The following appeared in the Bristol Herald Courier:

Honaker’s Harding gets record win No. 632

Tim Hayes | Bristol Herald Courier | Updated 16 hours ago

SALTVILLE, Va. – Tom Harding stood near the entrance to the dugout on Thursday afternoon and watched as sophomore pitcher Chris Marshall struck out Northwood’s Austin Frye for the final out.

Assistant coach Scotty Boyd gave Harding a pat on the back – which as always was adorned with his No. 17 jersey – and a smile soon appeared on the face of the man with the gray beard.

For the 632nd time in his career Harding was a winner and Honaker’s 3-1 victory over the Northwood Panthers was a record-setter.

Harding became the Virginia High School League’s all-time winningest baseball coach as Harding’s triumph meant he surpassed the old record of 631 established by Mack Shupe, another Southwest Virginian, who won his games at J.J. Kelly and J.I. Burton.

Each player on Honaker’s roster – from freshman second baseman Brett Boyd to senior outfielder Avin Parrott – lined up to hug Harding after the game.

A plaque recognizing the accomplishment and a piece of artwork his daughter Susan Harding-Cullum helped design were also presented to the 74-year-old coaching icon.

Richard M. Nixon was President, the Vietnam War was not over and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was still known as Lew Alcindor when Harding earned his first career victory at Honaker.

What if somebody would have told the skipper back in 1971 he would one day reach this monumental milestone?

“Are you kidding?” Harding said with a big smile. “I wouldn’t have believed it. It’s hard to believe now.”

Sophomore Blake Stinson was the winning pitcher and had two RBIs for Honaker on Thursday and he was glad to contribute on a day that belonged to Harding.

“Growing up I always came to Honaker baseball games and watched and after seeing all the success I always hoped that I would get to play for him,” Stinson said. “It worked out and I just feel so honored to be part of his 632nd win.”

Harding has been the one constant on the ever-changing Southwest Virginia sports landscape. How important is he to Honaker?

“He’s everything,” Avin Parrott said. “He’s a great coach, a great person and he’s a great man.”

Northwood coach Tommie Hopkins was among those impressed by what exactly 632 wins means when put in perspective.

“That is amazing,” Hopkins said. “He’s been around the game for a long time. Many years ago, I was an umpire and umpired a lot of his ballgames and he’s a fantastic guy. I have the utmost respect for him.”

Northwood principal Stan Dunham began his teaching and coaching career at Honaker in 1977 and the first person he met at the school was Harding. He paid a nice tribute to Harding over the public address system following the contest.

Three of Harding’s assistant coaches played for him in high school and his pupils have included everybody from future Super Bowl champion Heath Miller to the stars on the 2011 VHSL Group A, Division 2 state title team.

While Harding has battled some health issues over the last few years, his passion for the sport has never waned.

“Tom is the first person in a lot of players’ lives besides a parent to truly believe in you more than you believe in yourself,” said assistant coach Scotty Boyd, who played at Honaker in the mid-1990s. “That’s what makes him special. He gives everyone confidence because he truly believes you will succeed.”

As the boss received thanks from a gang of well-wishers, Harding’s team lingered on the field long after the final out had been made.

This was cause for a big celebration since the Tigers had clinched the Crooked Road Conference regular-season title and their coach had made history.

“It’s great to be a part of it,” said Honaker shortstop Hartley Hilton. “Coach Harding’s a great man and coach and will do anything in the world for us. We love playing for him.

“It’s hard to even think about that many wins. I’m glad he got the record and I’m happy for him.”

thayes@bristolnews.com | Twitter:@Hayes_BHCSports | (276) 645-2570