Inman, SC Official City Web Site.

He’s a humble man. In fact, it is very likely had he known what was going to take place on the night of July 15, 2008, he wouldn’t have made an appearance. But on that evening, he did. And, so did the two opposing baseball teams - American Legion Inman Post 45 vs. Chester Post 27. And so did an extraordinary large number of the citizens of Inman Mills and Greater Inman who sat and stood around the ballpark’s stands, bleachers and grassy knolls. And, City of Inman Mayor Wright Gaines was also there. So, too, on hand was a South Carolina ETV crew, numerous other video cameras, photographers and others who wanted to participate in history in the making.

Oh, it was history, all right. Great history. Truth is, there’s never been a night like it in the annuls of Greater Inman and Inman Mills, SC. Because, at the hour of 7 p.m. on a warm summer’s night, our world stopped, and time was frozen for that all too brief moment when the name of Inman Mills Park was changed to honor the godfather of American Legion baseball here in our marvelous corner of America. Inman Mills Baseball Park officially became Jim Everhart Field.

And it was one of those exquisitely rare, delicious, moments to witness, because Jim Everhart did not have a clue as to what was going to take place. It was a total surprise, and congratulations have to be given to all of those who knew what was afoot… they actually kept the secret; which is really saying something when considering there are thousands of folks around here.

Jim Everhart, 84, is an Inman Mills village resident. Except for a tour of duty with the Army Air Corps in World War II, Jim’s entire life has been spent here. For over sixty years, Jim has been the Recreation Director for Inman Mills. For the most part, this was a one-man operation funded by the Mill.

Jim Everhart inherited a ‘so-so’ Inman Mills recreational baseball park, much in need of repair. Jim inspired the community to restore, save and continually maintain the old ‘textile’ ball field. At the re-naming dedication this night, everyone in attendance could not help but notice the outstanding quality and facilities built into our ball park. It is of such quality, that it is perfect for filming a movie. Jim Everhart Field is manicured to professional standards.

Jim Everhart is the overriding ‘civilizing’ mentor for any young person who desires to play American Legion league baseball for Inman Legion Post 45. Accounts are legion recounting how he has taken rough-edged young men, underachievers and super-egos alike and converted them into fine young disciplined team-minded, self-confident ball players. It would amaze us all if we could track how Jim’s boys went on to play baseball for Clemson University and the University of South Carolina, the majors and minors teams – went on into their lives to serve in the offices of government, education, civic vocations and business; some even serving in the Armed Forces of the United States. And to think, it all started with a single no-nonsense mentor who actually, genuinely, cared about his kids and how they would turn out in life and how they would comport themselves.

Special thanks have to be given to Inman Mills and the Chapman family for allowing Jim Everhart to act as an unofficial ambassador for the Greater Inman-Inman Mills communities. Both the Inman Mills Company and Jim are unique in the way they have interacted to create a better place for people to live, work and recreate.

Jim Everhart is the Greater Inman Area’s living spirit of sportsmanship. In 1998, a fund was established with the Spartanburg County Foundation. The name of this fund is: The Jim Everhart Special Scholarship Fund. Each year, two students from Inman’s Chapman High School are awarded a scholarship based on academic, athletic and community involvement. If anyone wants to contribute to this fund, make your gift to:

Spartanburg County Foundation
Attn: Jim Everhart Scholarship Fund
424 E. Kennedy Street
Spartanburg, SC 29302-1916

A night of history it was, and even though Jim Everhart’s humility would have objected to it - had he known beforehand - perhaps it would have never taken place. But he didn’t know of it; it did take place, and a funny thing happened after the deed was done… Jim sort of warmed up to the idea… as the accompanying photos show.

Ps. The home team won the game for Jim: 1 – 0.