MINT HILL, NC – Mint Hill American Legion Post 555 hosted it’s first “Jim Lane” Memorial Golf Tournament this week at the Olde Sycamore Golf Planation. The tournament was formed by Steve Baucom and Bryan Bunn, both natives of Mint Hill who have been involved in American Legion baseball in our area for decades. The event was to celebrate the life of Jim Lane, who dedicated many hours to fundraising and supporting the program serving many young athletes in our area.
The event held on Monday, April 11, was a fundraising drive to support Post 555 athletic programs. The local Legion Post sponsors and supports both baseball and ladies fastpitch softball programs primarily for area high school athletes to compete and play ball during the summer months. Local collegiate players up to the age of 19 are also eligible. The teams will begin playing in early June through July. If successful, they will compete into early August.
All the proceeds received from the event are invested into the program to cover expenses to continue this rich tradition that began in 1925 with baseball, and more recently, softball. The teams require uniforms, equipment and supplies, registration fees, game officials, insurance, travel, field rental, coaches, and much more to support the programs.
The program’s goals are to teach and instruct the players at a high level and provide our athletes an opportunity to showcase their talents for potential colleges and universities, all at an affordable price when compared to other alternatives and options. This is quality baseball and softball, and the players receive recognition and exposure against good competition with the potential of playing the Baseball World Series in Shelby, North Carolina, or at another excellent location for the softball championship.
We do it the traditional American Legion way by building character, fostering teamwork, making new friends, and having fun, along with a heavy dose of patriotism, which includes reverence for our flag, our country, and to all involved, including players, coaches, families, officials, veterans, volunteers, sponsors, supporters, fans, and our local community.
We appreciate Jim Lane, whose dedication throughout the years will always be remembered, and Kelly Moore who coached baseball for 43 years, and spent endless hours mentoring and teaching players the game he loved.
We lost two great gentlemen recently who have made a difference to each player and person they touched. In tribute to their legacy, we are in their debt for ever, and will continue this great American tradition for many years to come.
