20, 2010 10:17 AM:

" Monchi has coached me, my dad, and his dad. I think he is a really great guy. It would be good to name the park after him. This would make him happy. "




Esteban wrote on Feb 20, 2010 10:16 AM:

" Name the park after the man who spent the most time there...MONCHI. "




JMonnin wrote on Feb 20, 2010 10:15 AM:

" A city must remember to honor the people that make the city great. Monchi was one of these people and to name the park that he was an integral part of, is well deserving. Everyone knows Monchi and what he has done and the name would be very fitting. "




Jim Burns wrote on Feb 20, 2010 8:13 AM:

" I feel that the Mayor and City Council will make the right decision in naming the 15th St. Little League field after Ramon "Monchi" Gonzales.
As the council said,they want to come up with a policy/procedure on how to get this accomplished.
Being in attendance at the meeting, ""I felt that all were in favor of this, just not sure how to do it properly for now and in the future.
Anybody who knew Monchi knows what he has done for the youth of this community for 52 yrs. with the Little League. The amount of time he was involved with the Little League is unprecedented by anyone from Douglas.
I memory of him, I truly feel that the 15th St. Little League field should be named after him in recognition for his unselfish service he provided to our youths.
I am confident that our elected officials will act favorably in naming this field for Monchi.

Thank you........Jim Burns "




John wrote on Feb 19, 2010 11:38 PM:

" I agree with Elia Sanchez. Do we need the right members to serve our community, who can appreciate what true dedication is from its citizens. Monchi was the best coach that I have ever known. He taught me and my two sons with an awesome dedication and love and I was honored to have had a coach like Monchi. What do we need to do to rename the park after a man that gave more than 100% dedication to the Douglas community? Monchi has truly earned this special request and I hope that the Mayor and the council members would consider naming the park after a great man that taught us all about baseball and a lot more than baseball. "




Cindel wrote on Feb 19, 2010 11:33 PM:

" If only the world had more people like Monchi. A true inspiration, Monchi sacrificed much more than his time, all for the better good of one small town and the people living in it. For over 53 years he helped our town learn the meaning of doing well for our community and passed down logic of paying it forward that Douglas carries today. This can be our way of showing thanks to someone who has single handedly changed so many lives and cared so passionately about our town. "




Roberto Durazo wrote on Feb 19, 2010 11:22 PM:

" Monchi (Ramon) Gonzales is my grandfather and I feel that re-naming the 15th Street Park would be an honor for a man that gave his passion and love to what he loved most, and that was being a teacher to every kid that crossed his path by showing him/her the value of baseball and teamwork. My granfather is my role model who taught me all about baseball and dedicated his time to help myself and others, the sport of baseball. I suggest to the city council to consider renaming the park in honor of my grandfather who dedicated so much of his life to the Douglas community and in doing this he left a set of footprints in a lot of peoples heart. He shared the love of babeball that he carried so deeply in his heart. "




lex wrote on Feb 19, 2010 10:59 PM:

" Since I grew up in Douglas I knew it to be a fair town that appreciated those special people who have given so much. Monchi deserves this and policy or not should NOT be an issue. Not even a MONUMENT would do Monchi justice. He dedicated his life to only do what we all want to do and thats, ''Doing GOOD 4 the Community'' "




Crystal wrote on Feb 19, 2010 10:48 PM:

" "Baseball is the belly of society. Straighten out baseball and you'll straighten out the rest of the world".-Bill Lee

When you read this quote how can you not think of Monchi. He believed this and more importantly lived it. He has helped the city of Doulgas. Not just because of baseball but because he believed in our kids when others didn’t. More importantly he wanted to make a change, and teach them to make a positive difference in our world. Naming the park would be a reminder to us all of what a great man he was, and how many lives he changed. "




Cris wrote on Feb 19, 2010 10:32 PM:

" Ramon Gonzales and his family have lived for baseball. Not just any baseball but for the Douglas Little League. It's a shame to hear that the city of Douglas needs to consider naming a park after him. He nor has his family ever consider coaching or putting in the time and dedication to the youth of Douglas. They did what they knew was best and right. May the city take the time they need to consider and do what is RIGHT. Name the ball after Ramon “Monchi” Gonzales. "




JSM wrote on Feb 19, 2010 10:08 PM:

" Monchi dedicated his life to the youth of Douglas. He coached generations of families throughout his time as a resident. Everyone sees the slow demise of the small border town. Douglas needs a hero. "




Ady wrote on Feb 19, 2010 10:01 PM:

" I am very disappointed in the city of douglas and the representatives at sit on this council including the mayor. Naming the park after Monchi, does not go against any policies since none exist. He devoted his life to the youth and to the game of baseball. It was more than a game that he was teaching. He was instilling values, strength, and perseverance in these children. He never asked for anything in return and I think this is the least that can be done. Monchi did everything for everyone else and we need to give back to him. I cant imagine anyone being better qualified and truly justified for the park to be named after. "




B. G. wrote on Feb 19, 2010 8:32 PM:

" I live out of town but was born and raised in Douglas. I played Little League when I was young and I have to say that Mr. Gonzales was the most endearing person I had as a coach. He would never give up on his team and he never gave up on Douglas. To read how the council members feel about the re naming of the park should go without saying. Name the park after Mr. Gonzales is the least they can do for what he has done for the many kids and for the community of Douglas. Be proud of and grateful for all this man did and gave. He is a hero and has given more than any council member on the board. I say re name the park after him. This should not even be an issue.. "




Supporter - JMo wrote on Feb 19, 2010 11:12 AM:

" Monchie and his family have dedicated some much of there time to help support our lost youth in Douglas. And having been not only a coach but a mentor, adviser, and parental figure to a number of these kids it would be amazing to have the very field they play on carry his name. I think it would have a profound effect on the children because he was a respected figure in their life and it was say a lot of the council to acknowledge them "the children" who will be adults eventually! "




Elia Sanchez wrote on Feb 18, 2010 5:27 PM:

" I was so displeased with the Mayor and council members in re naming the park after our most giving Douglas citizen, Ramon. The questions being raised about policy knowing that Douglas has never had one in place should have not even be in question. Now they want to come up with one. I hope the council members know that re election is coming up and maybe we should get the right members in there who appreciate what true dedication is from its citizens. Most especially someone like Ramon who gave more than any1one.We should be honored to have had such a person. "




Daniel wrote on Feb 18, 2010 4:54 PM:

" First and foremost, Monchi was a unique and very special person. He coached me many years ago. What I learned from this dear friend is what has given me life to succeed, why, because he said he knew I could. Now you ask, does that kind of teaching come from every coach? No! No one in Douglas can compare what this man has done for the community. I suggest to the Mayor and council members to give this man what is more than deserved. It is the highest honor that the city can at least do for him since he has done for the city in many ways. Many of us are who we are because of him. The petition had alot more signatures and the support for re naming the park is without question for many citizens of Douglas in which the Mayor and council members should never have even questioned.... Re name that park as Douglas should be honored to have had him. "

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