A new center field wall was unveiled Thursday night at Bloch Park in honor of former Selma recreation director Elton Reece.

The wall actually replaces one that sat in center field for years before being blown down during a hurricane over a decade ago. Painted green, the wall earned the nickname the “Green Monster” for its resemblance to a wall that sits in left field at Boston’s Fenway Park.

Although the wall is only 14 foot high — compared to 37 foot for the real “Green Monster” — it’s a daunting view for batters at home plate.

No ball hit Thursday during the first round of the Dixie Majors State Baseball Tournament got near the wall.

“I’m glad to have it back in center field because that’s where I played growing up out there, and it always a joy standing against that wall,” said interim recreation director Lebo Jones.

“I think coach Reece is smiling down from heaven right now knowing that wall is back up.”

The Reece family was on hand Thursday and was presented a plaque from Keith Robinson, the state director for Dixie Majors Baseball. Robinson read the plaque aloud, which said that the 2015 Dixie Majors State Baseball Tournament was being played in Reece’s honor.

After the ceremony, Reece’s son, Todd, threw out a ceremonial first pitch before Selma’s game against Tuscaloosa.