Rollie Fingers, 1964 Charlotte Post 9 Legion Team Reunite at BB&T Ballpark

Rollie Fingers was a three-time World Series champion with the Oakland A's (1972-1974) and was named as the World Series MVP in 1974. Among some of his other accomplishments, he won the American League MVP and Cy Young Award in 1981 and was a seven-time All-Star. On Wednesday, May 18, the legendary Fingers made his much anticipated appearance at BB&T Ballpark.

Fingers, a Hall of Fame pitcher -- who was also well-known throughout his career for his handlebar mustache -- was on hand to meet fans, sign autographs, and even judge a mustache contest, courtesy of Shear Excellence. But wait, there was more.

Before his distinguished Major League Baseball career, Fingers played American Legion Baseball for Upland Post (Upland, CA). In August 1964, after graduating from Upland High School, Fingers pitched his Legion team to the National American Legion title and was named as the tournament's "Player of the Year.

Led by Fingers, the Upland Post team defeated Charlotte's Post 9 team in the 1964 Legion World Series Championship Game after Fingers threw a two-hitter in the 3-1 win. Still, it was a special season for Charlotte's Post 9 Team. A chance to play in the finals and go face-to-face with Fingers.

On Wednesday, May 18 at BB&T Ballpark, 11 members of that 1964 Charlotte Post 9 Legion team were on hand to spend some time together and go face-to-face with Fingers one more time. It was a special reunion.

At 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, the former players made their way into BB&T Ballpark with the chance to once again reminisce about that special 1964 season. Then, they met up with Fingers.

The 11 former players and Fingers talked about their time playing American League Baseball on the field on Wednesday. They shared stories. They had questions for Fingers about his career. It was special.

Joe Moody, who was a big part in putting the entire night together, talked to Mike Pacheco on the Sonic Automotive Pre-Game show about that season. Then, just before game time on Wednesday, the 11 former players took their rightful place on the field and were honored in a pre-game ceremony.

The 11 1964 Charlotte Post 9 Legion team players on hand for the night's festivities were:

Garry Hill
Skip Hull
Bobby Irby
Ron Lemonds
Larry Maye
Joe Moody
John Richards
Bob Rhodes
Johnny Tinker
Larry Vessell
Richard Warren

It was a day that the 11 former players will never forget. A chance to finally be recognized for their significant contributions to Charlotte Baseball history. It's just one of the ways the Knights are celebrating their All-Star season at BB&T Ballpark and one of the ways the team is reviving the history of America's Favorite Pastime in the city of Charlotte. Stay tuned for revival of the Charlotte Baseball Hall of Fame -- the Charlotte Baseball Roundtable of Honor -- coming this July.