Russ Diethrick, 89, is currently leading Jamestown Community Baseball, LLC's Board of Directors, which also includes members of the Tarpskunks, part of the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League.

Known as Mr. Baseball, Diethrick was born at home during the 1934 World Series and is never far from the game that he's literally been of a fan of since birth.

"Always had the chance to play baseball every year. And I enjoy it and it was fun. I enjoy watching baseball. I enjoy reading and talking about it. Baseball's just kind of been in my bloodstream forever," said Diethrick.

Diethrick was recently presented virtually with the Governor's Exemplary Service Award for his more than six decades of civic accomplishments and volunteerism to his community.

"It's overwhelming. Not proud of me, proud of the team that put it together. Volunteers make up a team and I've been proud to be part of that," said Diethrick.

Diethrick was one of more than 90 total awardees from 55 counties across the state during Older New Yorker's Day.

"Just somebody that leaps off the page at you in New York State," said Greg Olsen, director of NYSOFA.

Volunteers were honored for their substantial contributions to the community, a population Olsen says is often undervalued.

"It sends a message of how important service is. They represent a million volunteers that are older in New York that contribute 495 million hours of service at an economic value of $13.8 billion," said Olsen.

Diethrick still manages to get to the ballpark, which was named after him in 1997. He is grateful to the community, the city, the game and his parents for taking him out to the ole ball game as a young fan.

"It's overwhelming, it's overwhelming. It's just an honor, and it's a responsibility," said Diethrick.

As part of the process, each county's Office For Aging Services department nominates at least two older adults for consideration.