Todd Greene’s Columbia County Baseball Legacy

If Columbia County ever decided to establish a Sports Hall of Fame (which I really hope they do) there is no doubt most local fans would immediately name two coaches as members of the first class inducted: Terry Holder and Jimmie Lewis. I would be in complete agreement. However, when it comes to which athlete is most deserving - with apologies to Reese Hoffa and a few others - there is only one right answer. 

Todd Greene.  

The former Evans High School baseball star had a remarkable high school career and has never stopped racking up noteworthy accomplishments. He was the state Player of the Year as a senior in 1989, blasting 17 Homers in just 29 games and leading Evans to a perfect 29-0 record, a state title, and a No. 3 national ranking. He also decided to pitch as a senior and was dominant on the mound. It made the Knights repeat champions and cemented the team - and Greene - as one of the all-time greats in Georgia history. In fact, that perfect record 36 years ago is the last time a team from Georgia finished with a perfect season. 

After high school, Greene made his mark in college baseball at Georgia Southern. He was a freshman All-American in 1990, bombing 26 home runs and leading GSU to the College World Series. He would finish his career as college baseball’s third all-time home run hitter, with too many awards to count, including having his #20 jersey retired by the Eagles (the first in GSU History). He would go on to have an 11-year Major League career, highlighted by catching the first pitch from President George W. Bush in New York in the first World Series game after 9/11, as a member of the Yankees. Since his retirement he has worked in several positions in professional baseball and is currently an assistant to the General Manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks.  

Yes, it is safe to say Greene is the best player to ever step in a batter’s box in Columbia County.  

So, for Gavin Greene, Todd’s youngest son, there are some mighty footsteps to follow. However, it seems like the Blessed Trinity freshman is doing just fine. Not only did he make the varsity team as a freshman at the Powerhouse Baseball program in Roswell, but he was also recently ranked as the top-rated catcher in the state in the Class of 2028 by Prep Baseball. 

Sure, the youngster has a long way to go to catch up with dad, but it looks like he is well on his way.