There were a few tears and lots of fond memories Tuesday night as East Bladen High School named its baseball field in honor of former coach Russell Priest.
Priest, who died last year, coached at the school for 44 years before retiring in 2019.
“I wish he could be here,” said Doll Priest, Russell’s wife. “He would have loved this.”
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Photos by Kenneth Armstrong
Players from East Bladen and West Bladen lined the baselines as the Priest family walked to home plate for the ceremony.
“Today is Russell Priest Day and there’s not a more fitting place to celebrate than on the field where he dedicated 44 years to the student-athletes at East Bladen High School, ” wrote former play Kyle Bostic in prepared remarks. “Today, we honor Coach Russell Priest and his family as we officially name the East Bladen High School baseball field Russell Priest Field.
“Coach Priest has touched the lives of thousands of student-athletes and their families during his 44 years at East Bladen High School. Although we miss him tremendously, each time we see his name on this field we will be reminded of his love for his players, the game of baseball, and East Bladen High School athletics.”
The Priest family was presented a plaque by former player and long time family friend Warren Sholar, which read:
“In honor of Coach Russell Priest for your 44 years of dedication and desire for the academic and athletic growth of our students, teachers, and community.
“We are proud to acknowledge the East Bladen Baseball Field as Coach Russell Priest Field, May 11, 2021.”
Bladen County Board of Commissioners Chairman Charles Ray Peterson presented the Priest family with a framed jersey of Russell Priest’s No. 20. At the time of his passing, Priest was in his 10th year serving as a commissioner. He also served on the Elizabethtown Town Council.
East Bladen baseball players presented Doll Priest with flowers.
Afterward, it was time to play the first official game on Russell Priest Field. East Bladen beat West Bladen 14-4.
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