Corpus Christi
Baseball State Championship
In 1965, Solomon Coles High School in Corpus Christi played for and won their only baseball state championship (3-A) when they took two
straight games in a best-of-three series against Valley View of Gilmer. The win came just five years after the Green Hornets won the second PVIL state football championship in the school's history. However, the baseball title was a first for the city.
Coached by John Clay, the Hornets were led by pitching ace Gates Hardeman, only a sophomore. Before the state championship series, Gilmer had lost just once that season in 31 games. However, Hardeman struck out 12 in the championship-deciding game, including six in a row at one point and he finished the season 11-3, winning the 20th game in 24 outings over his young two-year career.
Writes Matt Rogers, senior director of communications for the Double-A Corpus Christi Hooks, Texas League affiliate of the Houston Astros:
"They represented the hopes and dreams of an African-American Northside neighborhood comprised of modest but well-kept frame homes, small businesses, and an influential community of faith. As the Civil Rights movement culminated in a tortuous series of high-profile tragedies across the nation, prompting landscape-changing federal legislation, segregation of the races was melting away in public life.
"Slowly.
"Integration was a complicated proposition. And, in Coles’ case, what was once mandatory separation of the races had become somewhat
voluntary, as many students and their families clung to a cherished legacy of school pride. But, the 13 Coles Green Hornets under the leadership of
third-year coach John Clay weren’t overly concerned about heavy matters like the movement or war in Southeast Asia. They were kids who fought
for their baseball lives, experiencing defeat, shady officiating, poor playing surfaces, and austere team transportation. Ultimately, they tasted
redemption and triumph."
Read Rogers' story -- "Redemption: They Were First" -- which will appear in Hooks' game programs this season, here.
On June 4, the Green Hornets were recognized by the Hooks, the Corpus Christi ISD, and the City of Corpus Christi in pregame ceremonies at
Whataburger Field. All fans received a 1965 Coles Team Poster autographed by the players. Eight of 10 surviving team members received state
championship rings -- third baseman Jimmy Hall, pitcher Gates Hardeman, equipment manager/statistician Jeff Lloyd, second baseman Thelton
Roberts, catcher James Randle, outfielder Preston Randle, outfielder Billy Sayles, and shortstop Thomas Walker. Catcher Johnny Elias and
outfielder Arnold Scott live out of state and were unable to attend. Five team members have passed away, including coach John Clay, pitcher Clem Adams, pitcher Eddie Brooks, first baseman Robert Floyd, and outfielder Clarence Jefferson.
Here are links for local coverage of the recognition:
Solomon Coles 65 Baseball Team honored (slide show)
Members of the Solomon Coles 1965 PVIL title team receive championship rings (Caller Times)
1965 Solomon Coles Green Hornet Baseball Team Honored (Kiii-TV)
Solomon Coles state championship baseball team celebrates 50 years (KRIS-TV)
Solomon Coles state championship baseball team celebrates 50 years (video)
Hooks, CCISD, City Honor Coles Team (Corpus Christi Hooks)

