NASHVILLE —
Monday evening, the Nashville community showed its support for Larry Greene.
Greene, who had a memorable baseball career at Berrien High School and was recently drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in the first round of the Major League Baseball Draft, was honored at a community celebration Monday at Dr. Frank Carter Field.
Several presentations were made to Greene, including a key to the city and a proclamation, and a large crowd showed up to help honor him.
“It means a lot to me. It shows me the community’s behind me, and they’ve supported me and my family through this,” Greene said. “It’s a blessing.”
Greene has lived in Nashville his entire life, and said his hometown is a special place to him.
“I want to thank the community for supporting us,” his father, Larry Greene Sr., said.
Nashville mayor Travis Harper made a proclamation recognizing Greene, and gave him a key to the city. The Berrien County Parks and Recreation Department gave plaques to Greene and his father to recognize them for all they’ve done.
The Berrien County Chamber of Commerce gave Greene a bag of gifts from different merchants in the area, including several gift certificates, an mp3 player and a year’s supply of fudge. Side Street Dogs named a hot dog after Greene, while another restaurant, Brown Bag, named a sandwich the Larry Greene Philly Steak and Cheese, since he was drafted by Philadelphia.
“That’s nice, real nice,” Greene said.
After the presentations, Greene grabbed his bat and put on a hitting display for the crowd. With his dad and Berrien coach Doug Nix pitching to him, Greene initially hit primarily line drives to right field. But then he started hitting home runs. At one point, he hit seven straight balls over the fence. Many of his homers were tape measure shots, too, sailing well over the fence. One ball landed on the field house at Berrien’s football field; another one completely cleared it and landed on the field.
“He put on a show, like he always does,” Nix said.
After putting on his hitting display, Greene signed autographs for everyone who wanted one. Fans received baseballs that they could get Greene to sign.
Greene and his father both wore Phillies shirts and hats during the ceremony.
Greene had one of the greatest baseball careers in Berrien High history. He holds every major offensive record at Berrien. He was a four-year starter, a four-time All-Region selection and was also an All-State selection. He was the Region 1-AA Offensive Player of the Year in 2010 (a year in which three players from the region — Kaleb Cowart and D.J. Johnson of Cook and Aaron Shipman of Brooks County — were drafted by Major League teams) and was chosen the Region Player of the Year in 2011. He played in the Aflac All-American Game last summer in San Diego.
In four years at Berrien, Greene batted .495 with 42 home runs and 155 runs batted in. He also had 35 doubles, 11 triples, scored 184 runs, stole 53 bases and collected 123 walks (24 of them intentional).
He loves playing the game.
“It’s a blessing to be able to play baseball,” Greene said.
“He played the game right,” Nix said. “He got after it, he hustled and he was a team player. He wasn’t about Larry Greene, he was about Berrien County baseball. He’s always been that way, and he’ll always be that way.”
On June 6, the Phillies selected Greene with the 39th overall pick in the Major League draft, during the supplemental portion of the first round.
“I was surprised at first,” Greene said. “I’m glad they picked me.”
“We’re excited. We’re ready to get him started,” Larry Greene Sr. said. “I’m very proud of him. He works hard, and he deserves it. The Good Lord has looked out for him.”
There were a lot of children in attendance on Monday. Nix said Greene loves children, and has been a great role model for them. Greene had a message for the kids.
“Dream big,” he said.
Local Sports
Related Photos
-
Nashville Mayor Travis Harper reads a proclamation honoring Larry Greene (left), as Greene's father, Larry Greene Sr., looks on at Dr. Frank Carter Field on Monday. Greene was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies earlier this month. Paul Leavy | The Valdosta Daily Times
-
Larry Greene hits the ball during a hitting demonstration on Monday in Nashville. Greene hit about three dozen balls, many of them home runs. Paul Leavy | The Valdosta Daily Times
-
Surrounded by proclamations, awards and the key to city of Nashville, Larry Greene signs autographs on Monday evening at Berrien's Dr. Frank Carter Field. Paul Leavy | The Valdosta Daily Times
Discussion
Honoring Larry Greene
Berrien baseball star recognized by his local community
- Local Sports
-
-
All-Region teams announced
Lowndes was one win away from a trip to the Class AAAAAA state semifinals, and the success by the Vikings this season showed when the All-Region 1 baseball teams were announced Monday.
-
Lowndes tennis dominates
Lowndes’ tennis team dominated the All-Region 1 teams, with coach Heath Phelps garnering Coach of the Year honors on both the girls’ and boys’ side.
-
Banks Lake Youth Fishing Derby a success
The 13th annual Banks Lake Youth Fishing Derby held May 11 drew 150 children from ages 3 to 15 who competed for trophies while learning how to fish.
-
Valdosta's Alakulppi ties for 2nd at state
Valdosta freshman golfer Luukas Alakulppi fired a 71 to finish in a tie for second at the Class AAAAAAA state golf tournament in Tifton.
-
Summer camp information
VSU baseball camp coming soon
-
Prince Automotive donates new baseball equipment
Prince Automotive of Valdosta is supporting the Valdosta community through its partnership with the Valdosta/Lowndes County Recreation Department. The dealership has joined forces with the national Chevrolet Youth Baseball program to provide new equipment, instructional clinics, and a monetary donation.
-
Needmore holds final races before big Memorial Day weekend
Saturday night racing at Needmore Speedway saw some new faces in victory lane.
That wasn’t the case in the Late Model division, as Valdosta's Gene Ross drove to victory once again, but not without some close competition from Steven Roberts who came in second.
In the Limited Late Model class, it was another win for Cole Exum, with Gene Maine finishing second in the NAPA Auto Parts special. -
VSU softball wins South Region, headed to nationals
For the third time in four years, and second in a row, Valdosta State’s softball team will play in the national championship tournament.
The Blazers won their third South Region championship Saturday, beating Alabama-Huntsville 8-3 in game three of the best-of-three series at Steel’s Diamond at Blazer Park. -
VSU baseball season comes to an end
Delta State scored seven unanswered runs to defeat Valdosta State 7-2 in an elimination game of the NCAA South Region Tournament at the UT Baseball Field Saturday afternoon.
-
Blazers take 1-0 series lead
Angela O’Connor launched a pinch-hit two-run home run over the left-field fence, tying the game against Alabama-Huntsville in the bottom of the sixth inning, and sparking the Blazers and their fans along the way.
- More Local Sports Headlines
-
