AUSTIN (KXAN) — There is an old Park in west Austin with a new name.

On Saturday, friends and family of late Don Baylor gathered to unveil the newly named “Don Baylor Neighborhood Park” sign.

The park located just off Enfield Road near MoPac used to be named Westenfield Park.

Don Baylor grew up in Clarksville and attended O’Henry Middle School and Austin High School as a kid, but during his younger years the city of Austin was deeply segregated.

Baylor was unable to enjoy the park, but broke down barriers when attending O’Henry and Austin High School as one of the first black students.

“Austin High was that common ground that brought a lot of kids from what they may call Old West Austin and Clarksville together,” said Don Baylor Jr., Baylor’s son. “I think they realized they were neighbors even though they might have been separated by a railroad track.”

Mayor Kirk Watson also attended the event.

“To be able to name this park after him, in honor of him, will bring us all together,” said Watson. “His spirit continues to live on and that is why you see so many people out here. The diversity of our city, the love of our city, the community, Don Baylor, we stand on his shoulders.”

Family, friends pay respects to Don Baylor

Councilman Marc Duchen helped the family through the process of renaming the park, he says recognizing a man who had such a big impact on the city was a must.

“I think it is instrumental that we recognize people that are vital parts of the community that were groundbreaking in their own ways whether at the Major Leagues or in integration here in the schools and so it is really exciting to memorialize this park after Don and his family,” Duchen said.

During the ceremony, Baylor’s family spoke to the crowd about his accomplishments and his love for Austin.

The city also unveiled a new marker highlighting Baylor’s accomplishments and sharing his story.

“Even people that were big baseball fans, who lived in Austin, didn’t know he was from Austin,” said Baylor Jr. “So, I think that this turnout, which we think is close to 300 people, and this park will go along way in changing that.”

Baylor played 19 seasons in the MLB mainly with the Orioles and Angels.

He won the 1979 American League MVP and a World Series championship.

After his playing days, Baylor managed the Colorado Rockies and the Chicago Cubs.

Don Baylor passed away in 2017.

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