HARLEM, Ga () – Harlem High School baseball honoring its beloved coach with a field naming ceremony Friday night.

Jimmie Lewis has been at Harlem High School for 49 years and many say this was a long time coming.

Lewis says it’s an honor to be recognized in this way.

“The fact that I’m from Harlem and went to school here, it means even more. My name up there on that score board represents all of my coaches, all my players and all the fans.” Lewis says.

Rick Allen with the House of Representatives Georgia District 12 awarded Lewis with an official plaque that will forever be in the Library of Congress.

Allen tells me him and Lewis played little league together and says it’s a full circle moment. 

“We go way back, obviously I was born and raised in Columbia County, it’s just good to be back and what an honor, what a great man, I mean, look what he has done for the youth of this community.” Allen says.

Lewis has coached his own children and grandchildren as well as some of his players kids.

He says culture and traditions are very important at Harlem and wants to continue coaching for as long as he is able… 

“Our coaches and myself, we try to do it the right way, we try to teach them discipline, teach them to respect the game, play the game hard, don’t run your mouth and all that kind of stuff back to any other players, just play the game, respect the game and respect your opponent.” says Lewis

Dozens of friends, family and fans celebrated Lewis after their 18th consecutive win this season.