Holman honored for 20 years of serving the WBSA

There are dozens of volunteers who contribute to the success of the Wilmington Baseball Softball Association, but on Saturday the organization singled out one of their own, Van Holman, the outgoing president.
New president Tony Vercelli introduced Holman during an opening day ceremony that included throwing the first pitch.
“Van Holman has been a cornerstone of the Wilmington Baseball & Softball Association for the past two decades, carrying on a family tradition that began with his father, Benny Holman,” Vercelli praised. “Van has been a lifelong presence at the ball fields since the early 1970s. Van remembers the days when he played catcher in blue jeans!”
Vercelli thanked Holman for “pouring his heart, time, and effort into building and improving WBSA-not just for his own children, but for the entire community.”
Van started as a coach in 2004 when his oldest daughter Madilyn started tee ball. Van quickly stepped into board leadership, becoming Shetland Commissioner in 2005.
Over the years, he worked his way up through every level of the organization, eventually serving as Vice President of Baseball Operations and taking on the role of WBSA President in 2019.
Van's leadership has resulted in numerous lasting improvements, including:
• Securing grants to upgrade field lighting with energy-efficient LEDs
• Rebuilding all six dugouts and backstops (both islands), and upgrading speakers and batting cages
• Overhauling the concession stand and replacing roofs
• Leading multiple major field renovations in partnership with the City of Wilmington and local businesses
• Upgrading uniforms, adding scoreboards, and creating the Route 66 Baseball League
• Supporting local causes through field sharing and community events like Catfish Days and cancer fundraisers
Van proudly stands as the first father-son tandem to serve as WBSA Presidents, following in his dad's footsteps, Benny Holman-another example of how deeply the Holman family has shaped WBSA and the Wilmington community.
“Behind every hour spent at the fields, Van credits his wife for her support and patience, acknowledging the sacrifices she made so he could give back. Van's motivation for serving has always been to help the kids of Wilmington and for them to have the same great experience he had growing up.
“Thank you, Van, for your tireless work, vision, and unwavering commitment to WBSA. Your impact will be felt for generations to come,” Vercelli said.
Vercelli is the second father-son tandem to serve as WBSA President. He takes the reign like his father Lodi did several years ago. Just last year the Bronco field was renamed Lodi Vercelli Field.