TULELAKE, Calif. — College and pro sports arenas and stadiums are always being named in honor of someone — typically a person who has handed a load of money to the home team.

The tiny town of Tulelake, in northern California near the Oregon border, recently renamed their high school football field "Bateman Field" in recognition of Harve and Doris Bateman. No, the Batemans have not donated thousands of dollars to the high school athletic department. Instead, they have given thousands of hours to help the people, young and old, of Tulelake. They have spent years serving their community. They are making a difference.

"The Batemans are common, every day people, but they are making an impact in their non-Mormon community," said Dick Morrill, a Tulelake native and Church member who grew up watching the Batemans' actions.

Whenever there is a need in Tulelake, some civic hole that needs to be filled, the couple have made themselves available, Brother Morrill added.

Brother Bateman, who was raised in the Church, moved to Tulelake where he met, married and baptized his wife. They are members of the Tulelake Branch, Klamath Falls Oregon Stake.

Years ago, Tulelake High School found itself without a baseball coach. Brother Bateman — a retired farm implements parts man — dug out his old leather mitt, volunteered his time and spent years teaching teenage boys the finer points of batting, advancing the baserunner and hitting the cut-off man. He also taught them about service, giving up personal time to helping others.

When he needed a "co-coach" Sister Bateman joined the team in the dugout. She was at every game anyway — she drove the team bus.

"She became a second mother to many students over the years," Brother Morrill said.

Now retired from coaching, Brother Bateman still gives his time to the school teams operating the scoreboard during basketball season and moving the first-down chains during Tulelake football games.

He has also dabbled in local politics, serving, at different times, as Tulelake's mayor, a town councilman and assisting with the volunteer fire department.

"We just like to help out," Brother Bateman said.

Brother Bateman was recently released as branch president but continues to serve as a temple worker in the Medford Oregon Temple.

Sister Bateman's efforts are also being felt in Tulelake — visiting sick folk, donating food and offering "a hardy laugh to people when they need it most," Brother Morrill said.

The Batemans say they have found joy and reward serving others, especially the youth.

"We can go places and kids we've known from school will run across the street just to talk to us and see how we are doing," Sister Bateman said.

Do you know of Latter-day Saints who are making a difference, finding ways to improve lives, neighborhoods and schools beyond their Church callings? If so, please send information to Church News, P.O. Box 1257, Salt Lake City, Utah 84110. Fax (801) 237-2524, or e-mail jswensen@desnews.com