Cobra
Pages 8-9
Open Door Clinic
Pages 10-11
SEPTEMBER 26,2002
704-872-1200 • ads@iredeUcitizen.com
Published Weekly in the Crossroads of the Carolinas
Volume 5, Number 23 • 36 Pages
Statesville, NC 28677 • 50®
Iredell County’s Own...
T)ream&
Linda Wilson
IREDELL CITIZEN
A STATEMENT FROM THE HIT BASEBALL FILM Field
of Dreams a few years ago was, “If you build it they
will come.” The same is true of a field in Iredell
County. The congregation of New Salem United
Methodist Church built a ball field across the street
from the church in 1952. Six teams of men from
area churches and a team of little leaguers came to
play. The teams and members of the church brought
the poles and lights from Bethany Church to New
Salem with the help of Davie Electric Corporation.
As interest grew, so did the number of teams.
Church members filled the need by purchasing
eight acres adjoining the church. The ball field was
moved to the present location in the late 1960s.
Since its beginning, New Salem United Methodist
Church ball field has brought hours of fun, exercise
and fellowship to hundreds of residents in the coun
ty including Billy Swicegood who began playing at
the original field when he was 13. He finished his
50th season this year. “I’m the only one left playing
from the original group of boys,” he said. “When I
started out playing it was about the only recreation
we had in the country. We worked hard on the farm
but always found time to play ball.”
Swicegood’s love of the game led him to play on the
Cool Spring High School team; in the army in the
1960s and on a J.C. Penney team. “At one time or
another I’ve played every position except pitcher.
My son, Sam, and I play together and I hope my son
and grandson will play on the same field, making it
three generations. One of my earliest coaches in the
softball league was Haden Graham. When I was in
my early 20s. Haden and other coaches like Frank
See Field of Dreams on page 22
Linda Wilson/CITIZEN
Billy Swicegood is starting his third generation of baseball players. That’s his grandson, Jacob, holding the
.b&fMKly toripitch,. .- r