May 23, 2012
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT)--Baseball great Ed Bailey honed his skill in Knoxville then went on to the major league.
The City of Knoxville honored the late slugger by naming an adult league after him.
His son tells us his father would have been humbled and honored.
Former major league baseball player Ed Bailey used to knock baseballs out of Ridley-Helton field in Knoxville.
Ed Bailey's son and Knoxville City Councilman and Vice Mayor Joe Bailey says, "He grew up a child prodigy playing baseball from Strawberry Plains and came to this baseball park. He always wanted to be a baseball player."
Bailey's wish came true at 17 when he signed with the Cincinnati Reds, played for 14 seasons and later in life came home as a public servant.
City of Knoxville Public Relations Representative Kathleen Gibi says, "He served 12 years for Congressman Duncan and he also served 12 years on city council."
Knoxville Mayor Dan Brown honored Bailey by naming this competitive 18 and up adult baseball league after the former council member.
Gibi says, "He really put Knoxville on the map as far as um not only public service, but also in the major league baseball realm."
Bailey's four sons threw out the ceremonial first pitch at Tuesday's game.
Bailey says, "This is a proud moment for the family and we're all honored by this."
City Councilman and Vice Mayor Joe Bailey recalls his unique childhood as the son of a major league baseball payer.
Bailey says, "We grew up when he was playing running around with him. We went to San Fransisco, Milwaukee and grew up a baseball family."
It's fitting this competitive adult league in Knoxville bear the name of the public servant and hometown baseball hero.
