Danville Honors Late Baseball Coach Gary Gritton

Vikings pay tribute to longtime coach and athletics director before game

Apr. 11, 2026 at 4:17pm

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An abstract, expressionist painting featuring vibrant brushstrokes in neon colors, capturing the raw energy and emotion of a high school baseball pregame ceremony honoring a beloved coach.A heartfelt tribute to a legendary high school baseball coach brings an outpouring of community support and emotion to the field.Danville Today

The Danville High School baseball team honored the late Gary Gritton, their longtime coach and athletics director, before a game on Friday. Gritton's family was presented with gifts, and his son Nigel threw out the ceremonial first pitch.

Why it matters

Gritton was a beloved figure in the Danville community, having served as the baseball coach and athletics director for many years. Honoring his memory and legacy is important for the school and the local baseball community.

The details

Despite less-than-ideal weather conditions, the Danville Vikings held a special pregame ceremony to pay tribute to Gritton. His family was given gifts from the school and community, and his son Nigel had the honor of throwing out the first pitch.

  • The ceremony took place before the Danville High School baseball game on Friday, April 11, 2026.

The players

Gary Gritton

The late baseball coach and athletics director for Danville High School, who passed away recently.

Nigel Gritton

The son of Gary Gritton, who threw out the ceremonial first pitch at the game.

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What they’re saying

“I feel like he is here and I can feel him.”

— Nigel Gritton, Son of Gary Gritton

The takeaway

The tribute to Gary Gritton shows the lasting impact he had on the Danville community through his decades of dedicated service as a coach and athletics director. His memory will continue to inspire the school's baseball program and student-athletes.