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HAMILTON — Hamilton High School will honor one of its favorite sons Saturday, May 10, at Foundation Field.

Mark Lewis, generally regarded as the best player in Big Blue baseball history, will have his No. 20 jersey retired before Hamilton's contest against Badin. The ceremony is slated for 6:40 p.m., with the game to follow at 7.

"It's a big deal to me because I love Hamilton High, especially Hamilton High baseball," Lewis said. "This is a special honor. It's something that I don't take lightly."

The former major-leaguer will throw out the first pitch and is set to become the second Hamilton standout to have his jersey retired. The late Joe Nuxhall (No. 41) was honored last month.

HHS coach Dan Bowling said he hopes to make this an annual event, with Rockies pitcher Aaron Cook and Ricky Stone next in line for the honor.

Lewis graduated from Hamilton in 1988, was the second overall pick in the amateur draft and went on to play in the majors for 11 years.

"I miss baseball every day," Lewis said. "Not a day goes by that I don't think about it. I don't miss some of the politics and some of the other things that go along with it, but I miss my teammates and competing and the camaraderie and friendships you develop."

Lewis last played in the majors in 2001. He tried a comeback with the independent Long Island Ducks last year, but his right knee balked, and he lasted just one regular-season game.

Lewis, 38, still lives in Hamilton and catches Big Blue games on occasion. He was the Gatorade National Player of the Year as a senior.

"Tony Lucadello, one of the biggest scouts of the time, said Mark Lewis was the best high school player he ever saw play," Bowling said. "I've been told that by a few people."

Lewis expects Saturday to be an emotional experience. Not so much because of the actual ceremony — "I really thought my number was retired when I saw it in the trophy case," he said — but because he'll be thinking about his late father, Terry.

"I'm an emotional person, and sometimes I wear my emotions on my sleeve," Lewis said. "I'm always thinking about how much my dad meant to me and what he taught me about baseball and life in general."

Lewis is in good shape financially because he handled his money wisely, and he can begin drawing his pension at the age of 45. He just started a job at Potter Park Golf Course.

"I have so many great memories of playing at Hamilton High," he said. "I was always proud to be from Hamilton. I know Hamilton gets a bad rap sometimes, but I love it. It's where I was born, and it's where I'll die."

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2194

or rcassano@coxohio.com.

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