HAMLET — With plans to grow even larger next summer, the Hamlet American Legion baseball program is getting a head start.
Chip Gordon, who has served as the head coach since resurrecting the program in 2020, said Post 49 will be adding a junior Legion team in 2024.
To help kick start the new addition, Post 49 will be holding its inaugural BBQ plate fundraiser later this fall.
Set for Friday, Oct. 13, Hamlet will use all of the proceeds to fund the junior and senior baseball teams.
“We’re excited to be bringing on a junior Legion team and working with Coach Eric Brown,” Gordon said. “The junior Legion will be strictly players from Richmond Senior High School and it’s a great opportunity to continue to develop local talent within Richmond County.”
The blending of Post 49 with the Raider baseball program comes as a result of Brown being hired as the new Richmond head coach in July. Both Brown (2002) and Gordon (2004) are Richmond graduates.
For the past three summers, any Post 49 player who has been on the roster hasn’t had to pay fees to play. Relying on donations and community support, Gordon hopes to keep it that way.
“Now that we have two teams, we wanted to start the fundraising earlier than normal,” Gordon explained. “Our program has been successful because of our sponsors and the community coming out to games and supporting our players.
“This is a great chance for people to enjoy some good BBQ while also helping our players and coaches get ready for another season.”
Plates will consist of BBQ, coleslaw, baked beans and a roll, and will cost $10.
They can be picked up at the Hamlet American Legion hall on the day of the fundraiser or orders of 10 or more plates will be delivered.
Gordon, along with some other members of the organization, will be doing all the cooking and preparation.
To pre-order, sign up sheets will be at local schools and businesses. Orders may also be placed on Oct. 13 or Gordon can be reached at 910-995-2496.
