COLOMBO – On July 3, the U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka launched the Coach Jim Dimick Memorial Baseball Classic, celebrating the enduring American legacy of baseball in Sri Lanka as part of the Embassy’s Freedom 250 Baseball Series commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States. Chargé d’Affaires Jayne Howell joined players, coaches, alumni, and Sri Lanka Baseball/Softball Association officials at Royal College Colombo to officially launch the tournament, with Marine Security Guard Gunnery Sergeant Kyle Aparicio throwing the ceremonial first pitch.
The triangular tournament brought together Royal College Colombo, Kingswood College Kandy, and Richmond College Galle—three schools whose history is closely intertwined with the growth of American baseball in Sri Lanka. Kingswood opened with a 26–10 win over Royal College before falling 15–7 to Richmond. Richmond secured a place in the championship game with a 7–7 draw against Royal College, but Kingswood prevailed 11–6 in the final rematch to capture the Freedom 250 championship.
“As America celebrates 250 years of independence, we are proud to celebrate one of our nation’s greatest traditions—baseball,” said Chargé d’Affaires Howell. “For generations, America’s national pastime has brought communities together through teamwork, perseverance, and sportsmanship. Today, that same game continues to build friendships between Americans and Sri Lankans. We are proud that baseball, first introduced to Sri Lanka through the leadership of an American coach, continues to inspire young athletes and strengthen the ties between our two countries.”
Baseball is woven into the fabric of American life. For more than 150 years, families have gathered at ballparks, children have dreamed of the major leagues, and communities have rallied around the game. Today, America’s national pastime continues to inspire young athletes around the world, connecting people through teamwork, sportsmanship, and a shared love of the game.
For four decades, the United States has supported the growth of baseball in Sri Lanka through sports diplomacy, including coaching exchanges, equipment donations, youth development, community outreach, and partnerships with the Sri Lanka Baseball/Softball Association. The Freedom 250 Baseball Series celebrates both America’s semiquincentennial and the 40th anniversary of baseball in Sri Lanka. Throughout the year, the U.S. Embassy has partnered with Sri Lankan schools, coaches, and athletes to recognize baseball’s enduring role as a bridge between our two nations and as an example of the power of sports diplomacy to connect people across cultures.
About Coach Jim Dimick: Baseball was introduced to Sri Lanka in 1985 by James “Jim” Dimick, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and National Baseball Hall of Fame coach, who traveled to Sri Lanka through a U.S. Embassy initiative to conduct the country’s first baseball clinics. Royal College Colombo was among the four original schools where the game took root, and many of those early players remain leaders in Sri Lankan baseball today. Coach Dimick’s vision and dedication established the foundation for the sport’s continued growth, making him one of the most influential figures in Sri Lankan baseball history.
