HAMLET — Summertime baseball in Hamlet officially kicked off Friday night at historic Memorial Park with a tip of the cap to several hometown heroes.
Ahead of the Hamlet American Legion’s home opener, local first responders were in the spotlight as the City of Hamlet and the baseball program took time to thank and recognize Richmond County’s firefighters.
Present for the pregame ceremony and on the field to be recognized were the chiefs of every fire department in Richmond County. Additional members of several fire departments also participated.
Public address announcer James “Biggie” Lyerly recognized each fire chief — Trey Goodwin (Hamlet); Harold Isler (Rockingham) represented by deputy chief Austin Parker; JR Smith (East Rockingham); Jeremy Chance (Cordova); Frank McKay (Hoffman); Will Barber (Ellerbe); Kenny McFayden (Mountain Creek); David Poland (Derby) and Vernon McKinnon (Northside).
“Today we honor and support our Richmond County firefighters who save lives, protect our homes and stand ready to battle flames at a moment’s notice,” Lyerly said.
“It’s their commitment to service that we all appreciate and we as a community salute our firefighters.”
In addition to the local first responders, several Richmond County officials joined in the ceremony to show countywide support for the Post 49 baseball program.
Among those called out by Lyerly were Hamlet mayor Amy Guinn; Dobbins Heights mayor Antonio Blue; Rockingham mayor pro tem Denise Sullivan and Richmond County Board of Commissioners chairman Rick Watkins.
Post 49’s Commander Joe Richardson and event organizer and longtime Post 49 member Eddie Martin were also present on the field.
The guest of honor this year was Brian Taylor, who serves as the North Carolina State Fire Marshal.
Taylor, who began his fire service career in Montgomery County, received the official game ball from Richmond County Sheriff Mark Gulledge and threw out a ceremonial first pitch to officially open summer baseball in Hamlet.
With a smooth windup, Taylor threw a dart across the plate to catcher Jabari Douglas (Richmond Senior High School).
Pastor Chris Hawks of Hamlet Second Baptist Church offered the invocation. Presenting the colors was the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office color guard.
“As we gather tonight, we want to pray for and thank you for the ones we’ve honored tonight, our firefighters,” Hawks said. “They put themselves in harm’s way to protect us. We ask that you bless them, ask that you keep them safe.”
Treating the crowd of a couple hundred fans and supporters, Hamlet earned an 11-1 victory over non-conference opponent Anson County Post 446 in six innings.
Click here to read more about Hamlet’s first win of the season.
A photo gallery of Post 49’s mercy-rule win can be viewed by clicking here.
Hamlet (1-2) will return to the diamond Tuesday at Anson County (0-4). Play will begin at 7 p.m.
