HiToms to Host the North Carolina American Legion State Tournament

Thomasville’s Historic Finch Field is the location scheduled for 2018’s North Carolina American Legion State Championship’s five-day tournament to be held July 26-30th. The High Point-Thomasville HiToms Post 87 American Legion Baseball program is thrilled to be the hub of this prestigious game for the 2nd time by hosting North Carolina’s upcoming 91st state championship. They last hosted in 2006 and the tournament was well attended at Finch Field.

Finch Field Facts

Greg Suire has served as the President of the HiTom’s baseball team for the last 19 years. He says that he is ecstatic that the HiToms were selected to host this state championship again and believes it will have both a positive and lucrative economic impact for the area. He mentioned that he often finds that residents of the Thomasville, High Point, Archdale, Trinity area not familiar with some of the details and historical significance of Finch Field.

Suire weighed in on the following interesting facts about the ballfield:

Finch Field was established in 1935.
In 1983, the field was modernized due to a fire.
Over 30 players started with the HiTom’s before launching their career to Major League teams.
Hall of Famer, Eddie Mathews began his career as a HiTom at Finch Field before signing with the Boston Braves. Further, he was the first athlete to be chosen for the cover photo of the first Sports Illustrated edition in 1954.

Hometown Downtown Throwdown

Not only is Thomasville pleased to host this tournament, but they have scheduled an event called the Hometown Downtown Throwdown for July 27th to celebrate the championship and bring the community and visitors together. Don’t miss out on the fun for all ages at PACE Park located at 8 Memorial Park Drive from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM.

Additional details include:

Tournament teams and players to be recognized
Music
Water Slide
Local Food Vendors
Whiffle Ball Homerun Derby to include one player from each team

History in the Making

This tournament will bring people from all over North Carolina to the Thomasville area to watch the games. Suire explained, “Future Major League players will be at Finch Field at the state tournament at the end of the month. We just don’t know which ones yet and time will tell.” Truly, history is made at tournaments like this. When the championship was held there last in 2006, there were four future major leaguers in that tournament. Madison Bumgarner, Lonnie Chisenhall, Alex White, and Kyle Seager all went on to play for different Major League teams since playing at Finch Field.

Take Me Out to the Ballgame

Don’t miss the North Carolina American Legion State Championship’s five-day tournament at Thomasville’s own, historical Finch Field! Also, mark your calendar for July 27th’s Hometown Downtown Throwdown so that you can take part in all the fun that will take place along with the ballgames. The HiToms look forward to hosting the tournament while offering the community and beyond an excellent place to enjoy the games, food, and fellowship.

Blog