MIDDLEBURG - It’s been 62 years since the Middleburg Twins first stepped up to the plate at Hunter Douglas Park.

As the first all-Black baseball team in Clay County, the group pushed boundaries to become pillars of their community. Not long after, the group also spawned a new generation of softball players with the Middleburg Swampers.

On Sunday, the original members of both teams came up to bat one more time. Some members of the competitive female softball team, the Swampettes, also came back together. 

Reuniting on the same field where they began, the group held a ceremony to commemorate their legacy. Wearing matching blue jerseys, smiling, hugs and giving speeches, their joy was evident.

Frank Jenkins and Frankie Johnson took each team to the podium to give their history.

Johnson said the Twins were a significant hit in the area. Bringing crowds to watch them play at their seasonal ball games.

Although unable to attend, their longtime head coach, Issac Brown, was honored with a blue jersey and a plaque, signifying his impact. 

As one of the founders and the head coach of the Swampers, Jenkins helped usher in a new set of incoming players. He said the team traveled all over Florida and Georgia. The only time they weren’t playing was on a church Sunday.

“We went everywhere to play ball,” Jenkins said. “And we had so many trophies. I had so many trophies in my house that I got tired of them.”

However, he said many teams underestimated their capability. 

“Man, we would run them guys to death,” Jenkins said. “They said we ain’t never had any little guys that beat us so bad.”

Jenkins was also honored with a special plaque. 

The ceremony also paid tribute to the players who have since passed away. After each name was called, a bell was rung in their memory.

District 4 Commissioner Betsy Condon was also in attendance. During her speech, she gave a special announcement to the players. The Board of County Commissioners has approved a new monument of recognition to be displayed in the park.

The group was ecstatic to hear the news.

To close the reunion, each player was allowed to round the bases again. As they stepped up to the plate, some said they were unsure if they ‘still had it’ but made some effortless home runs.

Player Clarence Hampshire said he came up with the idea after a long time of thinking. He and a group of his brothers and friends worked to make the reunion happen after all these years. And he said he’s glad they did. 

“I just want to say…not one of you said, 'no,'” Hampshire told his teammates. “And I thank you so much for what you all have done and what you continue to do.” 

He said he hopes the reunion will continue to inspire the next generation of youth in the community.