The Legacy of Paul Fortin and the Hamel Hawks
When Paul Fortin founded the Hamel Athletic Club and the Hamel Hawks in 1926, he likely never imagined that the organization would still be thriving 100 years later. Yet a century after its beginnings, Hamel Baseball remains one of the community’s proudest traditions, connecting generations of players, families, and fans through a shared love of the game.
The roots of Hamel Baseball run deep. A master electrician by trade, Paul Fortin was known throughout the area for his craftsmanship and attention to detail. But beyond his profession, he possessed an enduring passion for baseball. As an active member of the University of Minnesota Gopher Dugout Club, he dedicated countless hours to promoting and improving the sport he loved.
Paul’s talents extended beyond the field. Combining his technical skills with his baseball knowledge, he designed and built batting cages that were used by schools and colleges throughout the region. His work helped countless young athletes develop their skills and fostered a stronger baseball culture across Minnesota.
His most significant contribution, however, came in 1926 when he established the Hamel Athletic Club and the Hamel Hawks baseball team. What began as an opportunity for local athletes to compete soon became a cornerstone of community life. Hamel Baseball provided a gathering place where friendships were formed, traditions were built, and memories were made.
Paul’s commitment to the game was a family affair. He played alongside his brother, Gerald, during the Hawks’ early years, helping establish the team’s competitive spirit and community identity. Over time, the Fortin family’s connection to the Hawks became a remarkable three-generation story. Paul, his son Ronnie, and his grandson Brad each wore the Hawks uniform and played on the field that would eventually bear the Fortin name.
The family’s contributions reached far beyond the lineup card. Paul’s son, Butch Fortin, became instrumental in maintaining and improving the facilities that players enjoyed for decades. From building batting cages and protective screens to constructing scoreboards and maintaining field equipment, Butch’s efforts reflected the same dedication and pride that his father had shown years earlier.
As the decades passed, Hamel became a destination for baseball players from across the region. Competing in the Crow River League and Minnesota Baseball Association Class B and Class A competition, the Hawks developed a reputation for strong baseball and strong community support. Generations of players found their way to Hamel, adding their own chapters to the team’s rich history.
Behind every game, however, stood a community of volunteers. Coaches, board members, parents, groundskeepers, sponsors, and countless supporters contributed their time and energy to ensure that baseball remained an important part of Hamel life. Their efforts helped sustain the organization through changing times and growing communities.
Today, Paul Fortin’s vision continues to flourish at Paul Fortin Memorial Field. Recent improvements, including field lights, a Daktronics video scoreboard, and a 650-seat grandstand, have transformed the facility while preserving its small-town baseball charm. These investments ensure that future generations will continue to experience the same excitement and sense of community that have defined Hamel Baseball for a century.
The celebration of 100 years of Hamel Baseball on June 26–28, 2026, is more than an anniversary. It is a tribute to the players who took the field, the volunteers who maintained it, and the families who filled the stands. It is a celebration of a community that has embraced baseball as part of its identity for generations.
A memorabilia tent at Paul Fortin Memorial Field will offer visitors an opportunity to relive those memories through photographs, artifacts, and stories spanning a century of Hawks baseball. For many, it will be a chance to reconnect with old teammates, remember great moments, and appreciate the people who helped build something lasting.
One hundred years after Paul Fortin launched the Hamel Hawks, his legacy remains visible not only in the field that bears his name but also in the community spirit that continues to surround Hamel Baseball. It is a legacy built on hard work, volunteerism, family, and a love of the game—a legacy that has stood the test of time and promises to endure for generations to come.
Outdoor 100th Year Celebration
Saturday, June 27th 4:00PM – 9:30PM at the Hamel VFW
Relax, enjoy the music and connect with generations of Hawks players and supporters. Concession stand food, beverages (incl. alcohol) and Live Music by the Color Shadows.
Hamel Hawks vs. Loretto Larks w/ Pregame Ceremony
Sunday, June 28th from 11:30AM – 4:00PM at Paul Fortin Memorial Field
Pregame Ceremony honoring State Tournament and Championship Teams, 2026 Hall of Fame Inductees, 1st Pitch Honorees. Includes Colors
Presentation by the Hamel Honor Color Guard with the National Anthem.
