< Back Eric Starr 2022 Eric Starr certainly lived up to his name during his athletic career. The Ellenboro, North Carolina native was a two-sport standout during his time at East Rutherford High School from 1980-84, earning numerous accolades for football and Track before playing on the college gridiron for the North Carolina Tarheels. Starr played football all four years of his Cavalier career, three as a starter. He eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark as a running back in 1982 and 1983. Starr was also a force for the Cavaliers on the defensive side of the ball, leading the team in tackles his senior season. As a result of his accomplishments, Starr was named to the 1983 Shrine Bowl roster and later played in the annual North Carolina East-West All-Star Game in the spring of 1984. Starr was equally as impressive on the track which he ran for three seasons. He was part of a 400-meter relay team who finished first in the conference and still holds the school record. His 800-meter relay team also finished first in the conference, earning Starr All-Conference honors. Starr earned several individual honors as well, holding conference titles in the 200 Meter dash in 1982 and 1983, gaining All-Conference distinction and holding the school record in the event for 10 years. He also placed third in the conference in the 100-meter dash in 1982 and 1983. When Starr enrolled at UNC in 1984, he decided to focus on football. A four-year starter for the Tarheels, he began his college career as a defensive back. In 1985, Star pulled down three interceptions, which was fourth best in the ACC that season and he also ranked fifth in interception return yardage. Starr moved to running back for his junior and senior seasons and found immediate success. He rushed for a total of 1,028 yards during his final two seasons in Chapel Hill and scored a combined eight touchdowns. In 1986, Starr averaged an impressive 6.5 yards per carry, which ranked sixth in the country. He was also a receiving threat out of the backfield and in the return game for UNC, averaging 9.2 yards per reception in 1987 and 20.4 yards per kick return in 1986. Upon graduation, Starr moved to the professional ranks, playing for three different NFL teams. In 1988, while with the Chicago Bears, he scored the game-winning touchdown against the Miami Dolphins before moving to the practice squad. He then joined the Dolphins practice squad in 1989 before seeing regular playing time with the Buffalo Bills in 1990, prior to an injury ending his season. Starr joined the British Colombia Lions of the Canadian Football League later that year and played there until 1992. During his time with the Lions, Starr played defensive back and returned kicks, averaging 21.8 yards per return. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vo8P3baTiqc

< Back Charles "Dean" Huffstickler 2023 Charles “Dean” Huffstickler not only had an outstanding athletic career in the ring as a boxer, he also found success as a coach and professionally as a police officer, as well. He has received numerous awards and honors as a coach and community leader, including being inducted into the Carolinas Boxing Hall of Fame in 2022. Huffstickler developed a passion for the “Sweet Science” at an early age. When he was 15 and a student at R-S Central High School, Huffstickler met Officer Red Bowers, who was the coach of the Rutherfordton Police Boxing team. In 1958, during his senior year at R-S, Huffstickler won the Middle-Weight Title at the High Point Golden Gloves AAU Tournament in High Point. In all, Huffstickler posted a record of 18-3 in the ring. During that same year of 1958, Huffstickler showed his athletic versatility by winning the NCHSAA State Title in the Mile (run) as a member of the Hilltoppers’ track team. He also played football and basketball during his time at R-S. After graduating from R-S in 1958, Huffstickler joined the United States Air Force and served until he was honorably discharged in 1962. Huffstickler joined the Gastonia Police Department in 1964 and enjoyed a long and distinguished career as an officer. Early in his career, while on his beat, Huffstickler saw several boys fighting in the streets and that motivated him to form the Gastonia Police Youth Club in November of 1971. The Club quickly grew and became part of the National Police Athletic League (PAL). Huffstickler also oversaw the club’s expansion to include baseball, football, and cheerleading teams involving hundreds of youths. In 1972, Huffstickler was chosen to coach the Regional Jr. Olympic Boxing team, a post he held from 1972-1977. During that time, Huffstickler traveled with the team to numerous events throughout the United States, even to Squaw Valley, California, the Official USA Junior Olympic Training Facility. Huffstickler’s notoriety in the boxing world allowed him to meet and coach true legends of the sport. In 1979, he was the head coach for the Cuban National Boxing Team when they faced off with the USA and Irish National teams at a tournament held at the Charlotte Coliseum. At that event, he got to coach future three-time Olympic Gold Medalist Teafilo Stevenson. In 1983, Huffstickler was the corner coach for rising star Evander Holyfield who eventually became World Heavyweight Champion. He also met Sugar Ray Leonard, Joe Frazier, Cassius Clay (Mohammed Ali), and many others during his coaching career. Huffstickler retired from the Gastonia Police Department in 1990, but started his own business, Offshoot Academy. He taught handgun concealment classes, along with basic and advanced training classes until he retired again in 2018. Huffstickler currently resides in Gastonia with Peggy, his wife of nearly 60 years. The couple has three children and five grandchildren. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJuclVgfpUE

< Back Jerry Cash 2026 The name Jerry Cash is synonymous with High School football in both North and South Carolina. In a coaching career that spanned over 50 years from 1967-2022, Cash garnered an impressive 362 wins as a head coach. 175 of those victories came right here in Rutherford County at both East Rutherford and Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy. Over his career, Cash has earned countless honors and accolades, including multiple conference championships, playoff appearances, Coach Of The Year Awards, and even coached at the prestigious Shrine Bowl. In addition to the RCSHOF, Cash is also a member of the Union County (SC), Chesnee (SC), and East Rutherford Hall of Fames. Jerry Cash was born in Chesnee, South Carolina, on July 11th, 1945. He started his coaching journey in 1967 at Boiling Springs High School in South Carolina as an assistant coach. In 1971, Cash began his head coaching career at Jonesville High School, leading both the football and baseball teams. During his tenure at Jonesville from 1971-1981, Cash led the Wildcats’ football program to a pair of State Championship appearances in 1973 and 1979 and had an overall record of 69-41. Cash then had a short three-year stint at Riverside High School, where he had a winning record in two of his three seasons at the helm of the Warriors’ program. After leaving Riverside, Cash continued to make a name for himself in his hometown of Chesnee. He coached the Eagles from 1984- 1996, garnering 91 wins in the process, which included three Upper State Championship appearances. At the end of the 1992 season, Cash was chosen to be on the coaching staff for the Shine Bowl after leading the Eagles to a 10-4 record. Cash crossed the border into Rutherford County and immediately turned around a struggling East Rutherford program, leading them to an 8-2 record during the 1997 campaign, earning him the NCHSAA Coach Of The Year. The next season, the Cavaliers improved to 11-2. In 2005, Cash led the Cavs to a 12-2 mark and a Southwest Conference title. That season also included a victory over Shelby, making Cash the last Rutherford County coach to beat the Golden Lions on the gridiron. Cash “retired” from coaching in 2008, but reemerged in 2012 to turn around the Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy Gryphons. TJCA had only managed one win in its previous three seasons of existence. Under Cash, they achieved a 90-32 mark, including six straight 10-win seasons. In fact, the Gryphons never posted a losing record with Cash on the sidelines in Avondale. Cash retired in 2022, ending a coaching career that spanned more than five decades. During that time, his teams made 35 playoff appearances, won 14 conference titles, and he earned 11 Conference Coach of the Year honors. He was inducted into the Union County Sports Hall of Fame in 2010 and the East Rutherford Hall of Fame in 2017. “It’s a real honor and privilege to be inducted into the RCSHOF,” Cash said. “I never expected this, and I am truly grateful. I didn’t think I would be coaching in Rutherford County that long, but coaching at East Rutherford and TJCA was so much fun, it was hard to leave. I had a wonderful experience at both schools.” Cash currently lives in Mooresboro with Judy, his wife of 56 years.

< Back Tyler White 2026 Of the many stars that have played on the baseball diamonds in Rutherford County over the years, Tyler White shines as one of the brightest. The 2009 CHASE graduate received All-State honors for the Trojans as a senior and was then named SOCON Player Of The Year at Western Carolina University in 2013. He was also selected in the 2013 MLB draft and reached “The Show” in 2016 for the Houston Astros. White was a member of the 2017 Astros’ World Series team before moving to the Los Angeles Dodgers. He also spent time in Korea along with other organizations in the latter stages of his career before retiring in 2023. White was a three-year starter at CHASE High School. As a senior in 2009, he led CHASE to the Southwestern Conference title that season, earning All-County, All-Conference, All-Region, and All-State honors along the way. White finished his high school career hitting at an impressive .407 clip with 73 hits and 54 RBIs. After graduating from CHASE, White carried his hitting acumen up the mountain to Western Carolina. As a freshman for the Catamounts, White hit .288 with three homers and 36 RBIs. Over his four-year career at Western Carolina, White hit .325 with 22 homers and 159 RBIs, garnering several accolades. As a senior, White was named Southern Conference Player of the Year by the media, All-Southern Conference by the head coaches and the media, first-team All-State by the NCCSIA, and a Louisville Slugger All-American. White was then drafted in the 33rd round by the Houston Astros and reported to the Gulf Coast League in 2013. Just like every other stop, White hit the ball, mashing at a .365 and .344 clip with two different clubs in the Astros’ Farm System. In 2014, White continued his ascendancy up the ranks as he hit 15 homers and drove in 64 runs, while hitting .290. 2015 was White’s best year in the Minors. Playing for the Triple-A Fresno Grizzlies, White hit .325 with 14 homers and 99 RBIs andwas named Minor League Player of the Year. In addition, White also claimed the Minor League Home Run Derby Title and Dominican Republic MVP in the Fall of 2015. Those successes caught the attention of the Astros, as White was invited to Spring Training and was named to the Astros Opening Day roster in 2016. In his first six Major League games, White hit .556 (10 for 18) with 2 doubles, 3 home runs, 9 RBIs, a .597 on-base percentage, and a 1.167 slugging percentage. He was awarded American League Player of the Week, the first-ever American League Rookie to do so. Overall, in 2016, White hit 8 homers and 28 RBIs. In 2017, White had a .279 average between the Major and Minor Leagues. For Houston that season, he garnered three homers and 10 RBIs, helping the Astros win the 2017 World Series. White’s best year in the MLB came in 2018 with the Astros. In 66 games played, he collected 58 hits and walked 24 times. He had 12 homers and 42 RBIs. White was traded to the Dodgers in 2019, finishing the year with three homers between Houston and Los Angeles. Following the 2019 season, White spent the next several years in the Blue Jays, Brewers, Braves, Twins, and Mets Farm Systems and even a short stint in South Korea before retiring in 2023. “It’s an honor to be inducted into the RCSHOF representing CHASE,” White said. “It’s special to be in the same Hall of Fame as Todd Coffey and all the other great athletes.” White currently lives in Houston with his wife, Alli, where he operates a baseball training facility.

< Back Dion Carson 2026 The R-S Central Boys’ basketball program has had plenty of high-profile scorers over the years, but no one was more adept at putting the ball in the basket than Dion Carson. He tops the R-S Central all-time scoring list, with 1,873 points, passing fellow RCSHOF member Vincent Hamilton. After graduating from R-S Central in 1992, Carson led Spartanburg Methodist to the 1995 Jr. College National Championship game before finishing his career at UCONN under legendary coach Jim Calhoun. Dion Carson was the Hilltoppers’ version of an Iron Man. During his prep career at R-S from 1988-1992, he played in 108 straight games, never missing a single contest. Carson was inserted into the starting lineup seven games into his freshman season and never looked back. He garnered Most Improved Player honors after that freshman campaign and only improved as time progressed. As a sophomore, Carson was named as tournament MVP at the prestigious Freedom Christmas Tournament and, by season’s end, he had helped the Hilltoppers to a No.3 State ranking, while picking up team defensive MVP honors along the way. While Carson led the Hilltoppers to a Top-5 State ranking as a junior, earning team MVP accolades, he really came into his own during his senior season of 1991-92. During that season, Carson averaged a jaw-dropping 27 points and 23 rebounds and was named Conference Player of the Year and team MVP. He led the Hilltoppers in points, rebounds, steals, and blocked shots. As a result of his exploits, Carson was nominated for the 1992 McDonald’s All-American team, alongside future NBA star Jason Kidd and others. Carson finished his R-S Central career as the only player to score over 1,000 points (1,873) and pull down over 1,000 rebounds (1,044). After graduating from R-S, Carson enrolled at the Laurinburg Institute for a year of post-graduate work before joining the Spartanburg Methodist basketball team. In 1995, Carson was a vital member of the Pioneer squad that posted a 34-2 record and made it all the way to the JUCO National Championship game in Hutchinson, Kansas. He averaged 12 points, six rebounds, and led the team with four steals per game that year. In the Fall of 1995, Carson enrolled at UCONN. During a season preview with the Hartford Courant, Huskies’ coach Jim Calhoun said of Carson, “He has been really solid. He’s different from most JUCO kids. There was no academic reason for him to go to junior college. The reason he went was to be seen and play at this level.” During two seasons with UCONN, playing behind future NBA All- Star Ray Allen, Carson saw action in 60 games, averaging around 10 minutes per contest. He helped the Huskies reach the Sweet 16 in 1996 and to a 3rd place finish at the NIT in 1997. Carson had his Hilltoppers’ #24 jersey retired on December 12, 2003 and he was named one of Rutherford County’s 50 Greatest basketball players in 2007. He currently lives in Bristol, Connecticut, where he works for the Connecticut Department of Children and Families.

< Back Rodney McSwain 2017 is from Caroleen, North Carolina. He attended Chase High School, went on to become one of Clemson University's Top 10 Defensive Line Players of the 1980s and is a former professional American football cornerback in the National Football League. In May of 1984, McSwain was originally drafted by the Atlanta Falcons following his college career at Clemson University. McSwain, who also anchored Clemson's 1982 conference champion 400-meter relay team, was one of nine defensive players drafted by the Falcons. McSwain was quickly acquired by the New England Patriots where he played seven seasons (1984-1990). He also played two seasons in the Arena Football League with the Detroit Drive, winning Arena Bowl VI in 1992. Cornerbacks, in the early 80's were from that of today's standards. While they were still expected to cover wide receivers, they were also basically linebackers who were lined outside of the eight-man box. Rod McSwain mastered this scenario and was a lock down cornerback. He had the size and power to play linebacker, but speed to play corner. In the 1985 season, the New England Patriots saw their first play-off game ever in the Super Bowl era when McSwain sealed the deal with a pass interception. They were the wild card that would not host a single game on their home field and yet would miraculously achieve the honor of squaring off in Super Bowl XX against the powerhouse Chicago Bears. While they did not win, this was a wonderful experience to be a part of. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cO0soOTYVVI

< Back Harold Morris "Gomer" Hodge 2018 Baseball player and coach, Hodge was born in Rutherfordton. Now deceased, he had a long career, playing in 80 Major League games with a batting average at .205 and 83 at-bats. Hodge was signed as an amateur free agent by the Cleveland Indians. He played for the Dubuque Packers first; he later played for the Salinas Indians, Pawtucket Indians, Portland Beavers and Savannah Indians, among others. Legend has it that he got his nickname, Gomer, from a teammate on the Burlington Indians team in 1964, due to his resemblance to the actor/singer Jim Nabors who played Gomer Pyle on TV. Hodge played his last game in 1971. He began a new baseball career in 1973 as coach for the Cleveland Indians organization, and later served as manager and coach for Milwaukee, Montreal and the Boston Red Sox before retiring in 1995. His son, Nicholas Hodge talks about the many happy memories of his father's baseball career. When Hodge was playing for the Red Sox, Nicholas remembers going to spring training with him. They ate together, breakfast and lunch, players and coaches, working out and practicing, laughing and working hard. "Dad hit his one and only homerun over The Green Monster' at Fenway Park against Roger Moret..he would always tell me," Nicholas said. He also remembers his father always brought a crockpot with him on the road, providing a meal of black beans and rice, bread and meat for the young players - many from the Dominican Republic, Japan, Mexico or Korea. "Dad would be so proud, and I know today, he is looking down upon all of us and smiling," said Nicholas Hodge, Harold Morris 'Gomer' Hodge passed away from Lou Gehrig's Disease in 2007. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cU3Oso9w8Ys

< Back John Keeter 2022 Even though he was born in Gaston County, John Keeter's impact on the Rutherford County sports landscape is undeniable. He was a standout athlete at Gardner- Webb, before becoming the longtime head coach of the CHASE High School football team. Keeter began his football career as a player at Stanley High School in Gaston County. He was a top offensive lineman that paved the way for the Blue Devils' perfect 10-0 record and a Little 6 Conference Title as a junior in 1955. After graduating from Stanley in 1957, Keeter began his college football career at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, before transferring to Gardner-Webb when it was a Jr. College in 1958. He played two seasons for the Runnin' Bulldogs on the offensive line. In 1959, Keeter earned Gardner-Webb's "Best Lineman" Award, to go with All-American honors for his performance on the field that season. Keeter, who was also a catcher for the Gardner-Webb baseball team, was inducted in the Gardner-Webb University Hall-of-Fame in 2015. After Gardner-Webb, Keeter joined the United States Army where he served from 1960-62. He was a member of the prestigious Honor Guard Company that is tasked with guarding The Tomb of The Unknown Soldier. After leaving the Army, Keeter finished his playing career at Western Carolina, where he was elected as a team captain in 1964. He then began a long and successful coaching career, starting at Newton Conover from 1966-70, coaching football, wrestling and Track. After spending two seasons in the college ranks as head coach of WCU's freshman football team, Keeter became the head coach at St. Stephens High School in Hickory for football, wrestling and Track from 1971-72. In the Fall of '72, Keeter came to Rutherford County as CHASE'S head football coach, leading the Trojans for nearly two decades, from 1972-1991. He was also the head coach for the wrestling and Track teams during his Trojan tenure, along with serving as the school's Athletic Director. Keeter is most well-known for his success on the gridiron, however. He garnered a school-record 72 wins at CHASE and coached three future NFL players, Chuck McSwain,Rodney McSwain, and Billy Ray Vickers, all of whom are also members of the RCSHOF. Keeter's best seasons with CHASE came in 1975 and 1976, where he led the Trojans to an undefeated season in '75 and to back- to-back Southwestern Conference Titles. As a result, Keeter earned consecutive Conference Coach of the Year honors and was selected The Spartanburg Herald Coach of the Year in 1976. Keeter also coached in the 1979 East/West All-Star Game. In addition to the RCSHOF, Keeter is a member of the CHASE High School Hall of Fame. After leaving CHASE, Keeter returned to coaching in 1993 at R-S Middle School and led the Knights to an undefeated football season in 1995. He has also spent time as an assistant coach at North Brunswick High School during his career. "No words can say how much this honor means to me." Keeter said of his induction into the RCSHOF. "It represents all of the players, coaches and people who have had an impact on my life. I would not be here if it were not for them." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3xLAkkwEik https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=POJNwlf9lgk

< Back Vincent Hamilton 2018 A graduate from R-S Central Class of 1980. Hamilton played basketball for Central from 1977-1980. During his high school career, he was All Conference each year, All District in 1978-79 and helped R-S Central win the State 3A Basketball Championship with an undefeated season in 1979. His basketball team uniform was retired in 1983. Hamilton was also a member of the Track and Cross-Country teams 1979-1980. In 1980, he won the FIBA World Cup Silver Medal, and in 1981, he earned the Olympic National Sports Festival Silver Medal. Hamilton attended Clemson University on an athletic scholarship from 1981-1985 and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Education. While there he was a member of the ACC All Legends Team, All ACC Rookie Team and was named ACC Player of the Week. In 1985, he was Clemson Athlete of the Year. He was selected for the Clemson Basketball All-Time Greats team, the Clemson Hall of Fame 2003, and the 2004 AIl ACC team. Hamilton was a 1985 NBA Draft Pick for the Indiana Pacers. He was named to the Continental Basketball Association All Star team/All Time Most Games Played. He was Team Captain of the CB World Champion Catbirds in 1990 and 1992, and his team uniform was retired in 1994. Hamilton was Director of Basketball Operations and Assistant Coach for the LaCrosse Bobcats 1994-99. Hamilton continues to coach as Founder and CEO of HAMFAMOUS, a health, wellness and fitness company in LaCrosse, WI. "I believe all great life endeavors should have a redeeming social value. Being involved with sports has given me the honor of being in service to many people in all walks of life, from faith to health, education to sports, volunteering to business. Oneness is always the goal I've strived for - serving to bring people together to Oneness," said Hamilton. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00vyNT33H9s

< Back Robert McNair 2017 a 1954 Cool Springs High School graduate, has always been a leader, from school athletics and student body president to businessman and philanthropist. In 1983 McNair established Cogen Technologies, Inc. in Houston, Texas, one of the largest non-utility co-generators of electrical and thermal energy in the United States. Committed to bringing a National Football League team to the city of Houston, McNair formed Houston NFL Holdings in 1998. On October 6, 1999, the NFL announced that the 32nd NFL franchise had been awarded to McNair. His Houston Texans debuted in 2002. Fueled by the desire to give back to deserving students, the Robert and Janice McNair Educational Foundation was formed in 1989. The graduating Class of 1990 was the first to benefit from the ongoing efforts of McNair and his Foundation which to date has awarded approximately $2.6 million in financial aid. Robert McNair is a member of the Texas Business Hall of Fame and a number of institutions including Rice University, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston Grand Opera, and other Houston area organizations. He is a recipient of the Anti-Defamation League's Torch of Liberty Award. McNair donated over $1 million towards the completion of McNair Field, which hosts his hometown Forest City Owls, a collegiate summer wooden bat team in the Coastal Plain League. The achievements and accolades, both in regard to sports, education and philanthropy which have been accomplished by Robert McNair are far too numerous to list. He has embodied the true meaning of good sportsmanship. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2fbEZprPPQ

< Back Wendy Henson Stafford 2022 Wendy Henson Stafford was something of a prodigy in the pool even before a stellar career for CHASE High School and later Clemson University. She began swimming at the age of three after a near-fatal accident at a hotel pool led her parents to enroll Stafford in swimming lessons. Stafford showed such an affinity for the water, she joined the Forest City Swim Team and by the time she was eight, Stafford was setting pool and team records. At age nine, Stafford competed in the North Carolina Junior Olympics before transferring her club affiliation to the Rutherford County Swim Team and later to the YSSC Spartanburg SpartAquatics in South Carolina. During that time, she once again competed in the North Carolina Jr. Olympics in several events, ranking as the seventh best swimmer in the 10U age division. When she was 12, Stafford was chosen to attend the Olympic Training Select Camp in Colorado Springs. Stafford attended CHASE High School from 1991-1995 and swam under coach Rhett Oglesby and she never lost a race while swimming for the Lady Trojans. During her CHASE career, Stafford held NCHSAA records for the 100, 200 and 500 Meter Freestyle events, while also setting the state record in the 200 IM (Individual Medley). These accomplishments led Stafford to be named the 1-3A NCHSAA Swimmer of the Year all four seasons during her prep career. During that time, Stafford continued to excel for her club team in Spartanburg. She was an eight-time YMCA National Champion, setting National Records in the 100, 200, and 400 Meter Freestyle, and for also setting South Carolina State records in six different events. While in high school, Stafford earned a spot on the 18U U.S.A. National Team and was a three-time high school All-American. All those accolades led to Stafford earning a full scholarship to Clemson in 1995 and she found immediate success for the Tigers. Stafford earned 30 first place finishes for Clemson during the 1995-96 season, while also placing in the top four in six different events at the ACC Championships. She earned All-American status at the National Championships in the 200 Freestyle, along with many other honors. As a result, she was named as Clemson's Rookie of the Year and Swimmer of the Year. Stafford's success continued as a sophomore, nearly qualifying for the U.S.A. Olympic team in the 200 I EMS Freestyle, missing the cut by .02 seconds. She finished the season with the third fastest time in Clemson history in both the 100 and 200 Freestyle. As a junior, Stafford earned a spot on the ACC Academic Honor Roll and was named as the "Most Dedicated" swimmer on the team. Stafford concluded her junior season by once again competing at the National Championships. She finished her Clemson career by securing a Top 15 national ranking in the 500 Freestyle, in addition to a second-place finish at the ACC Championships in the 200 Freestyle and sixth place in the 100 Freestyle. After graduating from Clemson, Stafford entered the banking industry, but still found time to coach various clubs. Stafford and her family currently live in Powdersville, South Carolina where she founded the Powdersville High School swim team in 2018. "I feel lucky to have called Rutherford County my home," Stafford says. "It is an honor and privilege to be nominated. I hope by accepting this honor, others will be motivated to achieve their goals through hard work, perseverance and a positive attitude." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4cXRsi05_r8

< Back Tim McKeithan 2022 Rutherford County has a long and rich history of professional baseball players and it all started with Emmett James (Tim) McKeithan. He became Rutherford County's first ever baseball player to reach the professional ranks when he made his debut for the Philadelphia Athletics in 1932. McKeithan was born in Shelby, North Carolina in 1906, but played high school baseball for Cool Springs in Forest City. As a senior in 1928, McKeithan was an ace pitcher for the Tornadoes and led them to the 1928 State Title. After graduating from Cool Springs, McKeithan attended Duke University. The Blue Devils won a Southern Conference title in 1929 with a 13-5 record in his freshman season and McKeithan lettered in his final three seasons in Durham. During his career at Duke, McKeithan was part of three "State Championship" teams that played against other college programs in North Carolina. After finishing his college career at Duke, McKeithan has the distinction of being one of the few players to make the jump straight from college to the Major Leagues, joining the American League's Philadelphia Athletics on July 21, 1932. While there, McKeithan played under legendary manager Connie Mack as a right-handed pitcher. He spent portions of two seasons in Philadelphia, compiling a 1-1 record with a 7.36 ERA and three strikeouts in 25.2 innings. In 1934, Babe Ruth hit one of his 714 career home runs off McKeithan. McKeithan also spent some time in the Minor Leagues, making stops in Montreal, Syracuse and Galveston. He secured a career high eight wins while with Montreal in 1933 and a career best 2.00 ERA while pitching in Galveston during his final season of 1935. McKeithan passed away on August 30, 1969 and was buried at the Concord Baptist Church cemetery in Bostic.