Shelton, Kenneth

As a 1978 graduate of Lexington High School, he was one of the school’s most well-rounded athletes, lettering in baseball and basketball. In 1978, he batted an estimated .390-.420 with a .900-.990 fielding percentage, leading the Bears in stolen bases and runs scored as they won the 2A Area Championship and reached the state playoffs. He was known as a tough gap hitter who rarely struck out, with Dewayne Rosenbaum calling him “one of the toughest hitters I ever faced”. His senior honors included Times Daily All Area Team, Lions Club East-West All Star Games, Dixie Majors Lauderdale County All-Star Team, Boys Athlete with Highest Academic Average and Babe Ruth Sportsmanship Award. He also made a full extension diving catch on a ball estimated at 530 feet at the East West All Star Game. Shelton played competitive softball for nearly 12 years, compiling a .500-.600 batting average. His teams won multiple district titles, were Alabama State Runner-Up (earning him All-Tournament honors), and captured a Tennessee Sub-State Championship, where he was named MVP after hitting .630. His many honors included 1984 Tennessee State Qualifying Tournament Batting Champion and MVP; 1986 World Qualifying Tournament MVP; World Qualifying All-Tournament selections in 1987, 1989, and 1990; 1988 Tennessee Sub-State MVP; 1990 All-Western Tennessee Team; along with five additional MVP awards and 16 more All-Tournament selections. As Coach Jerry Fulmer said, “No one worked harder or enjoyed playing sports more than Kenneth Shelton”.