By By Richard Dark/The Meridian Star
Feb. 3, 2001
Many of the area's best youth baseball players hit the sack early Friday night, and woke up this morning alert and ready to learn from the pros at the 7th Annual Rush/Jay Powell baseball camp.
The camp began today at 9 a.m. at West Lauderdale High School.
Former West Lauderdale and Mississippi State standout Jay Powell made a preview appearance at a Friday luncheon at Rush Foundation Hospital.
The Rush Hospital Optimist Rookie baseball team was on hand for the meal and received autographed baseballs courtesy of Powell. They were honored for winning their league championship.
Others on hand Friday were Powell's former coach, West Lauderdale's Jerry Boatner, and Meridian Community College's new baseball coach, Russ McNickle.
The guest list for today's clinic has been announced. The major leaguers slated to participate are: Justin Estel from the Montreal Expos; Hank Thoms, Jamie Brown and Chris Rienike, Cleveland Indians; Scott Elarton and Barry Wesson, Houston Astros; Jeremy Jackson, New York Mets; Kennon McAuther, Philadelphia Phillies; Jude Voltz, Milwaukee Brewers; David Hooten, Minnesota Twins; Jason Smith, Chicago Cubs; and Paul Phillips, Kansas City Royals.
Richard Dark is a sports writer for The Meridian Star. E-mail him at rdark@themeridianstar.com.