Socializing and honors at Commander's Reception
American Legion National Commander Charles E. Schmidt referenced the famous quote from the movie “Field of Dreams” — “Build it and they will come” — when praising Shelby, N.C., Tuesday night.
Schmidt spoke at the annual National Commander’s Reception, part of the American Legion World Series events which Shelby has hosted for the seventh straight year and eighth time overall. Schmidt noted how perfect Shelby was for baseball.
The reception for American Legion leadership and sponsors of the ALWS also saw Schmidt and Ned Cash, past commander of Shelby Legion Post 82, honored with replica home plates that will be displayed at Keeter Stadium, home of the ALWS.
Receiving his honor, Cash asked the audience to join him instead in recognizing three Marines killed when their MV-22 Osprey crashed off the coast of Australia last weekend.
The reception closed with a performance by country music star Kellie Pickler, resplendent in a blue ALWS jersey. Introducing her was Cleveland County ALWS Chairman Eddie Holbrook who noted that Pickler’s 11 USO tours included a trip to Iraq over Christmas in 2016. Pickler, a native of Albemarle, N.C., is no stranger to the ALWS, performing at the 2015 7th Inning Stretch Festival.
