2026 Class Honors Generations of Service
COLUMBIA — The American Legion Hall of Fame honored seven new inductees in its 2026 class, recognizing individuals whose careers span decades of coaching, playing, and organizational leadership within South Carolina baseball.
The newest class brought together generations of players, coaches, families, and supporters, all connected by a shared love of the sport, according to reports from the Index Journal. The inductees include former Major League Baseball players, long-time coaches, and key administrative figures who helped shape the American Legion baseball program in the state.
Founders and Long-Term Coaches Recognized
Billy Oswald, a late University of South Carolina baseball alumnus, was among the inductees. Oswald served as commander of American Legion Post 79 in West Columbia for 19 years and co-founded the American Legion Hall of Fame.
Legree Oswald, Billy’s brother, shared a personal motto that reflected his sibling's perspective on life and service: "He had never seen an armored car in a funeral procession. Can’t take it with me," Legree Oswald said.
Tommy E. Ford, a Union High School alum, was also honored for his extensive coaching career. Ford has coached baseball since 1981 and co-founded the S.C. American Legion Junior program.
Brad Ford, Tommy’s son, noted that his father believed Union needed American Legion baseball to serve the community. Tommy Ford emphasized the educational aspect of his work over competitive results.
"It hasn’t all been about winning and losing for me... It’s always been about teaching the youth, young men, to be better at the end of the season than they were at the start," Tommy Ford stated.
Steve Skinner, another inductee, has been part of American Legion baseball for 50 years, with a coaching tenure that began in 1980. Former Post 67 coach Mark Lines highlighted Skinner’s enduring impact on players.
"But when they come back to the field, that’s who they want to see," Lines said regarding Skinner.
Professional Players and Administrative Leaders
The class also included professional athletes who began their careers in the Legion system. Gorman Thomas was the 21st overall pick in the 1969 MLB Draft and played for the Milwaukee Brewers, Cleveland Indians, and Seattle Mariners.
Teddy Hefner, a radio host, spoke on behalf of Thomas during the ceremony.
"Tonight we’re honoring a great athlete, a great baseball player, and a South Carolina native who has made us proud," Hefner said.
Derick Urquhart was inducted as the winningest American Legion Baseball Post head coach in South Carolina history. Urquhart reflected on the significance of the program to his identity.
"To me, there’s nothing more that epitomizes the feeling of where you’re from... than American Legion baseball," Urquhart said.
Robert Livingston IV served in the United States Navy for 24 years and acted as the athletic officer for Chapin-Newberry Post 193/24. His son, Andrew Livingston, described his father’s comprehensive involvement in the post.
"You name it, he was doing it... And he’s doing it all because he loves it," Andrew Livingston said.
Bob Paulling completed the seven-member class. Paulling is a member of the Clemson Football and Baseball Hall of Fame.