Softball tournament to honor fallen miner will be held Saturday

When not working or with his family, Joe Partin, the Whitley County coal miner killed in an accident on March 31, could frequently be found on the softball field.

In an effort to honor Partin’s passion for the game, and to help his wife and children, the first annual “Remembering Joe Softball Tournament” will be held Saturday at the Williamsburg City Field.

“I have played ball with Joe through the years,” said Sara Meadors, who has been working to organize the event.

Registration for the slow-pitch, co-ed, double-elimination tournament will begin at 9 a.m. at the complex by the University of the Cumberlands football stadium.

The cost is $100 per team.

Teams must have a minimum of two women and 10 players total.

Meadors said all of the proceeds from the event would go to the family.

Members of the winning team will receive a T-shirt recognizing their victory.

Individuals that would like to play are welcome, as well.

Meadors said the entry fee for individuals is $15

The first game is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m.

Meadors said in addition to the entry fees, concessions and event T-shirts would be available for sale.

“We have had so much sponsored,” Meadors said noting that individuals and organizations have chipped in to help with the fields, umpires, food, shirts and anything else she has needed to make this event happen.

As a result, all of the proceeds from the event will go to Becca Partin and the children.

“Everybody has been really great about donating and sponsoring,” Meadors said.

Sponsors include:

• The Sign Place, Williamsburg
• Mike’s Barber Shop, Williamsburg
• Williamsburg Veterinary Clinic, Williamsburg
• Rickett’s Pharmacy, Williamsburg
• Edgewood Mobile Homes, Williamsburg
• W.D. Bryant’s Hardware, Williamsburg
• Freedom Automotive, Williamsburg
• Halo Airsoft, Williamsburg
• Whayne Supply, Corbin
• WHS Football Club, Williamsburg

Meadors said the public is welcome and encouraged to come out and support the event.

A donation jar will be set up for anyone who would like to contribute.

More information is available by contacting Meadors at (606) 344-0775.

Partin died when a section of hillside, into which the crew was mining, at Green Hill Mining, Inc’s surface mine in Rockholds collapsed.

John Mura, a spokesperson for the Kentucky Energy and Environmental Cabinet, said Partin was performing maintenance work on an auger used to drill into the vertical face to extract the coal when the collapse occurred.

“He was toward the front of the machine changing some equipment,” Mura said of Partin.