CSU dedicates Singleton Baseball Complex

By CSU Media | February 6, 2018

Charleston Southern University dedicated the Singleton Baseball Complex on Monday, February 5.

The complex includes a two-story 3,500-square-foot building, a memorial plaza, and a stadium courtyard. The first floor of the complex houses a locker room, training room and the Sharonda Coleman-Singleton Enrichment Center.

Sharonda Coleman-Singleton, mother of former CSU baseball player, Chris Singleton, was killed June 17, 2015, in the tragic Emanuel AME shooting in Charleston, S.C. The Sharonda Coleman-Singleton Enrichment Center celebrates her life and legacy and is a gathering space for athletes to learn and grow spiritually and academically.

Chris Singleton said, “When I think about this building, I smile about how awesome my mom was. If there was an awesome award, my mom would have won it 45 years straight. Every day when I wake up, I ask the Lord to give me strength and wisdom so I won’t let my mom down. With this building being dedicated to my mom and my family, I know I’m not letting her down today.”

Singleton said about the portion of the complex dedicated to a learning center, “My mom would never let me make Cs, I never made worse than a B when I was here. Those guys better be studying in there.”

Adam Ward, head CSU baseball coach, said, “Baseball is a sport centered around a culture of the clubhouse where relationships are made. This is a lot more than a building. Ms. Singleton would be proud of this facility and what it stands for.”

Eliana Pinckney, daughter of Rev. Clementa Pinckney, said, “We should never forget those who lost their lives. Don’t let an act of hate destroy that dream they had. Pick up where they left off and go to do greater things knowing each of them are watching over us from heaven.”

Her sister, Malana Pinckney, said, “As a survivor of the tragedy, along with my mom and three others, it is an honor to have Charleston Southern University recognize the victims of the tragedy and the survivors.”

Rev. Anthony Thompson, husband of the late Myra Thompson, in his benediction, said, “She [Sharonda Coleman-Singleton] imparted love to every life she touched. This complex is a reflection of a central theme—that love is always stronger than hate.”

The memorial plaza recognizes outstanding CSU baseball alumni, and the “Love is Stronger” memorial was dedicated in honor of the victims, survivors and the families of the Emanuel Nine.

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