There will be a special celebration at tomorrow's Independence High School baseball and softball games as part of Celebrate Independence - America 250.

 

In addition to a first-pitch ceremony honoring baseball history in Independence, there will also be free hot dogs and apple pie provided as supplies last.

 

The games and festivities are at the Central Park Sports Complex in Independence. At 4:15, three local baseball legends, Jerry Webster, George “Rusty” Burns, and Toby Cook, will be honored before the game.

 

Webster, as Craig Nulls describes, was a National Baseball Congress champion and father of a major leaguer.

 

Burns was a Texas League hall of famer, but his hopes of the major leagues were dashed by World War II and, later, a back injury, as Nulls describes.

 

Finally, Cook was an IHS graduate who would go on to work for the Kansas City Royals for 15 years, Nulls says.

 

Each of the three men will either be there or have a family member represent them to throw the first pitch.

 

Photo Courtesy: Independence Chamber of Commerce