Honor our heroes new sign project
Officer Tim Hearn Memorial Ballfield
Cleveland Park Ballfield Sign Project Update. (see more about Tim below!)
Thank You Waltrip HS Alumni!
Thank You, David and Kathy Joe Neck (retired HPD)
Thank You Steve Johnson
Thank You, Flor Zazosa
Thank You, Carlyn Allen (wife of Hearn Cadet Classmate) (HPD)
After the recent TV story aired, I was deeply moved by the response from several great Houstonians who stepped forward to help honor Tim Hearn.
One retired HPD officer and his wife personally stopped by and handed me a check to support the new Tim Hearn Memorial Ballfield sign. And just this morning, another HPD officer — who recognized me from my work as the long-term Door guy at the West Gray early voting site — handed me a check as well.
Thanks to the generous folks listed above the Friends of Cleveland Park nonprofit board is happy to announce:
The new Officer Hearn Ballfield sign is fully paid for.
From here forward, any additional funds raised will go directly toward beautification of the ballfield — a project we’re passionate about, which includes asking Centerpoint* to drop the ugly power lines in front of the field, tree plantings, paint, and flower boxes. For nearly ninety years, this field has been Houston’s most beloved and historic neighborhood ballfield. We agree with Jenny and Tory Hearn that it should look as beautiful as the spirit it represents — a place the Hearn family can always return to proudly, where Officer Tim Hearn’s legacy lives on in every game played. We know Jenny and Tory, and Tim's grandsons, Kaden and Kallen, will be pleased with the new sign.
Officer Hearn will forever be remembered as a hero, a leader of HPD’s Raiders softball team, and the athletic, good-hearted Waltrip High and UT alumnus that everyone admired — including his close friend, Mayor John Whitmire.
This project began with a simple goal: to ensure a fallen officer’s name and legacy continue to inspire future generations. Today, it stands as proof of what community, gratitude, and shared purpose can achieve.
The Board of the Nonprofit Thanks You, and thank you, KPRC -
— Brian Bottorff
Founder & Board President
Friends of Cleveland Park
*Please email Centerpoint CEO Jason Wells at jason.wells@centerpointenergvy.com Ask him to drop the seven utility poles on Scotland to improve the appearance if the ballfield named after a hero. HPD Union, Mayor Whitmire - we need you to heklp us make this happen.
https://friendsofclevelandpark.net
+1 512 800-9555
brian@friendsofclevelandpark.net
Timothy L. Hearn
Honor our heroes new sign project
Officer Tim Hearn Memorial Ballfield
April 19, 2025, was officially proclaimed Tim Hearn Day in Houston, and we were deeply honored to be joined by Officer Hearn’s lifelong friend, Mayor John Whitmire. The two graduated together from Waltrip High School in 1968 and stood beside each other as best men in each other’s weddings.
Tragically, just ten years later, on June 8, 1978, Officer Tim Hearn was killed in the line of duty at age 28, leaving behind a wife and young son. He was working undercover for the Houston Police Department when he was murdered while attempting an arrest. Good looking and a recent UT graduate and leader among his peers, Tim also captained the HPD RAIDERS Softball Team, often playing right here in Cleveland Park. It is only fitting that the city chose to name this ballfield in his honor.
Yet it took 20 years to even place a sign in the park—and the one currently displayed barely tells the story of this Houston hero. Tim Hearn graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree from the nation’s top-ranked accounting program, but he chose a life of public service and joined the Houston Police Department instead. He is survived by his wife Jenny, his son Tory, and two grandsons who live in the Woodlands.
In 2025, Friends of Cleveland Park was founded as a nonprofit dedicated to revitalizing the ballfield and enhancing the park. Our goals include planting 50–80 new trees in November 2025 and advocating for a new playground, bridge, and redesigned dog park area.
Like the Hearn family, we believe the current ballfield sign—with its awkward font and lack of meaningful information—does not do justice to Officer Hearn’s legacy. Thankfully, with support from the Mayor and assistance from HPARD, we are proud to announce that the field has been officially renamed:
Officer Tim Hearn Memorial Ballfield.
Every dollar donated will go directly to the creation of the new sign, beautification of the ballfield, flags, and updated dugout amenities. We are halfway there -please donate today.
Timothy L. Hearn
2025 CLEVELAND PARK CLEANUP CREW EVENT SPONORS
Thank You!
Organizations & leaders working for a better houston
WE APPRECIATE YOUR HELP & GUIDANCE
GREAT NEWS. See signupdate tab
Click on the SignUpdate Tab for a Great Rededicated by Mayor Whitmire – April 19, 2025. We added two words to the name: Officer & Memorial. Thanks for Joining Us to rededicate the ballfield and meet the lovely Hearn family on "Tim Hearn Day" in Houston.
We have pledged to replace the aging 20-year-old ballfield sign with one that tells the the story of Tim's sacrifice. Donations are tax deductible. Please chip in today to help us with this important project. Our Mayor offered a touching tribute to his friend in April. The Hearn family & HPARD have helped design it -and the Hearns love it!