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Independent Appeal Making McNairy County headlines for more than 100 years
28th Annual Independent Appeal Baseball Spectacular Preview Inside
2012 SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW
PAGE 2C / INDEPENDENT APPEAL
2012 Spring Sports Preview
WEDNESDAY, March 21, 2012
McNairy County has rich baseball history 28th Annual Independent Appeal Baseball Spectacular just tip of the iceberg This year is our 28th year hosting the Independent Appeal Baseball Spectacular. Just like the budding trees, new flowers and spring rains, this historic baseball tournament has become a regular part of Springtime in McNairy County. However, our county’s baseball roots reach back much further than the tournament. Baseball has been here a long time and we are proud that we have been able to be a part of that rich history. The first baseball in McNairy County seems to have been played in the Prospect Community in the late 1800’s. There was no equipment, and the marathon games lasted all day. Needless to say, there were many injuries as the country boys grappled with the little white ball. It seemed odd that a lot of grown men would try to hit a round ball with a round bat then go chasing around something that looked like a square turned sideways. Baseball again became popular in the 1920’s, and Stantonville fielded one of the best teams in the area. Among the Stantonville standouts were John Moffett, Orlanda Elam, Russell Gray, Earl Burks, Lloyd Matlock, Coach Robinson, John Glidwell. The real go-getter was Grady Horner, a standout pitcher. The era lasted from about 1920 until 1928 and sometimes heavy betting brought in top-name players–like Reese and Hank DeBerry. The DeBerrys were from Savannah, and Hank went on to star with the Brooklyn Dodgers and for a number of years stayed in the big leagues because he was Dazzy Vance’s personal catcher. C.L. Bias, a fine old-time player said recently: “I was playing center field one day, and Hank drilled a home run
so far over my head that he was sitting in the shade fannin’ himself when I finally found the ball.” There is also a legend of a simple fellow known only as ‘Dummy’ could throw the ball so hard you could hear it crack into the catcher’s mitt a quarter mile away. There was John Plunk and Grover Pettigrew, catchers who they said could snatch the pitch from in front of the bat. And Buck Gilchrist, a left-hander who could pick runners off second and never turn around. Kenny Boyer once pointed out that the depression era produced good baseball players because the poor boys like his family had nothing to do in their off-time but play baseball. So it was in McNairy County during the depression. Everybody played baseball. During the 1930’s, Crooked Creek fielded a team with such colorful names as Whit and Dunc Ashe. Whit would chase the curve ball all the way across home plate but he usually hit it to some degree. Then there was Finis Jopling (the catcher who stopped balls with the rear section of the anatomy), and Hillard Gann, and David Boyd. Lawton was a challenger with Grady Browder, Chuck Emmons, Erman and Howard (Possum) Pin Poindexter, Baxter and Eddie Humphrey, L.D.Learue, Willie Smith, Fate Thomas, Brother Browder and others. Guntown fielded a slick team with the speedster Aubrey (Skinny Flint) Bearden, Bug Un and Little Un Thacker, O.F. And E.B. Wagoner. Colorful Henry Steele, a right-handed pitcher for Guntown usually stole the show. Henry was an early
Passion. Drive. Skill. Commitment.
day Gaylord Perry. His favorite trick was to chew slippery elm bark and spit all over the ball. It was so slick nobody could hit it. Or, he would resort to his other trick – work a piece of wire under the cover of the ball so when he twisted his curve, the weight on one side made it cut up. He was supported also by Vernon See mcnairy baseball history, 3C
The same qualities it will take to win, you can find every day at
731-645-3221
www.mcnairyregionalhospital.com
WEDNESDAY, March 21, 2012
MRH signs on as tournament sponsor The Independent Appeal would like to welcome McNairy Regional Hospital who has joined us this year as a title sponsor of this year’s baseball spectacular. With their generous support, we are able fund this year’s tournament and raise money for the county’s high school baseball teams. We are proud to include them as a partner in this year’s events. Together, we will help to write the next chapter of McNairy County baseball history.
Independent Appeal Baseball Spectacular champions 1983 Hardin County 1984 Hardin County 1985 McNairy Central 1986 Jackson South Side 1987 Alcorn Central 1988 Alcorn Central 1989 Munford 1990 Jackson South Side 1991 Cancelled (tornado) 1992 Hardin County 1993 Jackson Central-Merry 1994 Jackson Central-Merry 1995 McNairy Central 1996 Bolivar Central 1997 Jackson North Side 1998 Cancelled (Rain) 1999 Lexington 2000 Lexington 2001 Hardin County 2002 Hardin County 2003 Franklin County 2004 Mt. Pleasant 2005 Hardin County 2006 Hardin County 2007 Adamsville 2008 Franklin County* 2009 Bolivar Central* 2010 McNairy Central* 2011 Chester County *(Declared champion in rain shortened tournament)
2012 Spring Sports Preview
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mcnairy baseball history
the games and built interest in high school baseball.” McNairy Central got the first of three tourney titles in 1985. The Bobcats won the championship in Day’s last season as head coach in ’95 and also won the 2010 tournament. “Coach Day never got the credit he deserved for being a tireless worker and a good coach,” said Bridges. South Side edged AHS 2-1 in an exciting title game in the Cardinals second appearance in the tournament in 1986. South Side’s Mike Davis was the winning pitcher in all three games for the Hawks. Alcorn Central won consecutive titles in ’87 and ’88. The Bears and Iuka both won Mississippi State tournaments in 1988. Munford’s 1989 title team is considered the best team to have ever played in the tourney. Munford’s Aaron Fultz and Jeff Fayne both signed pro contracts and Fultz made it to the majors. The tournament expanded in 1990 to an eightteam field, and half the tournament was played at Adamsville. Jackson South Side beat a hard-fighting Adamsville team in the championship game. The 1991 tournament was canceled by the tornado that damaged Adamsville’s and McNairy’s baseball fields. In 1992, Hardin County took the trophy beating Adamsville in the finals. Jackson Central-Merry took the championship game in 1993 and 1994, beating Bolivar Central and McNairy Central in respective years. McNairy Central followed their 1994 championship appearance with a tournament victory in 1995, opening their season with five wins to sweep all comers. Bolivar Central took the 1996 title from Hardin County in the finals. Jackson North Side won the 1997 trophy in the only championship game to be played outside of McNairy County. The final game was played at Oak Field in Jackson. McNairy Central did not compete in this tournament, instead traveling to Florida for a tournament in Pensacola. In the final tourney game of the millennium, Lexington shut out McNairy Central in the finals to take home the coveted trophy. Lexington then won its second straight tourney, downing Riverside in 2000. Hardin County begins a period of tournament dominance that would see the Tigers appearing in six consecutive tournament championships, while winning in 2001, 2002, 2005, and 2006. This included an undefeated 2002 tournament appearance in which the Tigers produced 62 total runs. McNairy Central stayed tough during this time making to championship appearances in 2001 and 2006. Franklin County and Mt. Pleasant won the 2003 and 2004 tourneys with each walking away with onerun victories over Hardin County. Adamsville took home the tournament trophy for the first time in 2007 after thumping Bolivar 10-2 in the championship game. Franklin County, Bolivar Central and McNairy Central were declared champs in the 2008, 2009 and 2010 tournaments respectively as pervasive rain throughout each tournament prevented the championship game from taking place. In the first championship game held since 2007, Chester County bested McNairy Central for the 2011 title. The Independent Appeal would like to recognize the all of the players, coaches and fans that have helped to create this rich baseball tradition in McNairy County and look forward to writing a new chapter to this storied history as we prepare for the 2012 Independent Appeal Baseball Spectacular. Our staff would like to thank Billy Wagoner for his contribution with the county’s baseball history. We would also like to thank Danny Day and Jeff York for their efforts with historical background on the tournament and for all of the effort they have put over the years to making it a success. This year’s tournament is dedicated to York.
From Page 2C
Hurley, Charlie and Coon Pounds and Ben Clayton at times. Baseball hit its peak in the 1930’s. It was highly competitive and one of the super players of the day, Cal Wilson was killed after a baseball game at Stantonville. Cal loved baseball better than anything in the world. He carried a suit in his gravel truck and when he found a game, got into it. He may have been the best left-handed hitter ever to live in the county. The good ones are endless – James Ammons, Alton Scott, Preston Smith, and Kerby Ferrell, who was the best all-around. He starred in the Southern League, then went on to play with the Boston Braves during the war years. In management, the minor league winning records of Kerby Farrell may never be surpassed. He managed the Cleveland Indians in 1954. A colorful team was the Gullyjumpers with Ben Clayton J.R. And Will Miller and a bunch more Millers. Kildee Carroll often came on the old days to pitch for money. He signed a professional contract, but quit and came home. His nickname came from the tiny ankles. There was baseball in Heath’s Grove near Adamsville. George Tidwell kept one of the finest teams ever assembled. He furnished jobs for the players and they played the top teams of Memphis like Dabney Brothers and Pepsi Cola. In the later years, a lot of good baseball players came and went in McNairy County. Don Blasingame, who starred for the St. Louis Cardinals. Ironically, a young man eventually succeeded Don as second baseman of the Cincinnati Reds. The young man isn’t young anymore, but he has stayed around and set a lot of records – Pete Rose. Tommy Dean, the Iuka boy, played at Stnatonville before starring with the Dodgers an Padres. One day in a pasture lot, he batted twice with the bases loaded. The first time a grand slam and second time a triple – seven runs batted in with two swings. Then there was Jim Hardin, born at Morris Chapel. He signed with the Mets in 1961 and spent a summer pitching for Adamsville before starting his pro career. Many of the good ones are forgotten and many of them were as good as any of those named above.
Independent Appeal Baseball Spectacular Tournament With a sincere desire to build on the fantastic baseball tradition in McNairy County the Independent Appeal launched its Baseball Spectacular in order to showcase high school baseball and provide local players with top-flight competition. The tournament has been a fixture in West Tennessee baseball since 1983. The tournament was organized by former Independent Appeal sports editor Jeff York, and then McNairy Central baseball coach Danny Day. York would recruit the teams and do the paper work involved with the tournament. Day would work on the field and was the game-day director for the formative years. “This tournament revolutionized baseball in West Tennessee,” said legendary Adamsville coach Joe Bridges. “Danny Day and Jeff York deserve the credit for putting the tournament together when no one else did that in West Tennessee.” In 1983, the tournament had only four teams. The teams were MCHS, Hardin Co., Corinth and Chester County. Hardin Co. defeated Corinth in the finals of the ’83 and ’84 tournament. “It was good for the teams to face tough competition and play in a tournament atmosphere,” said Day. “The fact we got to play night games helped more people see
2012 Spring Sports Preview
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2012 AHS Cardinals Spring Sports Calendar AHS Cardinal Baseball Schedule 2012
Date March 13-17 March 19 March 20 March 22 March 23 March 29-31 April 2 April 3 April 5 April 6-7 April 9 April 10 April 11-14 April 16 April 17 April 19 April 20 April 23 April 24 April 26 April 27 April 30 May 4
Opponent @ Tomahawk Classic Madison @ Madison Clarksburg (JV) @ Chester Co. (JV) @ Huntingdon Classic Middleton @ Middleton (JV) McNairy Central (JV) @ Blackman Blaze-A-Bash @ Trinity Christian (JV) Trinity Christian (JV) Independent Appeal Classic @ Scotts Hill (JV) Scotts Hill (JV) @ McNairy Central (JV) @ Hardin Co. (JV) @ Riverside (JV) Riverside (JV) Union City - Senior Night (JV) @ Loretto (JV) @ Collinwood (JV) District Tournament
Time TBA 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:00 p.m. TBA 4:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. TBA 4:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. TBA 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:00 p.m. 3:30 p.m. 4:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. TBA
AHS Lady Cardinal Softball Schedule 2012
Date March 10 March 12-14 March 15 March 19 March 20 March 22 March 23-24 April 5 April 9 April 12 April 13-14 April 16 April 19 April 20 April 23 April 24 April 27-28 April 30 May 1 May 3-10
AHS Cardinal Soccer Schedule 2012
Date March 15 March 19-23 March 27 April 3 April 5 April 10 April 12 April 17 April 19 April 23 April 26 May 1 May 3 Date March 12 March 13 March 15 March 19 March 22 April 2 April 3 April 5 April 10 April 12 April 16 April 17 April 19 April 23 April 24 April 26 April 30
Opponent Adamsville Play-Day @ Hardin Co. Tournament Hardin Co. (JV) @ Madison Academic @ Chester Co. (JV) Middleton (JV) @ Camden Tournament @ Trinity Christian (JV) Madison Academic Riverside (JV) @ Covington Tournament Scotts Hill (JV) Trinity Christian (JV) @ McNairy Central @ Scotts Hill (JV) @ Middleton (JV) @ Jackson North Side Tournament @ Riverside (JV) McNairy Central (JV) District Tournament @ AHS Opponent @ McNairy Central @ Union Tournament @ Sacred Heart @ Scotts Hill @ Riverside @ Chester Co. Trinity Christian Lexington Jackson South Side @ Wayne Co. @ Liberty McNairy Central @ Jackson Central-Merry
AHS Cardinal Tennis Schedule 2012 Opponent @ Bolivar @ McNairy Central @ Sacred Heart Chester Co. Middleton Liberty @ Trinity Christian @ Lexington Lexington McNairy Central @ Chester Co. @ Madison @ Hardin Co. Scotts Hill Jackson South Side Hardin Co. District Tournament
WEDNESDAY, March 21, 2012
2012 MCHS Bobcats Spring Sports Calendar MCHS Bobcat Baseball Schedule 2012
Date Opponent Time March 21 vs. Middleton (JV) 4:00 p.m. March 22 Liberty Tech @ Lexington 4:00 p.m. Lexington @ Lexington 6:15 p.m. March 23 Perry City @ Lexington 4:00 p.m. March 24 Scotts Hill @ Lexington 10:00 a.m. March 26 @ Bolivar (JV) 4:30 p.m. March 27 vs. Bolivar (JV) 4:30 p.m. March 28 Haywood @ South Side 5:45 p.m. South Side @ South Side 8:00 p.m. Mar. 29 @ Liberty 6:15 p.m. Mar. 30 Montgomery Central @ North Side (JV) 5:45 p.m. April 3 @ Fayette-Ware 4:30 p.m. April 5 @ Adamsville (JV) 6:00 p.m. April 9 @ JCM (DH) 1:00 p.m. April 10 vs. Riverside (JV) 6:00 p.m. April 18 @Hardin Co. (JV) 6:30 p.m. April 19 vs. Adamsville (JV) 6:00 p.m. April 20 @ Middleton (JV) 6:00 p.m. April 23 vs. Trinity Christian Academy (JV) 6:00 p.m. April 25 @Riverside (JV) 6:00 p.m. April 26 @Scotts Hill (JV) 6:00 p.m. April 27 vs. Hardin Co. (JV) 6:30 p.m. May 1-9 District Tournament @ South Side TBA
MCHS Lady Bobcat Softball Schedule 2012
Time TBA TBA 4:30 p.m. 5:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. 4:30 p.m. TBA 5:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. 4:30 p.m. TBA 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. TBA 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. TBA
Date March 20 March 22 March 23 March 24 March 29-31 April 2 April 3 April 6-7 April 10 April 12 April 13 April 16 April 17 April 19 April 20 April 23 April 24 April 26 May 1 May 3-12
Time 5:00 TBA 5:00 5:00 5:00 5:00 5:30 5:00 5:30 5:00 4:30 5:00 5:30
Date March 15 March 27 March 29 April 3 April 5 April 10 April 12 April 17 April 20 April 24 April 26 May 1 May 3 Date March 12 March 13 March 15 March 19 March 22 April 2 April 3 April 5 April 12 April 16 April 17 April 19 April 24 April 26 May 3-5
Opponent vs Fayette-Ware vs JCM @ Liberty @ Muscle Shoals/Alcorn Cent. @ South Side Tournament @ Bolivar @ Middleton @ Milan Tournament vs Chester Co. @ South Side vs Lexington vs Bolivar @ Hardin Co. @ Chester Co. vs Adamsville @ Lexington vs South Side vs Liberty @ Adamsville @ District Tournament
MCHS Boys’ Soccer Schedule 2012 Opponent Adamsville JCM Riverside Chester Co. @ Liberty @ Trinity Christian Scotts Hill Sacred Heart Madison @ Wayne Co. Lexington @ Adamsville @ Chester Co.
Wednesday, April 11 4 p.m. Bolivar vs. Chester County at Adamsville * Hardin County vs. Lexington at McNairy Central ** 6 p.m. Chester County vs. Clarksburg at Adamsville* Lexingotn vs. Scotts Hill at McNairy Central** 8 p.m. Clarksburg vs. Bolivar at Adamsville* Scotts Hill vs. Hardin County at McNairy Central** Thursday, April 12 4 p.m. Adamsville vs. Bolivar at Adamsville* McNairy vs. Hardin County at McNairy Central** 6 p.m. Adamsville vs. Chester County at Adamsville* McNairy vs. Lexington at McNairy Central** Friday, April 13 4 p.m. Adamsville vs. Clarksburg at Adamsville* McNairy vs. Scotts Hill at McNairy Central**
Time 5:00 5:30 6:00 5:30 5:00 TBA 5:00 5:00 6:00 5:30 5:30 5:00 5:30
Saturday, April 14 10 a.m. Pool A #4 vs. Pool B #4 at McNairy Central Noon Pool A #3 vs. Pool B #3 at McNairy Central 2 p.m. Pool A #2 vs. Pool B #2 at McNairy Central
MCHS Bobcat Tennis Schedule 2012 Opponent Hardin Co. Adamsville Scotts Hill @ Madison @ Chester Co. Bolivar Middleton South Side @ Adamsville Trinity Christian Liberty Sacred Heart @ Bolivar @ South Side @ District Tournament
Independent Appeal Baseball Spectacular Tournament Schedule
Time 4:00 4:00 4:00 4:00 4:00 4:00 4:00 4:00 4:00 4:00 4:00 4:00 4:00 4:00 TBA
(AHS and MCHS logo designs courtesy of All City Printing.)
4 p.m. Championship Game Pool A #1 vs. Pool B #1 at McNairy Central Admission: $5 per Adult and $1 per Student All games will have 1:45 time limit with no ties. TieBreakers: (In order of impact) record in pool play,
head to head, fewest runs allowed, and coin flip. (*designates Pool A ** designates Pool B)
2012 Spring Sports Preview
WEDNESDAY, March 21, 2012
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BEST OF LUCK TEAMS!
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Monday-Friday: 8 am - 6 pm Saturday: 8 am - 3 pm
270 East Court Ave. Suite C • Selmer, TN 38375
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1269 Tennesse Ave. Selmer, TN 38375 Phone: 731-646-1636
Register now for Summer and Fall classes and apply for McNairy County Scholarships.
Good luck to all the area teams! Follow us on Facebook
PAGE 6C / INDEPENDENT APPEAL
2012 Spring Sports Preview
WEDNESDAY, March 21, 2012
2012 Adamsville High School Cardinals
AHS Cardinal Baseball Preview By Andrew Alexander Sports Writer
Adamsville is poised to make a run at a district championship in 2012, and the players and coaching staff want even more than that. “We can go back to Murfreesboro easily,” said Adamsville head coach Steven Lambert. “I think we can play for a state championship. There’s a lot of factors; keeping kids healthy, getting everybody on board with their roles...but so far it’s been a great preseason.” The Cardinals aren’t settling for finishing second place finish in District 15-A in 2012 either. “We’re good enough to finish number one,” said Lambert. “I think if our pitching does what we think it’s going to do and we play good defense, we’ll be right there with Riverside in the end. We’re not settling for finishing second. We want to beat them.” The Riverside Panthers have owned the district for the past two seasons, winning back-to-back Class A State Championships, and will continue to present a big challenge to their district opponents this year. Trinity Christian Academy will also be a tough test for the Cardinals.
Despite the stiff competition, Adamsville returns solid players to multiple positions after losing several key cogs from last year’s team. The Cardinals have five seniors— Josh Burks, Drew Griswell, Kasey Hurley, Jalen Kendall, and Hunter McSwain, all of which will see time on the mound. Juniors Montell Johnson, Josh Chappell and John Reed Odom will also be key contributors. Chappell and Odom with their gloves and bats and Johnson on the mound. “Of those eight, there’s a lot of experience,” said Lambert. “We’re expecting them to be leaders, and we’re expecting them to carry us.” Assisting Lambert for the sixth consecutive season, Renard Woodmore will be apart of the glue that holds this team together with the knowledge he brings to the team and his fire and charisma in the dugout. “Look for a lot of success. We’re primed and in good position to be successful,” said Lambert. The Cardinals were 21-12 overall last season and were knocked out of the district tournament by Madison. They finished fourth in the tournament and third during the regular season behind TCA and Riverside.
Adamsville Cardinal Baseball Roster 2012 No. 02 03 05 06 07 08 09 12 14 15 16 19 20 22 23 28 29 31 32 34
Player Jacob Wallis John Reed Odom Kasey Hurley Canon Smith Trevor Griffin Dallas McDuffy Peyton Surratt Stone Lipford Alex McSwain Dustin Neill Christian Kanavel Hunter McSwain Montell Johnson Bradly Parmely Onri Damron Jalen Kendall Josh Burks Drew Griswell Hunter Dickey Josh Chappell
Grade 10th 11th 12th 9th 10th 9th 9th 9th 10th 10th 9th 12th 11th 9th 10th 12th 12th 12th 10th 11th
WEDNESDAY, March 21, 2012
K
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2012 Spring Sports Preview
INDEPENDENT APPEAL / PAGE 7C
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PAGE 8C / INDEPENDENT APPEAL
2012 Spring Sports Preview
WEDNESDAY, March 21, 2012
2012 McNairy Central High School Bobcats
MCHS Bobcat Baseball Preview By Andrew Alexander Sports Writer
McNairy Central had a strong 2011 season with a 22-9 record. This year’s squad has every intention of winning the District 14-AA Championship and eclipsing last year’s finish. “There’s all kinds of potential on this team, and we’ve just gotta reach it,” said Brian Franks, MCHS Head Coach. “We just gotta get there...We’ve got about 14 guys that we could start any day at a lot of different positions, so the sky is the limit.” The Bobcats are led by five seniors— Blake Chandler, Brady Dancer, Austin Gafford, Craig Mullins, and Dakota Roden, but will rely on a team effort to meet their expectations. Junior Tyler Wells will provide some power in the middle of the lineup, and Gafford, who has recuperated well from a season-ending football injury (ACL), will resume the leadoff role for the Bobcats after finishing last season with a .450 average. Chandler, Mullins, and junior Marcus Nash will also provide some pop. The pitching rotation for MCHS is deep. “Blake (Chandler) and Dakota (Roden) have
been our number one and two for three years, going on four years,” said Franks. They will log the majority of the innings for the Bobcats, but Wells, Brady and Clay Dancer, Chase Smith, and Jonathan Nixon will also see a fair amount of time spent on the mound. According to Franks, the Bobcats will be a sound defensive ball club. “We’re just solid. We have pretty good arms in the outfield,” said Franks. “We have a good infield. We’re not a real fast infield as far as being quick on our feet, but we have great gloves. If you hit it as us, you’re out. We’re going to make the routine plays. We may not make spectacular plays, but we’re going to get you out.” The Bobcats finished their 2011 district schedule 12-1. This year, their toughest competition in the South Division of the district will be Chester County. Lexington and Jackson South Side will be tough tests for MCHS as well when the district tournament rolls around on May 1. McNairy Central is coached by Franks, Michael Stroup, and Ken Hutcherson, along with their newest edition, Stacy Riley, who played for the Bobcats from 2002-2005.
McNairy Central Bobcat Baseball Roster 2012 No. 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 11 12 13 14 15 18 21 22 24 25 27 29 44
Player Marcus Nash Jacob Mullins Tyler Steen Tyler Melton Brady Dancer Kirby Tacker Justin Roberts Blake McCalvin Caleb Kennedy Parker Adams Peyton McMahan Matt Chandler Ethan Hillis Chase Smith Clay Dancer B.J. Dickey Dakota Roden Jonathan Nixon Blake Chandler Austin Gafford Craig Mullins Tyler Wells
Grade 11th 11th 9th 10th 12th 9th 11th 10th 9th 11th 9th 10th 9th 9th 10th 10th 12th 10th 12th 12th 12th 11th
WEDNESDAY, March 21, 2012
2012 Spring Sports Preview
GOOD LUCK TO ALL PLAYERS! GO Bobcats!
We are proud of all our athletes! McNairy County Board of Education 170 W. Court Ave. Selmer, TN (731) 645-3267
INDEPENDENT APPEAL / PAGE 9C
Dr. Ronnie Fullwood, DDS General Dentistry For The Entire Family New Patients Welcome We Accept Most Insurances
Good Luck To All Teams! Located at 485 Mulberry Ave. Selmer
Phone 731-645-7785 to schedule your appointment
East West Motor Freight 1055 Mulberry Avenue Selmer, Tennessee
645-7991 Best of luck to all the McNairy County Athletes
PAGE 10C / INDEPENDENT APPEAL
2012 Spring Sports Preview
WEDNESDAY, March 21, 2012
2012 Adamsville High School Lady Cardinals
AHS Lady Cardinal Softball Preview By Amanda Lowrance Head Sports Writer
Lady Cardinal head coach Todd McGee has entered his 13th season coaching Adamsville Softball. Last year’s record was approximately one game from finishing .500. The close scoring game against Riverside was one of last season’s most memorable events because the Lady Cardinals held the lead until the last inning over the soon-to-be state champions. “We carried Riverside to the wire,” said McGee. “We also had a few good runs in last year’s tournaments and finished third in the North Side Tournament. The girls progressed and many of the new girls came on and did a good job the whole season.” After graduation, Adamsville lost a couple power hitters. The only home run hitter to return is Nikki White, who is now a senior. Pitching is expected to be more stable as Taylor Hutton and Samantha Oaks come back for another
season. Eighth graders Parker Davis and Gabby Morris plan to join the pitching rotation as well. There are several new additions to the team. Six eighth graders join, along with a pair of sisters, Deanna and Breanna Taylor. “A real big part of the core group is coming back,” said McGee. “Our four seniors have been a good group for us. Catcher Brittany Lambert will go into her second full year behind the plate and will carry a big load in the field and at batting. Macayla Kiddy has a lot of experience as our center fielder and Kristina Milford has been at third and we are comfortable with her in this position. Nikki White started last year but it was her first year to play at Adamsville.” The Lady Cardinals plan to build on stride and learn from every game played. After opening up at the Hardin County Tournament, the team will also participate in the Camden, Covington, and North Side Tournament. Even though there will be at least 11 road trips, Adamsville is scheduled to host the district tournament in May.
AHS Lady Cardinal Softball Roster 2012 No. 00 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 14 15 16 20 24 25 28 30 31 33 45
Players Macayla Kiddy Abbie Lunsford Bailey Wicker Karly Napier Nikki White Taylor Hutton Anna Johnson Tori Beth Surratt Whitney Wrzesniewski Hannah Isbell Brittany Lambert Chancy Gray Olivia Johnson Lilly Webb Laura Shiver Deanna Taylor Kristina Milford Breanna Taylor Parker Davis Samantha Oaks Sarah Martin Gabby Morris Jessica Bridges
Grade 12th 8th 11th 9th 12th 11th 10th 8th 11th 8th 12th 8th 10th 9th 9th 9th 12th 11th 8th 11th 11th 8th 8th
WEDNESDAY, March 21, 2012
2012 Spring Sports Preview
Tan World GO Cardinals! Monday-Friday: 8:30 A.M - 8:00 P.M. Saturday: 8:00 A.M. - 2:00 P.M. (731) 632-4243
Morgan Plaza • 236 B North Maple • Adamsville, TN 38310
Best of Luck!
McNairy County Officials
Brian Dickey - Register of Deeds Guy Buck - Sheriff Van McMahan - General Sessions Judge Betty Ashe - Assessor of Property Harvey N. Smith - Road Commissioner Kim Harrison - Clerk & Master Joanie Collins - Administrator of Elections lections Ronnie Brooks - Circuit Court Clerk k Stanley Mitchell - Trustee Ronnie Price - County Clerk Wilburn Gene Ashe - County Mayor or
INDEPENDENT APPEAL / PAGE 11C
Mid-South Farmers Cooperative 581 Mulberry Ave. Selmer, TN 38375
Office: 731-645-3238 Fertilizer: 731-645-7690
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2012 Spring Sports Preview
WEDNESDAY, March 21, 2012
2012 McNairy Central High School Lady Bobcats
MCHS Lady Bobcat Softball Preview 2012 By Amanda Lowrance Head Sports Writer
Entering her 12th softball season at McNairy Central High School, Lady Bobcat coach Mellanie Surratt has 22 years of experience counting 10 years at University of Tennessee Martin. The many years of Surratt’s disciplined time preparing the field and the players has built a positive program at MCHS. “This program is really all about the players,” said Surratt. “My players have personality, morals, character, and talent and the team simply gels. We are a family.” Five new players from different areas of the county join the Lady Bobcats this season and have worked hard to earn their spots, but look to the upperclassmen for leadership. Former Lady Bobcats Jill Brock and Stacey Volner will be present and assisting coach Surratt and the team on the field and in the dugout. “All three seniors are good-natured, hard-
working players who understand what our program is about,” said Surratt. “Jacey Whirley loves to play center field and has a big time playing this position, but she also likes to be behind the plate with Kindra Brown on the mound. Brown is a big-time pitcher who grew up on the mound overnight at last year’s Milan tournament. She has the pitches that can win us ball games. Chelsea Bodiford is a solid shortstop and the whole team is relaxed with her in this position.” Outside the district, the Lady Bobcats will open up at the Hardin County Tournament followed by two additional tournaments, one being an overnighter. According to the rotation, this year’s district tournament will be held at Jackson South Side setting McNairy Central’s post-season on the road. “Every year is different. We just have to walk into the game with the same confidence that we do in practice.” Surratt has full confidence in the team and looks forward to watching them grow and compete over the next two months.
MCHS Lady Bobcat Softball Roster 2012 No. 00 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 14 15 18 21 24 25 27
Players Brianna Phelps Haven Phelps Mikaela Rowland Allison Dillon Chelsea Bodiford Laralee Williams Jennifer Jones Morgan Williams Kelly Ernest Kelley Moore Jacey Whirley Khaila Lynum Kindra Brown Makayla Holley Macee Taylor Lily Nixon Sarah Stanfield Addison King Destiny Wilson
Grade 11th 9th 11th 10th 12th 9th 9th 10th 9th 11th 12th 10th 12th 11th 11th 9th 9th 10th 10th
2012 Spring Sports Preview
WEDNESDAY, March 21, 2012
INDEPENDENT APPEAL / PAGE 13C
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PAGE 14C / INDEPENDENT APPEAL
2012 Spring Sports Preview
WEDNESDAY, March 21, 2012
2012 Adamsville High School Cardinals Soccer
AHS Cardinal Soccer Preview By Andrew Alexander Sports Writer Coming off a 6-6-3 season, the Cardinal soccer team will rely on their experience to get them through 2012. “We’ve got enough experience and enough athleticism to compete,” said third-year Cardinal Soccer head coach Steven Price. “It just depends on how well these guys can pick it up and run with it.” Adamsville lost no seniors to graduation last year but did lose a couple that transferred. “We lost two starters to transfer, but we’ve got nine of 11 back,” Price said. “We’ve got some experience. It’s just going to depend on how well they improve from now until the beginning of May.” Price says his squad will compete with everyone in the South Division of District 15 A-AA.
“We’ve got five or six teams to compete with, and we’re actually very competitive with all of them,” he said. “We expect to be at one of the top three positions.” One key component for AHS will be the play of their goalkeeper, senior Josh Shoate. “He’s coming off a great year. He had over 100 saves and was the district keeper of the year,” said Price. “He’s great at that position, but we’re going to try to play him a little out on the field this year.” Price and the Cards will be assisted by Richard White, who is entering his 10th season as an assistant coach at AHS. “He’s done a great job,” Price said. “He’s an asset that a lot of schools don’t get to benefit from. He’s got a lot of great knowledge, and he’s helped me a lot.” The Cardinals will do their best to improve upon last season’s finish when they were put out in the first round of the district tournament by Liberty.
AHS Boys’ Soccer Roster 2012 No. 55 18 10 00 40 11 03 INJ 05 21 32 01 22 07 34 44 02 06
Player Dustin Brewer Josh Shoate Dustin Sowell Taylor Alexander Kirby Brush Jake Weaver Hayden Arbogast Dustin Plunk John Mark Pettit Jake Baker Chris Bernier Brandon Bernier Ross Burcham Tyler Hollin Noah Wallis Jarrod Lobb Payton Mast Tyler Combs
Grade 12th 12th 12th 12th 11th 11th 11th 11th 11th 10th 9th 9th 9th 8th 8th 8th 8th 8th
WEDNESDAY, March 21, 2012
2012 Spring Sports Preview
INDEPENDENT APPEAL / PAGE 15C
Class of 2012: Senior AHS and MCHS spring athletes
2012 Adamsville High School Cardinals Baseball seniors: Kasey Hurley, Josh Burks, Jalen Kendall, Drew Griwsell, and Hunter McSwain.
2012 Adamsville High School Lady Cardinals Softball seniors: Brittany Lambert, Nikki White Kristina Milford and Macayla Kiddy.
2012 McNairy Central High School Bobcats Baseball seniors: Austin Gafford, Craig Mullins, Brady Dancer, Blake Chandler and Dakota Roden.
2012 McNairy Central High School Lady Bobcats Softball seniors: Jacey Whirley, Kindra Brown and Chelsea Bodiford.
2012 Adamsville High School Cardinals Soccer seniors: Dustin Sowell and Josh Shoate. (Not Pictured) Dustin Brewer and Taylor Alexander.
2012 McNairy Central High School Bobcats Soccer seniors: (In alphabetical order) Dakota Chandler, Josh Court, Will Glover, Dakota Jaggers, Josh Kennedy, Juan Macias, Austin McCarter, and Brandon Stricklin. 2012 McNairy Central High School Bobcats Tennis seniors: (In alphabetical order) Emily Harris, Lydia Hickman, Jared Ruby and Allie Swims.
PAGE 16C / INDEPENDENT APPEAL
2012 Spring Sports Preview
WEDNESDAY, March 21, 2012
2012 McNairy Central High School Bobcats Soccer
MCHS Bobcat Soccer Preview 2012 By Amanda Lowrance Head Sports Writer
McNairy Central Boys’ Soccer coach and former Bobcat, Nick Cook has taken on his fourth year as head coach and was named All-District Coach of the Year last season, leading the Bobcats to their best season ever. “We finished No. 1 in our sub-district for the first time in school history,” said Cook, “and made it to the district semi-finals for the first time as well. We also had four players who received AllDistrict honors, and Josh Court went on to receive All-West Tennessee honors.” There are several new faces on the team this year, but very little from the freshman class. Cook believes that Austin McCarter and Jake Williams should be able to help immediately, and freshman Cody Eaker shows a lot of promise for the future. “Last year when things weren’t going our way, we were able to squeak out a few goals by giving the ball to Nathan Howell for a break away,” said
Cook. “Now that we don’t have that option, the guys are relying on each other a lot more.” Team captains Brandon Stricklin, Dakota Chandler, and Court will help guide the team along with the five remaining seniors, Juan Macias, Dakota Jaggars, Will Glover, McCarter, and Josh Kennedy. The Bobcats have a more mature group of athletes judging from the eight seniors, six juniors, and 11 sophomores. Out of the sophomore class, Tyler Henry returned as the team’s goalkeeper and already has six saves from the season opener. “My prediction is that we’ll have a different leading scorer every game,” said Cook. “We will have to take care of the ball and dominate defensively.” MCHS soccer kicked off the season at Jackson South Side with a 6-0 win, but has yet to host a game due to bad weather and soggy turf. The season-opening alumni game was postponed, and the game against Adamsville was cancelled by the officials because of the hazardous flooding field.
McNairy Central Bobcat Soccer Roster 2012 No. 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 08 09 10 11 12 13/18 14 15 16 17 20 23 24 32 37 39 46 62 96 99
Player Joyner Pollard Ryan Durbin Juan Macias Dakota Chandler Brandon Stricklin Cody Eaker Matthew Frye Andrew Dunn Jake Williams Louise Howerton Austin McCarter Tyler Gaytan Tyler Henry D.Z. Robinson Easton Hawkins Jason Ontiveros Matthew Glover Jacob Waffird Josh Court Will Glover Isaac Cagle Joey Sanders Garrett Penna David Morris Josh Kennedy Dakota Jaggers Sheldon Carroll
Grade 11th 10th 12th 12th 12th 9th 11th 10th 11th 10th 12th 11th 10th 11th 10th 10th 10th 10th 12th 12th 10th 11th 10th 10th 12th 12th 9th
2012 Spring Sports Preview
WEDNESDAY, March 21, 2012
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PAGE 18C / INDEPENDENT APPEAL
2012 Spring Sports Preview
WEDNESDAY, March 21, 2012
2012 Adamsville High School Cardinals Tennis
AHS Cardinal Tennis Preview By Andrew Alexander Sports Writer
Last year was a stellar one for Adamsville Cardinal Tennis. The boys finished their year at 9-2 while the girls turned in a record of 10-1. For the boys, 2012 will be a chance to start anew after losing their top five to graduation in 2011. “I lost my top five, so we’re rebuilding,” said Cardinal tennis coach Michael Harvill. “It’s quite an impact when you lose your top five.” Despite having to replace his top five, Harvill thinks his boys will surprise some people and steadily improve all year. The girls, on the other hand, are a different story. “The girls team, I didn’t lose anybody,”
Harvill said. “I’m expecting good things from the girls. They’ll pick up where they left off.” With each girl returning a little bit more seasoned than last year, Harvill thinks his one through five will be a solid test for all of their opponents this year and on into next season to boot. “We’re looking forward to seeing these girls do special things,” said Harvill. “If I can keep them together, not losing any from last year and I won’t be losing any going into next year either...We could have three great years of tennis for girls, and we’re looking forward to seeing the boys improve. I think they’ll surprise some people.” Within Adamsville’s district, Madison poses the biggest challenge as a consistent tennis powerhouse, and Trinity Christian Academy will be competitive as well.
AHS Boys’ Tennis Roster 2012 Boys Taylor Wilder Kerby Harville Cameron Gramse Cody Trumble Joseph Young Anthony Trumble Colton Williams Josh Warshaw Evan Harris
Grade 8th 9th 9th 9th 9th 10th 10th 11th 11th
AHS Girls’ Tennis Roster 2012 Girls Allison Smarch Ali Gean Maddie Wilson Kanesha Wright Hayley Edmondson Caroline Gray Darby Congiardo Kasandra Krenson
Grade 9th 9th 9th 9th 10th 10th 11th 11th
2012 Spring Sports Preview
WEDNESDAY, March 21, 2012
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2012 Spring Sports Preview
WEDNESDAY, March 21, 2012
2012 McNairy Central High School Bobcat Tennis
MCHS Bobcat Tennis Preview 2012 By Amanda Lowrance Head Sports Writer
McNairy Central tennis coach Steve Hickman has begun his 12th year with the Bobcat Tennis team and his only daughter, MCHS senior Lydia Hickman has entered her final season as a Lady Bobcat. Last year, she made it to the final rounds of regions, along with Shelby Kennedy in doubles tennis. “The girls did real well last year,” said Hickman. “I think the girls are going be very similar to the way they were. I am hoping for the girls to at least do as good as last year.” Senior doubles team, Emily Harris and Allie Swims are expected to do well. Swims competed in her first singles match against one of Adamsville’s best and won. Hickman has predicted that Swims will have good season along with Kennedy in singles. For leadership the team will look up to seniors Emily Harris, Jared Ruby, and Allie Swims for guidance. Kennedy is the only member of
the junior class and three of the five sophomores are new additions to the team. The roster has 12 members consisting of seven girls and five boys. Several new players are on board, including three out of the five who are sophomores and are eager to learn. “The boys may be weak this year just because we have a lot of players that are beginners,” said Hickman. “I am hoping for the boys to improve this season.” Senior Jared Ruby will help guide the young boys’ team. One of the main concerns is that the boys hope will not be demolished by season’s opening matches. “We have a tough start in the schedule after Adamsville and then comes Madison and Chester County,” said Hickman. “That’s just the way the cookie crumbles sometimes.” Rain will play a factor in the season and coach hopes to have pretty weather to prevent cancellations. Dedication and experience could send the Bobcat Tennis team to new heights.
MCHS Boys Tennis Roster 2012
Player Jared Ruby Houston Robinson Hunter Steele Logan Williams Adam Harris
Grade 12 10 10 10 9
MCHS Girls Tennis Roster 2012
Player Emily Harris Lydia Hickman Allie Swims Shelby Kennedy Abbie Brown Mallorie Sweat Kaitlyn Gray
Grade 12 12 12 11 10 10 9
2012 Spring Sports Preview
WEDNESDAY, March 21, 2012
INDEPENDENT APPEAL / PAGE 21C
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PAGE 22C / INDEPENDENT APPEAL
2012 Spring Sports Preview
WEDNESDAY, March 21, 2012
Bolivar Central High School Tigers Baseball 2012 Bolivar Central Baseball Roster No. 01 02 04 05 06 07 08 09 11 15 16 17 18 22 26 33 35 40
Player Austin Sisco Scott Hensley Donald Hemkers Hunter Hooton Collin Howell Bo Wright Matthew Edmonds Justin West T.J. Richardson Brent Herriman Aaron Yates Hunter Hart Trae Hobbs Kaleb McKinnie Tyler Farris Zeke Turner Peyton Shelton Dustin Forsythe
Grade 9th 10th 9th 11th 12th 11th 10th 10th 10th 10th 10th 9th 9th 9th 9th 10th 9th 10th
Coaches: Mark Fulghum, B.T. Hobbs, Benjamin Hopper
Chester County High School Eagles Baseball 2012 Chester Co. Baseball Roster No. 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 12 13 14 15 17 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 33 34 46
Player Jonathan Phillips Anthony Gomes Heath Graves Jake Melaro Tanner Beecham Hunter Denbow Gavin Thompson Trey Deming Brendan Clayton Brandon Berry Mason Connor Levi Cain Nathan Nails Collin McPherson Hayden Davidson Savaughn Trice Zach Phillips Kurt LeCornu Taylor Thomas Logan Collins Jared Humphry Cody Crouse Brady Clark Monty McNeal Jeremy Crouse
Grade 9th 10th 11th 12th 12th 9th 9th 9th 9th 11th 11th 11th 12th 9th 9th 9th 11th 11th 11th 10th 10th 11th 9th 10th 12th
WEDNESDAY, March 21, 2012
2012 Spring Sports Preview
INDEPENDENT APPEAL / PAGE 23C
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PAGE 24C / INDEPENDENT APPEAL
2012 Spring Sports Preview
WEDNESDAY, March 21, 2012
Clarksburg High School Rockets Baseball 2012 Clarksburg Baseball Roster No.
Player
Grade
02
Jordan Cary
12th
04
Ryan McDaniel
9th
06
Logan Hampton
12th
07
Spencer Edwards
12th
09
Drake Simpson
12th
10
Matt Foster
12th
11
Trent Gooch
9th
13
Brett Altom
8th
15
Hunter Peterson
9th
17
Steven Rosser
9th
19
Nick Douglas
12th
22
Trevor Gooch
9th
26
Dallas Butler
12th
34
Colton Moore
11th
00
Jordan Melson
8th
00
Dillon Todd
8th
Hardin County High School Tigers Baseball 2012 Hardin County Baseball Roster No.
Player
03
Barker Burnham
12th
29
Jon Tyler Roach
12th
17
B.J. Shutt
12th
11
Jordan Lambert
11th
23
Cade Smith
11th
16
Cade Hardin
11th
25
Dylan Moore
11th
15
Dillon Rooker
11th
22
Oneal Franks
11th
05
Will Rich
11th
01
Kendall Adkisson
10th
07
Steven White
10th
14
Ben Hopper
10th
08
Logan Snelling
10th
35
Drew Voyles
10th
34
Caden Holt
10th
06
Denver Rainwater
10th
02
David Gobbell
10th
09
Trevor Bishop
9th
Grade
2012 Spring Sports Preview
WEDNESDAY, March 21, 2012
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2012 Spring Sports Preview
PAGE 26C / INDEPENDENT APPEAL
WEDNESDAY, March 21, 2012
Lexington High School Tigers Baseball 2012 Lexington Baseball Roster Player Colton Bradfield Andrew Hopper Kerry Sellers Payton Anderson Jerry Bedwell Jacob Bolen Dillon Davis Kane Davis George Keck Michael Spain Tyler Yarbro Dylan Anderson Matthew Cagle Alex Contreras Nick Gilliam Deron Riffle Bryce Ruthowski Wesley Studards Zach Webster Tyler Burke Heath Essary Colby Lipscomb Dallas Lord Ryan Odle Ethan Small Kyle Wilson
Scotts Hill High School Lions Baseball 2012 (Picture not available as of press time.)
No. 00 01 02 03 04 06 07 08 09 10 11 14 15 16 18 21 22 23 24 25 31 32 33 35 45 51
Player Caston Maners Tyler Renfroe Tyler Pulley Chase Stout Cody Rushing Ty Flanagan Payton Wilkinson Greg McClain Colton Hinson Ty Clenny Spencer Thompson Jason Russell Jarrett Cavness Reece Marchbanks Carl Harkin Garrett Hayes Kamden Ivey Gatlin Ivey Hunter Pope Kyle Scott Wesley Chatham Caleb Pusser Zach Alexander Larry Britt Caleb Wyatt Mike McConville
Grade 11 11 12 9 9 11 9 10 11 9 9 6 9 12 6 11 9 10 9 9 10 10 9 6 9 11
Grade 12th 12th 12th 11th 11th 11th 11th 11th 11th 11th 11th 10th 10th 10th 10th 10th 10th 10th 10th 9th 9th 9th 9th 9th 9th 9th
28th INDEPENDENT APPEAL
Baseball Spectacular McNairy Regional Hospital Title Sponsor
TOURNAMENT APRIL 11-14, 2012 A sincere thanks to founder, Jeff York, McNairy Regional Hospital as title sponsor and all advertisers, coaches, & players who make this tournament possible. We invite all to come out to AHS & MCHS to raise money to proceed both teams!
Proceeds to benefit MCHS & AHS More than $4,000 raised last year.
Tournament is dedicated to founder, Jeff York
2012 Spring Sports Preview
WEDNESDAY, March 21, 2012
INDEPENDENT APPEAL / PAGE 27C
Tournament dedicated to York By Christen Coulon Editor
that, so sometimes it took creative thinking to make sure all of the needs were met. He even remembered a time when they still needed This year’s Independent Appeal Baseball balls for the tournament so he negotiated Spectacular Tournament is dedicated to with a local merchant to swap out an ad for a tournament co-founder and former IA Sports dozen baseballs. One of the most difficult challenges to Editor Jeff York. York delighted readers in McNairy County for more than 17 years with holding a spring tournament is mother his coverage of area sports and was integral in nature. York recalled that the tournament was cancelled in 1991 when a tornado hit Selmer. the continued success of the tournament. “At McNairy Central, it popped the York said the idea to begin the tournament came apart as a desire to showcase high baseball field and knocked the football stadium down. In Adamsville, school baseball, a sport that he felt bleachers were damaged at the the was under served and in need of football field and some of the lights greater community support. at the baseball field were knocked “There were no other high out,” York said. “Weather is so school tournaments in our area unpredictable for baseball season, in west Tennessee,” York said. “We one thing you can not control is started with four teams and after rain. I remember in ‘87, the teams that other teams wanted to play. At were on the field three times before that time, most games were played the ever got to play.” at 3:30 (p.m.) right after school, so Even though bad weather has they weren’t well attended. been a constant companion to the “Many times the district YORK tournament, raining out the 1998 tournaments are at locations far away, this event offers a chance for locals to tournament entirely and forcing a declared see the county teams in tournament action champion in 2008, 2009 and 2010, York feels that the tournament has been a resounding where they otherwise would not,” York said. In addition, York said that the atmosphere success. “I am just proud of what it has become, is better when your have all of these teams and proud that the paper still sponsors it, York because there are more fans in the stadium said. “Now we have players in the tourney and a greater level of competition. York also admitted that he has a soft spot that weren’t even born when it started.” York said that both current county coaches for baseball and that it was his favorite sport. York said that he wanted to help the played in tournament for Adamsville, and he county teams by having them play a wider said that the level of talent it brings in has variety of teams from different backgrounds been great, noting that several who played and talent levels. He said this meant putting in the tournament have ended up signing to them against teams that they didn’t play play pro baseball. While he said that he enjoyed watching during the regular season. In the early days of the tournament, every tournament, York said that there were York worked closely with McNairy Central certain tournaments, teams and games that baseball coach Danny to help get the event still standout. “I think the first year McNairy won was off the ground. “I would call the schools, schedule the one of my favorite tournaments, and the best teams and write up the brackets and Danny game was Jackson South Side and Adamsville Day would run the actual tournament,” York in ‘86,” York said. “The best team I have seen said. “(Day) did stuff I couldn’t do and I did for McNairy Central was either the ‘85 or 1987 team, and The ‘95 AHS team was the best I stuff he didn’t have time to do.” With the organization and day to day ever seen.” As far as the games York most enjoyed operations of the tournament in hand, York also stepped up to work with the watching, he said that he loved being able to newspaper’s publisher, Bill Rail, to help fund watch when Joe Bridges’ Adamsville squad would play Danny Day’s McNairy Central the tournament as well. “We started doing the baseball tab to team. York said that since the tournament help pay for the tournaments,” York said. “At the time of the ‘83 tournament I was in was founded, other tournaments in West hospital with pneumonia and I was selling Tennessee have come and gone, and he was ads for the tab from the hospital. I missed first glad to see that this tournament has remained in place. tournament because I was in hospital.” “It has been there almost 30 years, and it is York said that at that time we had to just as strong today as it was years ago.” provide the baseballs and other things like
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WEDNESDAY, March 21, 2012
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