Gerald Meredith, Carlton Alexander Honored at 2026 Youth League Baseball/Softball Jamboree

L-R: Carlton Alexander and Gerald Meredith prepare to throw out ceremonial first pitches at today's Jamboree.

Darren Doyle, story:
Two familiar faces from local athletics were honored today at the annual Edmonson County Parks and Rec Baseball/Softball Jamboree, held at HWY 70 Park.

Carlton Alexander and Gerald Meredith were the guests of honor this morning, throwing out ceremonial first pitches as youth league personnel shared their appreciation for achievements for Edmonson County youth sports.

District 2 Magistrate T.J. Massey, who also serves as a youth league softball coach and board member, said that both men were huge parts of county sports for local youths.

"Carlton Alexander played a pivotal role in one of the most important milestones in our program’s history," he said. "Through his work with the Judge/Executive in the mid 80s, he helped turn a vision into reality by securing and developing the first two fields here at Highway 70."

He also said that Gerald Meredith's contributions helped define the structure and legitimacy of Edmonson County Baseball and Softball.

"Coach Meredith was instrumental in getting our league sanctioned through Babe Ruth Baseball, establishing it as a fully organized and recognized league, which he continued to run for years to come."

L-R: Carlton Alexander, Gerald Meredith.

SEES Bulldog and Kyrock Blackhawk Choirs.

​Massey said that the results of their efforts from 40-plus years ago are still being seen today.

"These projects don’t just happen overnight, they take persistence, leadership, and a belief in what this program could become. Carlton and Gerald brought all of that and more."

Games were played today despite some wet weather. Both the South Edmonson Bulldog Choir and the Kyrock Blackhawk Choir performed the National Anthem before the games began today.

Representative Michael Meredith recently helped secure $1.45M in funding that will be used to update the park's youth sports fields.