Laurens City Council Honors Local Sports Legend with Street Naming

News Summary

In a heartfelt tribute, the Laurens City Council has named a street after the late sports legend Charles Peterson Jr., honoring his significant contributions to the community. The new Charles Peterson Jr. Ave is located within the Gibson Grove subdivision, reflecting the lasting impact he had as an athlete, mentor, and role model. Mayor Nathan Senn emphasized the importance of remembering local heroes like Peterson, whose legacy inspires future generations.

Laurens City Council Honors a Local Legend with Street Naming

In a heartwarming event that reflects the spirit of community and appreciation, the Laurens City Council recently approved the final plat for a new subdivision, Gibson Grove. This announcement came with a touching tribute: one of the streets within the new development has been named Charles Peterson Jr. Ave in honor of the late sports legend, Charles Peterson, Jr.

A Celebration of Local Heroes

The decision to name a street after Peterson is a testament to how much he meant to Laurens. Mayor Nathan Senn highlighted the importance of recognizing local heroes who have made a significant impact on the community. Peterson’s legacy as a sportsman and mentor resonates deeply with residents. His remarkable achievements on the field have been a source of inspiration for many and contribute to the rich tapestry of Laurens’s sports history.

A Stellar Athletic Career

Charles Peterson wasn’t just an athlete; he was a phenomenon. Leading the Laurens Raiders to victory, he secured a baseball state championship in 1990 and followed that with a football state championship in 1991. His talent didn’t go unnoticed as he was named the South Carolina Player of the Year for both sports during his high school years. His skills led him to play in prestigious games like the Shrine Bowl and ultimately earned him a spot in the 1993 MLB amateur draft, where he was selected as the 22nd overall pick by the Pittsburgh Pirates.

His dreams of going big in baseball hit a milestone when he spent six years in the minor leagues, achieving a considerable level of success by reaching the AAA level in 1998. Sadly, Peterson passed away in 2020 after a valiant battle with COVID-19, but his memory and influence live on through his legacy.

A Legacy Remembered

At the City Council meeting, Peterson’s daughter expressed heartfelt gratitude for the honor being bestowed upon her father. This recognition means a lot not only to their family but to everyone who admired Peterson for his contributions to sports in Laurens. The Gibson Grove Subdivision is strategically located next to Big Air in Laurens, featuring phase one with 89 lots spread across just under 23 acres, conveniently situated off US-76.

Mayor Senn’s remarks emphasized the city council’s active engagement with public interests and commitment to honoring local figures who have shaped the community. In a fitting tribute, the St. Louis Cardinals also paid their respects during MLB Players Weekend, where outfielder Jordan Walker showcased custom cleats that featured Peterson’s scouting report, symbolizing the lasting impact Peterson had as a scout for the team from 2012 until his death.

Transforming the Game for Future Generations

Jordan Walker has widely acknowledged how important Peterson was in his life, crediting him with believing in his potential and assisting him in becoming a first-round draft pick. Peterson was more than a scout; he was deeply involved in coaching, volunteering as an assistant football coach at Spring Valley High School in Columbia, where his son played.

His contributions did not stop there; he was also a proud member of the Laurens County Sports Hall of Fame, sharing his vibrant personality and passion for the game with all who crossed his path. Those who knew him remember not only his skills on the field but also his infectious enthusiasm that positively affected the lives of so many around him.

A Fitting Tribute

Renaming a street after Charles Peterson Jr. is more than just a name on a map; it’s a reminder of the impact one individual can have on a community. As the new Gibson Grove development takes shape, the residents will hopefully find inspiration in the very name of Charles Peterson Jr. Ave, reflecting the spirit of dedication, hard work, and community pride that he represented.

As Laurens moves forward, this enduring tribute ensures that Charles Peterson’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations in and around the community, elevating the love for sports that he so passionately embodied.

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Additional Resources

• GoLaurens: Street Named After Charles Peterson
• Donohue Funeral Home: Tara Peterson Obituary
• Legacy: Charles Peterson Obituary
• New York Times: Charles Peterson’s Obituary
• GoLaurens: Tribute by St. Louis Cardinals to Charles Peterson
• Wikipedia: Charles Peterson
• Google Search: Charles Peterson
• Google Scholar: Charles Peterson athlete
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Charles Peterson
• Google News: Charles Peterson