Quick Read
- Plaques honoring Marvin Jarman and Ronald Vincent were unveiled at Elm Street Park’s Stallings Stadium.
- Marvin Jarman was a staunch supporter of local Little League and J.H. Rose athletics.
- Ronald Vincent is North Carolina’s all-time winningest high school baseball coach.
- The ceremony was organized by Greenville Little Leagues and included speeches from community leaders.
- Cards featuring Jarman and his signature Juicy Fruit gum were distributed at the event.
GREENVILLE (Azat TV) – Elm Street Park’s Stallings Stadium in Greenville has permanently enshrined the legacies of two local baseball titans, Marvin Jarman and Ronald Vincent, with the unveiling of new dedication plaques on Thursday morning. The ceremony honored Jarman, a cherished community figure and unwavering supporter of local Little League and J.H. Rose athletics, and Vincent, the most successful high school baseball coach in North Carolina history, whose own deep roots in the park trace back to his childhood.
The dedication, organized by Greenville Little Leagues (GLL), drew a crowd to the stands behind home plate, where speakers reflected on the profound impact both men had on generations of local athletes and the broader community. GLL director Brian Weingartz oversaw the ceremonies, with additional remarks from Greenville Recreation and Parks Department Director Don Octigan and former GLL player David Boyd Lee, author of “Marvin: A Greenville Legend.” Cards featuring the late Marvin Jarman and his signature piece of Juicy Fruit gum were distributed to attendees, a poignant reminder of his unique presence.
Honoring Marvin Jarman’s Enduring Spirit at Elm Street Park
Marvin Jarman, who passed away, was remembered as the “unquestioned staunchest supporter” of both local Little League and J.H. Rose athletics. His brother, Grant Jarman, spoke movingly about the community’s acceptance and love for Marvin. “We take for granted what a great community Greenville is,” Grant Jarman stated, expressing gratitude for the “unreal” acceptance Marvin received from everyone he encountered. He highlighted Marvin’s unique relationships, particularly with Brian Weingartz and Ronald Vincent, emphasizing how Vincent served as a constant companion and caretaker for his best friend, ensuring Marvin “could ever lack for” nothing.
Ronald Vincent: A Legacy Forged at Elm Street
Ronald Vincent, a former GLL player from the 1950s, expressed humility and gratitude for the honor. “I hope I’m worthy of all that you’re saying,” Vincent told the gathering. He reminisced about his own early days at Elm Street Park, recalling how he would “drop the bicycle and come out here and play” until the streetlights came on, a ritual repeated daily. Vincent’s career as a baseball coach at J.H. Rose High School has been legendary, culminating in his status as North Carolina’s all-time winningest high school baseball coach. His deep, lifelong connection to Elm Street Park, where he found his love for the game, makes this recognition particularly fitting.
Community Impact and Lasting Tributes
The unveiling of these plaques at the front gate of Stallings Stadium serves as a permanent testament to the indelible mark Marvin Jarman and Ronald Vincent left on Greenville’s baseball landscape. Beyond their individual achievements, the ceremony underscored the deep personal bonds and community spirit that characterize local athletics. Vincent’s dedication to Jarman, extending well beyond the baseball diamond, exemplified a profound friendship that resonated deeply with those who knew them. The tributes solidify their place as foundational figures in Greenville’s sporting heritage, ensuring their stories continue to inspire future generations of players and fans at Elm Street Park.
The decision to dedicate prominent plaques at Elm Street Park reflects a community’s desire to memorialize not just sporting achievements, but also the deep personal connections and unwavering dedication that build a strong local sports culture.