John Thomas Parran, Jr.

 Parran played for the Indian
 Head Indians.

On Friday, Aug. 22, the Charles County Commissioners will dedicate the County’s new stadium to the memory of Southern Maryland leader and statesman, John Thomas Parran, Jr. (1926-2006), and celebrate his life of service to the people of Charles County and the region.

From 1955-1966, Parran represented Charles County in the Maryland House of Delegates and the State Senate.  He had a hand in creating and leading some of the region’s most important institutions of higher education, regional planning and economic development, including the College of Southern Maryland and the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland.  For many years he chaired the Potomac River Fisheries Commission, and worked to protect the Chesapeake Bay, the Potomac River,
and the Patuxent River.

“John Thomas Parran was a progressive leader and regional statesman who, during a half-century of public service, helped build the foundation for a prosperous future for the people of Southern Maryland,” said Gary V. Hodge, Charles County Commissioner.  “He was a mentor and friend who made it his personal mission to support young leaders who shared his passion for service, and his commitment to making Charles County and Southern Maryland a better place,” Hodge added.  Hodge worked closely with Parran on regional issues at the Tri-County Council for almost 20 years.

The County Commissioners will unveil a bronze plaque at the stadium entrance at 5 p.m. on Aug. 22.  And before the 7:05 p.m. start of the regularly scheduled baseball game that night between the Somerset Patriots and the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs, the Commissioners will join Senator Parran’s former teammates from the Indian Head Indians on the mound for a “first pitch,” followed by the showing of a brief memorial program celebrating Senator Parran’s life on the stadium’s video screen. 

In addition to his achievements as a regional leader and public servant, Parran is remembered by his teammates and competitors on the playing fields of Southern Maryland as “Doc” Parran, a gifted athlete and highly skilled pitcher for the Indian Head Indians, in the Charles-St. Mary’s Baseball League.  The League was established in 1947.

In 2006, when Senator Parran passed away, the moving tributes to this revered and beloved citizen of Charles County spoke to the far-reaching impact of his life.  The dedication of the new stadium is a most fitting tribute to one of the most important leaders in the history of Charles County.

Friends and former colleagues and associates of Senator Parran, present and former members of the Charles-St. Mary’s Baseball League, and the general public are welcome to attend the dedication ceremony at the stadium entrance.  Tickets are still available for the Aug. 22 Somerset Patriots-Blue Crabs game.

For further information, contact Amy Calvin, Events Specialist, Charles County Department of Economic Development & Tourism, at (301) 885-1340.