Jimmy Sheckard
Columbia's only major league baseball player, Jimmy Sheckard, was honored at a memorial dedication on Saturday, May 4, at 4 p.m. at Glatfelter Field.
The event was sponsored by the Susquehanna Valley chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame, along with the Glatfelter Field Foundation and the Columbia Boys Athletic Association. The event was followed by the Susquehanna Valley chapter's annual awards and installation banquet at the Susquehanna Fire Company, 10th and Manor.
A stone and bronze monument measuring 3 x 5 feet was dedicated to Sheckard. It features his image and lists his baseball accomplishments. A list of financial donors appears on the back.
The program included remarks by Mike Kuhn and Phil Glatfelter of the Glatfelter Field Foundation, Ray McCarty of the Columbia Boys Athletic Association, Jay Lutz, grandson of Charles E. Herr who was a boyhood friend of Sheckard, Bob Herman of the Susquehanna Valley chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame, Chryst, a friend of Sheckard, and Gregg Dubbs, local baseball historian. Bill Kloidt was master of ceremonies. Several members of the Sheckard family helped unveil the monument. As Sheckard was also a barbershop-style singer, the Lazy Daze Barbershop Quartet performed during the ceremony.
A baseball card depicting Sheckard's major league accomplishments was given to those attending the ceremony.
Master of Ceremonies Bill Kloidt led the dedication.
Members of the Sheckard family and others attended.
Kevin Kraft Sr. gave the invocation.
A color guard stood by.
Jamie Hess led the pledge of allegiance.
Aspiring major leaguers listened to the proceedings.
District Justice Bob Herman offered remarks.
Barbershop quartet "Lazy Daze" sang several songs, including "Take Me Out to the Ball Game."
J. Freeland Chryst, a friend of Jimmy Sheckard, reminisced.
The audience listened to several speakers.
The monument was unveiled by members of the Sheckard family.
Several were in attendance.
Other attendees gathered.
The monument
Back of the monument
One last attendee
Just a nod to the stone monument in Lancaster that also commemorates Sheckard. The plaque is in Buchanan Park, near the North Museum. A picture: http://fingerfood.typepad.com/.a/6a012875949499970c0154350e77fc970c-450wi
ReplyDeleteThanks for the info. Here's the link to the complete article: http://fingerfood.typepad.com/finger-food/2011/09/the-forgotten-hero-of-the-champion-cubs-columbia-pa.html
Deleteit looks like it was a beautfiul service...what a great thing.
ReplyDelete