Prior to this season, longtime Chelsea baseball assistant coach Akel Marshall decided to end his coaching career after 31 years.  To honor his years of service to the baseball program, former players and coaches came back to the stadium for a ceremony at the beginning of the Chelsea Baseball Invitational.

JV baseball coach Brian Sayers painted Marshall’s jersey number behind home plate:

Marshall has never been one to seek or enjoy the spotlight, but as he stood with CHS baseball players past and present, the smile on his face said he didn’t mind the attention this time.

Among other gifts, Marshall received a framed jersey…

…and a painting of him in action coaching third base during the 2010 season.

Longtime head coach and close friend Wayne Welton delivered an emotional speech.

Marshall threw out the ceremonial first pitch to kick off the invitational, now named the Akel Marshall Baseball Invitational.

As a permanent tribute to Marshall’s 31 years of coaching, the staff unveiled a 6 banner on the fence in left center field.  It’s shown here as senior Patrick Roberts stands on second base during the first game of the day.