Congratulations to the family of Donald "Jake" Ensign on his induction to the Ohio Hot Stove Hall of Fame! Here is his induction speech:

Donald “Jake” Ensign was synonymous with Spencer Hot Stove for nearly 4 decades. He held many different positions of leadership during these years and his selfless service to the young people of the Spencer/Black River area went above and beyond. There are many anecdotes in the Black River community from players that are grateful to Mr. Ensign for coaching, teaching and instilling a love of baseball. There are also stories from families that may not have been in a position to pay for sign-up fees, but Jake and other Spencer Hot Stove leaders found a way to provide scholarships. They didn’t want any young athletes to be denied a roster spot because their family was in a tough spot financially.

There is a quote, that societies are made great when old men plant trees for the shade that they shall never enjoy. That isn’t to say that Jake didn’t see the fruits of his labor. From 1967-2003, he RARELY, if ever, missed a single game in which his children, Kathy, Steve, Donna, Barb, Larry and grandchildren, Steve Jr., Brian, Adam, and Jake played, as either a coach or a spectator. However, it is notable and remarkable that Jake’s efforts to not only spearhead the successful campaign to establish the Spencer girl’s softball division of Hot Stove, but also serve an instrumental position in the construction and development of JB Firestone Park have provided countless young athletes opportunities that continue to this day. Our community is made greater by Jake’s decades of volunteerism, leadership and vision.

Jake’s legacy continues with the community assets and organization that he helped build. It also continues with his family. Jake has 3 great-grand-children playing Farm ball for Black River Youth Sports this year and 2 grandsons that coach.

It is our honor as the board of Black River Youth Sports (fka Spencer Hot Stove) to host the Hot Stove Softball Tournaments this year in the park and for the sport that Jake Ensign helped establish. It is also our honor to nominate Donald “Jake” Ensign for induction into the Ohio Hot Stove Hall of Fame. We submit this humble request for your consideration.

If anyone has ever deserved to be recognized for their service, it is him. His resume as provided by his family, is as follows:

• 1967-1987 – Head coach and assistant coach for various teams at various levels
• 1967-1984 – Personnel Director for Spencer Hot Stove
• 1967-1990 – Lorain County Hot Stove Umpire (umpired at State Tournament in Alliance)
• 1975 – Spearheaded the successful campaign to establish the Spencer Girls’ Softball division of Spencer Hot Stove
• 1978-1979 – Was instrumental in the construction and development of JB Firestone Park (where games are still being played)
• 1994-2000 – Worked for Spencer township mowing and maintaining ball fields

*Some dates were estimated based on best recollection