Columbia County School District’s Board of Education members unanimously approved on Tuesday evening, May 28, to name Harlem High School’s baseball field and facility in honor of a beloved coach.
During the school district’s monthly work session, Columbia County not only celebrated Harlem High School’s second consecutive Class 3A State Championship in baseball, but also commemorated almost five decades of leadership from coach Jimmie Lewis.
Following the team’s win on May 17, in Rome, Georgia, Superintendent Steven Flynt reported that several community members suggested the school’s baseball field be named to showcase appreciation for Lewis’ decades of successful guidance in football and baseball.
“I think this an incredible opportunity to honor someone who has given so much to Harlem and Columbia County,” said Board of Education Chairman David Dekle. “We are honored and privileged to be here with [Lewis].”
A graduate of Harlem High School, Lewis began teaching at the school in 1974, after graduating from Augusta State College.
Retiring from teaching in 2012, Flynt said Lewis continued to coach the baseball team for 46 years and the football team for 39. He has since gone on to win eight state titles in his coaching career.
“With an impressive 898 wins, he is the third all-time lead baseball coach in the state of Georgia,” Flynt said. “Coach Lewis is the only person to serve as the head coach on the Harlem High School baseball field since it was constructed in the early 1980s.”
Describing Lewis as “very impressive,” Flynt said Lewis is a great coach because of his endless compassion and care for the students, and his desire to make them outstanding individuals.
“All you have to do is look at his success and his persistence – for how long he’s been here and how successful he has been … that’s what education is all about,” Flynt said. “Coach Lewis is an amazing individual and we want to highlight that.”
Although “wins are always great,” Flynt said Lewis adds so much more to students than just good plays and pitches.
Using the baseball field, Flynt said Lewis has taught players the significance of maturity, teamwork, respectfulness and leadership skills – invaluable lessons for life.
“All that goes into making him the coach that he is, which is top tier,” Flynt said.
Refusing to cry in front of his baseball team and fellow coaches for fear of being made fun of later on the field, Lewis said he was incredibly happy and could not believe a field was going to be named after him.
“I kind of figured I would have to retire to get it, but I’m not going to retire. I’m going to die before I retire, because I love doing what I do,” Lewis said. “This is a great honor, so thank y’all very much.”
Lewis, who thanked several people for assisting and supporting him along the years, said he was most grateful for his wife of 46 years, for always bolstering his passion for coaching.
Out of about 1,300 games, Lewis said his wife has attended every single game to cheer him on.
“I give her a lot of credit,” he said. “I even told her one time I was going to retire and she said ‘no.’”
The field will officially be named the Jimmie Lewis Field on Feb. 14, 2025 – following the start of baseball season.
“I’m sure it’s going to take effect when I actually see it go up,” Lewis said. “… all of the people involved, I appreciate you.”
More information about the Columbia County Board of Education May monthly work session will be reported in the near future.
