Dear editor,

The 2018 2nd Annual Olan Cunningham Legends Youth Baseball Camp was held in Russellville. Johnny Mack Morrow, Alabama District 18 state representative (District 6 senator candidate) has been the key proponent in bringing the first two annual Olan Cunningham Legends Youth Baseball Camps to the Red Bay and Russellville cities in his district to help the Major League Baseball Player Alumni Association.

Johnny Mack Morrow has organized the city officials and funding in both cities and allowed me to work with local coaches and various area coaches to provide the funding and support to the youth of several counties that otherwise would not be exposed to former Major League players and local high school coaches to have instruction as well as life lessons.

The main ingredient of the event is to expose the youth to the game of baseball. Sports can be fun but can also be an opportunity to get an education and possibly a career. The two camps have had local area celebrities that played Major League Baseball, and they bring the message that baseball is a team sport and requires discipline, dedication and determination.

These camps have been very successful because of certain leaders who saw the importance of such events – to allow area youth to attend these camps free of charge and get the excellence in instruction that comes from individuals who were given a skill by God and used it to the best of their ability.

Now they pass it on to the future of these areas.

Russellville High School head coach Chris Heaps and his staff provided the facility and stations that were used and helped the baseball program capture three state titles and develop a community that supports its youth.

There were between 80-100 participants in one of the most organized baseball camps I have ever been associated with. The coach and his staff are without a shadow of a doubt outstanding individuals that will always be rated A+ in my world.

The support of the following individuals is very key to the success of this camp. Obviously the backbone of any event is the individuals who bring their skill sets to the table to form the team of leaders. I want to ensure my recognition of these individuals for their support and efforts to help MLBPAA to achieve this successful event.

-State Rep. Johnny Mack Morrow
-Former coach and honoree Olan Cunningham
-Russellville City Superintendent Heath Grimes
-Russellville head baseball coach Chris Heaps, staff and players
-Governor’s Commission on Physical Fitness and Sports Dee Pack
-Former Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Steve Woodard
-Former KC Royals pitcher Randy McGilberry
-Area Youth Camp coordinator Tony Shackleford
-Parents and youth participants

Sincerely,
Randy McGilberry
Former KC Royals pitcher
MLBPAA representative