KANNAPOLIS, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) – A Kannapolis park is now named after a former longtime umpire who died earlier this year.

Kannapolis City Council approved Monday renaming the former Dixie Youth Baseball Park, Lentz Park, in memory of Barry Lentz. The Kannapolis native died June 21.

In addition to being an umpire in the Kannapolis Dixie Youth Baseball, he also was a science teacher. He was a part of the local organization for over 30 years, and for the last 15 years, in the Dixie Youth/Diamond Youth Baseball World Series.

He also was active as a high school and college umpire and board member in the Carolina's Baseball Umpires Association. He was the recipient of the Dick Knox Distinguished Service Award for officials by the North Carolina High School Athletic Association.

After a

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