American Legion brings home state title
Jul. 21—GRANITE FALLS — Coach Jeff Parham keeps plugging, and Caldwell County American Legion baseball keeps winning.
Despite recent health issues, the veteran South Caldwell coach led his team to a recent N.C. American Legion junior state championship.
"The lord blessed me with a great group of young men that worked very hard and was very committed," Parham said. "I was so proud of their effort, their sportsmanship, and how well they represented Caldwell County."
South Caldwell Post 29 defeated Davidson County Post 8 in the semifinals before taking the state title at Fraley Field over home-standing Cherryville Post 100.
"I want to thank my coaching staff for the many hours they put in through this Junior League season," Parham said. "We have a great group of parents that were very supportive."
South Caldwell also captured state titles in 2005, 2014 and 2017.
"This was a very special group of young men to coach this summer," Parham said. "We started back in the middle of the spring and went all of the way back to yesterday."
The Spartans finished as runners-up in 2011 and 2015.
"It takes a lot commitment," Parham said. "This group was a great group to coach. They are an outstanding group of young men.
"I'm so proud of them for what they accomplished this year."
The Spartans, Area 4 champions, finished 22-2.
"I continue to coach and love what I do," Parham said. "I love to be around these young people. I love competing and coaching."
The team members are J.P. Smith, Carter Bley, Connor Setzer, Brady Robbins, Andrew Shore, Chase Cardwell, Luke Williams, Chase Johnson, Carter McGhinnis, Walker Hartley, Kori McCall, Nate Hall, Ben Ellison, Bryson Genwright, Graham Watters, Davis Smith and Cole Carpenter.
"It's been a big part of my life," Parham said. "I enjoy young people. It's been a blessing to do what I do."
Coach Parham has racked up nearly 475 wins guiding South Caldwell High School baseball. He has also surpassed the 410-win mark leading the Lady Spartans' basketball program.
Parham is a 1983 South Caldwell graduate and a member of the 1982 state champion baseball team. The 58-year-old coach said retirement is not in his immediate plans.
"I'm not ready for that yet," said Parham. "That time will come. I'm still young."
