Past and present Warhorses honor baseball coach

Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
June 9, 2021

As the Owen High School baseball team entered the final innings of its June 8 home game against Madison, head coach Anthony Lee started noticing a growing number of familiar faces in the crowd.

At the conclusion of the game, when those family members, coaches, supporters and former players gathered around the pitcher’s mound, he realized they were there to honor him in the final regularly scheduled home game of his Warhorse career.

Generations of Owen baseball players came to show their appreciation for Lee, who retired as the school’s athletic director, the football team’s offensive coordinator and head baseball coach earlier this year. Current and former players and coaches presented Lee with a framed number 14 Owen baseball jersey and a bat with the message “forever a Warhorse” engraved on the maroon barrel.

Former head football coach Kenny Ford, who first hired Lee as an assistant in the early 1990s before bringing him back a few years later to fill his permanent role as offensive coordinator, called him “the backbone of this school.”

Dozens of current and former Owen Warhorses present head baseball coach Anthony Lee, who announced his retirement earlier this year, with a framed jersey, bat and plaque recognizing his contributions to the school. Photo by Fred McCormick — Dozens of current and former Owen Warhorses present head baseball coach Anthony Lee, who announced his retirement earlier this year, with a framed jersey, bat and plaque recognizing his contributions to the school. *Photo by Fred McCormick*

“I remember telling you, Rachel,” Ford said to Lee’s wife who was in attendance, “that I would bring him home. And, we brought him home.”

Lee and Ford won multiple conference championships together for the football team until the head coach retired after the 2014 season. The offensive coordinator remained on the staff when current head coach Nathan Padgett, who also attended the ceremony, took over the position.

Lee has coached the baseball team since 1999, and led the program to a state championship game appearance in 2005. The Warhorses qualified for the state playoffs every year from 2000 - 2016 with Lee at the helm.

Ford read from a plaque that was presented on behalf of former players to Lee.

“Your dedication and integrity at Owen High School have inspired us,” it said. “Your leadership and values have been remembered long after the game is over. You taught us commitment, discipline, perseverance and hope to carry us through life struggles and successes.”

The message goes on to show appreciation for the positive impact of Lee on players, students and others during his time at Owen.

“You are truly the definition of what it is to be a Warhorse,” it concludes.

Lee thanked his wife and two daughters for their support through his coaching and teaching career as he addressed the crowd. He credited numerous coaches, the Owen Boosters Club, school faculty and players for helping him do the job he loved.

“I will cherish this day, and all of the memories I have working with students in the Swannanoa Valley,” he said. “Thank you all.”

Owen head baseball coach Anthony Lee addresses the crowd after the final regularly scheduled home baseball game of his 25-year career at the school. Photo by Fred McCormick — Owen head baseball coach Anthony Lee addresses the crowd after the final regularly scheduled home baseball game of his 25-year career at the school. *Photo by Fred McCormick*

A tip of the cap for Anthony Lee

Past and present Warhorses honor baseball coach