Father uses baseball to honor son's legacy

While fighting a brain tumor, Lawrence Holt inspired his father, Gus Holt, to fight for Little League Baseball in Charleston.

Baseball was an important part of Lawrence's life, and as he coped with brain cancer, the Lenevar subdivision baseball field where he practiced with his father and played as a child was named for him.

"Kids who play on this field are going to understand what life is all about," Charleston Mayor Joe Riley said at the dedication in 1999. "They'll know that this field is dedicated to a young man who was a great ballplayer, but more importantly they will take away the lesson of courage that he has taught to us all."

Lawrence died at the age of 18 on Dec. 26, 1999, several months after the field's dedication. That same year he graduated from high school, on time, accepting his diploma in a wheelchair after undergoing surgeries and a stroke that had left him partially paralyzed.

But the dream shared by Lawrence and his father lives on. Mayor Riley, who renamed the Lenevar baseball field Lawrence Holt Field eight years ago, will return to the West Ashley park today to dedicate a special plaque in Lawrence's honor. The Lawrence A. Holt Memorial Scholarship Endowment, instituted seven years ago by Gus and Debra Holt and now administered by the Coastal Community Foundation, also will take its next step.

"My involvement in the community and youth sports in general was to set an example for community involvement and parental involvement," says Holt. "I would always emphasize to Lawrence that we should be of service. If you want a good community, then you have to go out and serve and give back. This scholarship endowment underlines that principle of giving that I tried to instill in Lawrence. That's what it's all about: sharing and giving by example."

Lawrence's courage emboldened his father, who revived Charleston's American Little League 13 years ago, establishing the first Little League program in Charleston since 1955 when white Little League teams in South Carolina refused to play the first black Little League team in the state. The league, says Holt, provided area youth with "an avenue to pursue their dreams."

He also served as unofficial promoter for the resurgence of the 1955 Cannon Street YMCA All-Stars. Holt tirelessly promoted their story, and dedicated the experience to his son.

"It was through my involvement (in baseball) with Lawrence that I came about the story of the Cannon Street All-Stars," says Holt. "He and I shared the dream of going back to Williamsport as participants. I also wanted to acknowledge the gentlemen whose dreams were taken away from them."

The West Ashley resident spearheaded the return of the Cannon Street baseball team to Williamsport, Pa., in 2002, to the very diamond they weren't allowed to play on in 1955 because of racial discrimination. Holt even threw out the first pitch.

Holt has used baseball as a vehicle for remaining involved in Lawrence's life.

"All kids have dreams. And parents want to facilitate those dreams and aspirations," says Holt. "We're supposed to be teaching our kids, but we can learn a lot of lessons in life from our kids."

"Lawrence inspired all of us with his love for the game of baseball and life. We had the honor of capturing some of this love by naming the Lenevar Playground Field for him to remind us each day of his passion for the game," said Paul Wieters, director of Special Events and Wellness Programs for the city of Charleston. "Lawrence will always serve as an inspiration, both as an athlete and role model, to remind us that living each day does make a difference in how you choose your attitude."

A scholarship fund was established seven years ago for Garrett Academy of Technology students who embody Lawrence Holt's passion for life. Holt says his intent is to see the endowment grow and to award scholarships countywide.

Clay Middleton, who recently was named chairman of the fund, says he, too, is inspired on a daily basis by Lawrence's courage.

"I have a lot of respect for Mr. and Mrs. Holt. They started that fund shortly after Lawrence passed. Our friendship goes back to K5. I look back at his life. I am also an only child. That could have been me. It could have been any of us."

Middleton says he sees his childhood friend as a symbol for something even bigger.

"Through his struggle, Lawrence is the drum major for courage and strength. He could have given up from Day One, but he didn't. He continued to press on and fight the odds," says Middleton.

Middleton, who is the Lowcountry coordinator for U.S. Rep. James E. Clyburn (D-S.C.), says he considers it an honor to perpetuate his friend's legacy.

"Mr. Holt is one of the few people I cannot say no to. I'm honored to be a part of this because Lawrence remains in my heart every day. You look at Mr. Holt and you see Lawrence. He is an inspiration."