Wake Forest to face Appalachian State in Shelby for annual Jim Horn Tribute Game

Free Admission for Community Celebration at Keeter Stadium

Staff Reports | Adrian Hamrick | ALWS Executive Committee

Wake Forest University takes on Appalachian State University on Tuesday, April 28 at 6 p.m. at Keeter Stadium

SHELBY, N.C. – The American Legion World Series (ALWS) Executive Committee will once again bring top-tier college baseball to Shelby as Wake Forest University takes on Appalachian State University on Tuesday, April 28 at 6 p.m. at Keeter Stadium, the home of the American Legion World Series.

Now in its ninth year, this annual matchup honors the legacy of Jim Horn and continues to be a highlight event for the community. Admission is free as a gesture of appreciation for the ongoing support of the ALWS and its mission.

Fans can also enjoy a special in-game tradition as the ALWS will draw its 2026 bat boys and bat girls live from the field during the bottom of the fourth inning. This year’s bat kid applications topped last year’s with over 75+ vying for the chance to be chosen.

Wake Forest Head Coach Tom Walter continues his long-standing support of the event by dedicating one of the Demon Deacons’ home games to be played in Shelby each year. The game serves as a tribute to Jim Horn, a Wake Forest graduate, multi-sport athlete, and member of the university’s 1955 national championship baseball team. Horn also played for American Legion Post 82’s 1951 state championship team.

A driving force behind the success of the ALWS in Shelby, Horn served as co-chairman of the local organizing committee alongside Eddie Holbrook from 2002 until his passing in 2015. His contributions, along with those of his wife Linda, were instrumental in establishing and growing the event. Linda Horn remains actively involved and continues to lead preparations for the tribute game.

“It is an honor to welcome Coach Walter and Wake Forest back to Shelby,” said ALWS Executive Committee Chairman Eddie Holbrook. “Coach Walter has been an incredible supporter of this event, and his willingness to bring a home game here each year speaks volumes. This game is a meaningful way to honor Jim Horn’s legacy while providing our community with an outstanding baseball experience.”

(App v. Wake baseball continued below...)

Gates at Keeter Stadium will open at 4:00 p.m., giving fans the opportunity to watch pregame batting practice. Concessions will be available featuring a variety of classic ballpark favorites including hot dogs, hamburgers, fries, and beverages.

The ALWS Executive Committee invites the entire community to come out, celebrate, and enjoy an evening of exciting college baseball while honoring a legacy that continues to shape the event today.

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This is a press release from ALWS Director of operations, Adrian Hamrick.

The Shelby Independent.