Anyone who has gotten cynical about the direction of baseball in recent years needs to learn about the Miracle League. Even a brief look at this special organization will remind even the most skeptical fan of the real importance of sports and sportsmanship.The league, founded in Georgia in 2000, gives youngsters with mental and physical disabilities a chance to enjoy … [Read more...]
Strong Upper Class Keys Top-ranked Spartans
By Lee DavisWhen a baseball team starts its season with a 23-3 record, most coaches like to talk about pitching, hitting and defense. That’s understandable, because those fundamentals are keys to success in the sport at any level.But they aren’t the first thing Mountain Brook coach Lee Gann mentions when discussing his Spartans, who are 23-3 and hold a No. 1 ranking … [Read more...]
Barons GM Sees Another Big Year for Baseball
By Lee DavisThree years ago, some people didn’t think moving the Birmingham Barons baseball franchise back to the downtown Birmingham area was such a good idea.They admitted that the new stadium would be nice and might draw people to the games for a short time. But the skeptics contended that eventually the threat of crime and the relative inconvenience of parking would … [Read more...]
John Ed Willoughby Remembered as One of a Kind
By Lee DavisVeteran sportscaster Matt Coulter can think of a thousand stories about his late mentor and friend, John Ed Willoughby.But he isn’t comfortable telling a single one.“I can’t tell his stories well enough to do him justice,” said Coulter of Willoughby, who died March 25 at age 80. “John Ed was the Bear Bryant of storytelling. Not only could he tell his … [Read more...]
Ski Whiz: Veteran Competitor Will Receive National Award
By Lee DavisHal Hamilton’s first experience in water skiing was free of charge, but it wasn’t an introductory lesson.It was more like a baptism of fire.As a youngster growing up in Eutaw, Hamilton was befriended by a pair of older boys, who were aspiring skiers on the nearby Tombigbee River.“I was pretty much their gofer until they decided to teach me to ski,” … [Read more...]