Cherryville Celebrates with Parade, Banquet, and Home Run Derby

The crowd at the American Legion Baseball Hall of Fame Banquet - July 25th, 2025

Mason Beam (WNN)

Posted Friday, August 1, 2025 3:56 pm

By: Lauren Ramsey – Wise News Network

Cherryville, NC (WNN)—Many gathered on July 25, 2025, for the 2025 NC American Legion Baseball Hall of Fame Banquet, held at the Christian Outreach Center of Cherryville First Baptist Church.

The crowd honored Chris Cook of Garner Post 232 and Don Hines of Kannapolis Post 115. The two were officially inducted as the 232nd and 233rd NC Legion Baseball Hall of Fame members.

What Happened Before the Ceremony

Before the ceremony, Mayor Pro Tem Jill Puett gave a speech welcoming all attendees. NC Hall of Fame Vice Chairman John Duvall led the Pledge of Allegiance while Tom Kinman of First Baptist Church ended with a prayer.

John Duvall getting ready to address the Legion Baseball Hall of Fame Banquet - July 25th, 2025

Mason Beam (WNN)

After the prayer, Attendees were served a meal provided by Cherryville First Baptist Church congregation members. The meal included barbecue, baked beans, chips, and desserts.

First Baptist Church of Cherryville members are waiting to serve dinner - July 25th, 2025

Mason Beam (WNN)

Chris Cook Shares Gratitude During Induction Speech

In his speech, Chris Cook reflected on his 17 years of coaching in the American Legion Baseball program. He thanked everyone who helped him over the years, especially his wife, who held down the fort at home while he was away for long periods.

American Legion Baseball Hall of Fame Inductee Chris Cook - July 25th, 2025

Mason Beam (WNN)

"I was on the road for five straight months," Cook said. My wife made sure everything at home was taken care of."

He also shared personal moments, such as his mother being placed on a kidney transplant list, and spoke of Cherryville as a place where "good things happen." Cook noted how much the Legion community has meant to him and acknowledged the loss of others who were part of that journey.

"We all thought we had more time. We sat in here last year, but God had other plans."

Don Hines Reflects on Six Decades of Service

Don Hines, who started volunteering with American Legion Baseball back in 1962, spoke during his induction. He talked about how he got involved in basic things, such as keeping the scoreboard for balls and strikes, which eventually became a lifelong passion.

American Legion Baseball Hall of Fame Inductee Don Hines

Mason Beam (WNN)

"Who would have thought that back in 1962, when I started keeping balls and strikes on the scoreboard, I'd be inducted into the 2025 American Legion Baseball Hall of Fame?" Hines said

He expressed his appreciation for the people he's met and the memories he's made over the years, expressing how much the American Legion Baseball community has meant to him.

Parade and Home Run Derby End the Day

Earlier that day, the eight tournament teams were paraded through town on firetrucks from the Cherryville Fire Department and Tryonota Volunteer Fire Department. Family, friends, and fans lined the streets to welcome their teams to Cherryville.

The Parade of Champions heading down Main Street in Cherryville, NC - July 25th, 2025

Mason Beam (WNN)

Following the banquet and ceremony, a Home Run Derby took place around 7:30 p.m. across the street at Fraley Field. Jessen Copeland of Union County Post 535 took home the win. Copeland is a 2025 graduate of Sun Valley High School in Monroe, NC.