More Than Baseball: How Terry Fredrickson Turned Loss Into Legacy in Pocatello

PODCAST VERSION

There’s a special kind of magic that happens on summer nights at Halliwell Park. The lights hum to life, kids dash for kettle corn, and fans settle in with smiles and scorecards. But behind every pitch and cheer is a deeper story—one rooted in resilience, purpose, and one man’s unwavering love for his community.

That man is Terry Fredrickson.

If you’ve been to a Gate City Grays game, chances are you’ve felt it—the sense of connection, joy, and hometown pride that pulses through the stands.

Terry & Erica Fredrickson

And at the heart of it all is Terry: announcer, founder, advocate, friend. His energy is magnetic, his kindness genuine, and his belief in Pocatello unshakable.

But Terry’s journey here didn’t begin with baseball—it began with heartbreak. After losing his brother to a heroin overdose, Terry left law school behind and chose a new path: one rooted in helping others. He became an addiction counselor, determined to be the person who could prevent someone else from getting the phone call his mother received. That choice didn’t just shift his life—it started a ripple effect that would touch thousands more.

As President of New Day Products and Resources, Terry has spent the last 15 years building an organization that empowers people with developmental disabilities. “Don’t diss my ability” isn’t just a slogan—it’s the heartbeat of New Day, where over 100 individuals are employed in meaningful, skill-building work. Whether it’s screen-printing Bengal gear or providing award-winning car detailing, the focus is always on what people can do.

When the pandemic hit, every single New Day employee showed up—many working at highway rest areas to keep critical services running. That’s not just work. That’s purpose.

Still, for Terry and his wife Erica, the heartbeat of summer has always been baseball. In 2014, they turned their shared love of the game into a community gift by founding the Gate City Grays—named in honor of the Homestead Grays, an African American League team that once passed through Pocatello. What started as a passion project quickly became one of the city’s most beloved traditions, drawing crowds of up to 2,000 fans.

But it’s never just been about the game. It’s about people coming together.

In an era where screens compete for our attention, the ballpark offers something rare: a place where, as Terry puts it, “the stadium breathes together.” You’ll find grandparents, toddlers, students, and neighbors high-fiving strangers and singing along to the seventh-inning stretch. It’s community, in its purest form.

And that’s the through line in all Terry does: connection. From his counseling work to his leadership in Rotary and Civitan, to every game night where he greets fans with that signature Terry grin—he reminds us of something simple and powerful:

“What you have to give, society needs to have.” - Terry Fredrickson

Terry Fredrickson

We’re proud to call him a friend. And even prouder to watch how one man’s response to tragedy has blossomed into a legacy of hope, joy, and meaningful service that continues to uplift the city we all love.

So if you ever hear someone say “there’s nothing to do in Pocatello,” kindly invite them to a Grays game. Let them see for themselves what community really looks like—and maybe even feel a little inspired to get involved.

Because thanks to people like Terry, this town doesn’t just play ball—it shows up with heart.