Media release from Georgia Highlands College:
Meet your local Chargers athletes, the new Georgia Highlands College (GHC) Director of Athletics Nicole Leverling and a former Atlanta Brave during the college’s “Field Naming Celebration” on Sunday, October 20, at 3PM.
The Chargers baseball team made history in spring 2024 as the first Chargers team to make it to the JUCO World Series, held in Grand Junction, CO., and along with the Chargers softball team, are ready to take their game to the next level on their home field.
Along with this group of stellar student-athletes will be former Atlanta Braves pitcher Mark Wohlers, who will be signing baseballs at the event. He pitched for the Atlanta Braves during the 1995 World Series.
A right-hander, Wohlers played all or parts of 12 seasons in Major League Baseball, exclusively as a relief pitcher. He is best known for his years with the Atlanta Braves from 1991 to 1999. He is the third fastest recorded pitcher in baseball history, having thrown a pitch recorded at 103 miles per hour during a spring training session in 1995; the record was broken by Detroit Tigers pitcher Joel Zumaya with a 104 mph (167 km/h) pitch.
The event will feature activities for all ages, including a home run derby, softball bingo, inflatables, food trucks, and more. It will take place at GHC’s state-of-the-art athletic complex, located between the GHC Cartersville Campus and the Savoy Automobile Museum. The complex has two fields, a 5,000 square foot hitting facility, restrooms, concessions stands and more. The fields were also outfitted with TruHop, a turf designed especially for baseball and softball.
The softball field will be named after Carol Brown, and the baseball field will be named after Cdr. Robert Bentley USN (Ret).
Event Details:
Date & Time:
Sunday, October 20th, 2024
Festivities begin at 3PM
Location:
Georgia Highlands College Athletic Complex
Hwy GA-20, Cartersville, GA 30121
Schedule of Events:
3PM – Welcome!
Upon arrival, visitors can stop by the welcome tent to receive a free GHC squishy ball and event information. Attendees can purchase Home Run Derby balls and Softball Bingo cards, with proceeds supporting the GHC Athletic Fund. Bingo cards and Derby balls can also be purchased in advance online.
3:15PM – Field Naming Ceremony
The highlight of the event will be the official dedication of the softball and baseball fields. The softball field will be named in honor of Carol Brown, while the baseball field will carry the name of Cdr. Robert Bentley, USN (Ret).
3:30PM – Inflatables, Food Trucks, and Facility Tours
Guests can tour the new athletic complex, enjoy inflatables, play yard games, and grab a bite from the various food trucks on site.
4PM – Softball Bingo
Head to the Carol Brown Softball Field to play Softball Bingo for a chance to win a GHC Baseball Helmet Bowl. Bingo cards can be purchased online.
5PM – Home Run Derby
Swing for the fences at the Cdr. Robert Bentley USN (Ret) Baseball Field during the Home Run Derby. Participants can compete to win a GHC 18″ Mini Wooden Baseball Bat by purchasing a Home Run Derby ball online.
6PM – Bonus Round
Those who collect a GHC squishy ball, a GHC Baseball Helmet Bowl, and a GHC 18″ Mini Wooden Baseball Bat will be eligible for the Bonus Home Run Derby Round, where one final contestant will win a special grand prize. (Must be 18+ to participate in the Bonus Round).
This event is free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to purchase Softball Bingo Cards and Home Run Derby Balls in advance by visiting the “Support the Teams” section on the event page online. Proceeds from these activities will directly benefit the GHC Athletic Fund.
Come out for a day of fun, family, and celebration as Georgia Highlands College marks a new chapter for its athletic program.
