Category: Blog

Baseball Umpire Camp Announced

Individuals interested in becoming eligible to officiate Alabama Community College Conference baseball are invited to enroll in the Central Alabama Collegiate Umpires Association annual camp to be held September 16-September 18, 2011, at Faulkner University in Montgomery Alabama.

Participants will receive classroom instruction on Friday night and on-field drills and live game experiences on Saturday and Sunday. Camp instructors are all high caliber Division I umpires, some with minor league experience. This camp is the first step in becoming certified to officiate ACCC contests.

Cost for the camp is from $150 to $175 and includes a dorm room for their stay. To register call Gary Head at 706-681-9430 or email at garydhead@hotmail.com.

Alabama Southern Baseball Opens Practice for 2018 Season

The Eagles of Alabama Southern officially took to the field for the first time last Thursday to prepare for the 2008 season. After a rigorous off-season conditioning program the players and coaches are eager to see live pitching, hitting and fielding.

This the third season for coach Scot Sealy whose two-year record is a stellar 84-27. Both years have ended with a lofty national ranking for his Eagles. The 2007 season saw ASCC reach an all time high national ranking of No. 6 and win the Southern Division of the AJCCC for the first time in school history.

The biggest question mark entering the season will be how to replace two 11-game winners from last year’s pitching staff. D.D. Hanks, now at South Alabama and Jonathan Stephens, now with Samford, earned exactly half of last year’s school record 44 wins in a season.

The Eagles have three proven pitchers returning in starters Kevin Johnson (6-2) and Spence McDonald (5-1) and 10-save reliever Tyler Minto. Another sophomore, lefthander Jarret Dunnam had 2 wins and a save to his credit.

Freshman prospects from the mound include Daphne’s Chris Peacock, Justin Oehrle of Pensacola-Pine Forest, Kai Archbell of Pace and Tyler Glass from Sweet Water. Red shirt freshman Ryan Harrison of Fairhope will have a good look as a possible closer.

Only five position players return but most of the extra base power moved on to the next level. The right side of the infield appears to be solid with Josh Pitts returning at shortstop with his .435 batting average. Joey Archer had a good freshman year at third base and brings back a .364 batting average.

The only outfielder with experience from last season is Chris Murrill who is versatile enough to play any of the positions as well as first base in the infield. Taylor White, a Leroy graduate, has nailed down the centerfield job. Coach Sealy said of White, “He has the potential to make it to the highest level in baseball.” Several others are competing for the final outfield position.

Catching should be a strong point for ASCC because of the return of starter Jason Dennis from last year and the addition of two strong transfer candidates. Justin Wood came from the University of West Florida where he led their conference in doubles and Carl Della Torre transferred in from defending national JUCO champion Chipola CC.

Assessing his Eagles before the first pitch of the season, coach Sealy said, “With 17 new faces on our 25 man roster, we’ll have to learn a lot about ourselves as we play. With games against Chipola, Shelton State, Calhoun and Meridian before we even get to our tough southern division, our last year’s record will be hard to duplicate.

“We are going to have to play small ball. We’ll have manufacture runs with base hits, bunts and steals because we have less power but more speed than we have ever had.”

Alabama Southern has exhibition games scheduled at the University of Mobile on January 26 and at Birmingham Southern on January 27. The first regular season game will be a home single game against Marion on January 29 at 1p.m.

Don Green Inducted Into The Alabama Community College Conference Hall of Fame

Don Green grew up in Birmingham, Alabama and graduated from Jones Valley High School. While there, he lettered four years in baseball, three years in football, and two years in basketball. He was selected to play in the North-South All-Star Football and the East-West Baseball Games. Green attended Florida State University and Samford University on football scholarships, lettering three years at Samford, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree. In 1965, he completed graduate work at the University of Alabama, received his Master of Arts degree, and married the former Mary Hartung. Later, he earned an additional thirty hours of graduate education, also at Alabama.

Green’s successful teaching and coaching career began at Banks High School. As the line coach, he was instrumental in Banks’ winning the 4A State Football Championship. After one year at Banks, he moved to Jefferson State Junior College as a Physical Education Instructor and Head Baseball Coach. In his twenty-eight years as baseball coach, Green’s teams compiled a record of 622-428. In 2004, the 622 wins rank him as the 27th winningest baseball coach among inactive National Junior College Athletic Association coaches nationwide. Impressive, is the fact that this was accomplished without a home field for nine seasons. Green’s teams won the Alabama Junior College Conference, Northern Division, ten times. In 1978 and 1979, his Pioneers won the Region XXII Championship. Green was named Northern Division Coach of the Year nine times. Twice, he was chosen Coach of the Year for Region XXII.

In addition to coaching, Green promoted baseball in the Alabama Conference. He served as President of the AJCCC Baseball Committee for three years and was First President Elect of the NJCAA Baseball Committee. From 1991 through 1996, he held the position of Athletic Director at Jefferson State Community College.

Outside the realm of Junior College athletics and despite a busy coaching schedule, Green coached his two sons, Derek and Chad, in the Youth YMCA Basketball Program for many years. In addition, he was a member of the American Baseball Coaches Association, the United States Baseball Federation and the Alabama State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. He coached in the Alabama Sports Festival Baseball Tournament and is a member of the Alabama Baseball Coaches Association.

Since his retirement in 1996, Green has continued his community involvement. He is currently a volunteer in the Interfaith Hospitality Network, a service for homeless families. Athletics continues to be a part of his life. In 1998, Green was elected Co-Tournament Director for the TimberCreek Men’s Golf Association serving in this position for two years. In 2000, he was elected president of the association. Also, he has served on the Eastern Shore Challenge Cup Committee which sponsors tournaments to raise college scholarship funds for golfing athletes. In 2001, a highlight of Green’s retirement was his induction into the Alabama Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame.

The ACCC wants to congratulate Coach Green on an outstanding career and for being part of the ACCC Hall of Fame Class of 2004.

Baseball Umpire Camp

Individuals interested in becoming eligible to officiate Alabama Community College Conference baseball are invited to enroll in the Central Alabama Collegiate Umpires Association annual camp to be held September 17-September 19, 2010, at Faulkner University in Montgomery Alabama.

Participants will receive classroom instruction on Friday night and on-field drills and live game experiences on Saturday and Sunday. Camp instructors are all high caliber Division I umpires, some with minor league experience. This camp is the first step in becoming certified to officiate ACCC contests.

Cost for the camp is $150 and includes dorm room and some meals. To register call Gary Head at 706-681-9430 or email at garydhead@hotmail.com.

Peter E. (Pete) Myers – 1990

Pete Myers, the son of Helen Myers and the late Eugene Myers, was born September 15, 1963, in Mobile.  He attended the Mobile public schools and went to high at Williamson High where he graduated in May 1981.  Under the guidance of Coach Larry Bowman, Pete excelled in basketball.  During Pete’s senior year, Williamson’s 28-3 record resulted in the school’s first-time participation in the State Tournament.  Williamson finished the tournament ranking fourth in the State. Myers was named Most Valuable Player in the Williamson Tournament. 

Pete was awarded a scholarship by Coach Jack Robertson of Faulkner State Junior College in Bay Minette, Alabama, in the spring of 1981.  During his two year career at Faulkner State, he led the team to a combined record of 42-10 and two Southern Division Championships.  Pete played in all 52 games scoring a total of 716 points for an average of almost 14 points a game.  In his freshman season with Faulkner, 1981-82, Pete’s leadership and athletic abilities assisted the team in being ranked nineteenth in the nation.  He was named to the All Southern Division Team his sophomore year. 

Following his sophomore season Pete signed with the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, where he was named to the All Trans American Conference team his junior and senior years.  In both his junior and senior years, Pete was named to the All American Tournament Team.  His senior year his team won the tournament and the right to participate in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Tournament where they defeated Notre Dame before losing to north Carolina State.  Pete was named the outstanding player of the game in each of the NCAA tournament games. 

Following his senior year Pete was drafted and signed by the Chicago Bulls of the National Basketball Association.  After Pete’s two years with Chicago, he then played in the Continental Basketball Association for Rockford.  He played in the C.B.A. All Star game and was second in the Slam-Dunk contest.  Pete was then picked up by the Philadelphia 76ers of the N.B.A. before being traded to the San Antonio Spurs.  After finishing the season with the Spurs, Pete was traded to the New York Knicks.  In March of 1990 he was claimed by the New Jersey Nets where he is currently playing. 

Harvey Boland Hardy – 1990

Harvey Boland Hardy was born on November 27, 1922 in Thomaston, Georgia.  He graduated in 1938 from Thomaston’s Robert E. Lee High School, where he played football and basketball and earned straight “A’s” in the classroom. 

During his next two years, Harvey attended Marion Military Institute (MMI).  While at Marion he played guard in offense, linebacker on defense and also was the team’s field goal and extra point specialist.  In addition, Harvey was Cadet Captain and Commander (ROTC) of Band Company and a member of the Glee Club, the Monogram Club, the Miana Club, the Orchestra, and the Officers’ Club.  He was selected as the valedictorian of his junior college class and graduated with and Associate-in –Science Degree in May 1940. 

After leaving Marion, Harvey walked on at Georgia Tech.  While at Tech, Harvey lettered as a 5’11”, 185 pound offensive guard and linebacker in both 1941 and 1942.  Harvey, playing nearly 60 minutes in every game, was a key reason Tech posted a record of 9 and 1 in 1942.  Harvey also played in the January 1, 1943 Cotton Bowl and was later named to the All-Time Cotton Bowl Team.  One of Harvey’s most cherished honors was when he was named to the Tech’s Coach William A. Alexander Era (1920-1944) Team, a team composed of only eleven players. 

As a result of his outstanding senior year, 1942, Harvey was selected to the All-Southeastern Conference Team and was named All-American by the United Press, NEA, New York Sun, International News Service, Newsweek (which selected Harvey on their Super All-American Team), New York Herald Tribune, and New York Journal-American. 

Harvey received the Rhodes Athletic/Scholastic for Senior Athletes, and in 1943 he graduated with his B.S. in Aeronautical Engineering.  The same year, he was drafted by the New York Giants and the Brooklyn Tigers.  In 1968 Harvey was inducted into the Georgia Tech Hall of Fame. 

During World War II, he served in the Navy as a Naval Aviator and Aircraft Maintenance Officer.  Along with full time flying, he played football for both Pensacola and Jacksonville Naval Air Stations. 

From 1953 until his retirement in 1985, Harvey was employed by the Georgia Iron Works Company as sales engineer and vice-president. 

Harvey also had an illustrious career as a member of the Southeastern Conference Football Officials Association (1957-81).  Only the best officials are selected to officiate in bowl games and Hardy worked 23 bowls: three Cotton, three Tangerine, two Sugar, two Peach, two Gator, two Bluebonnet, two Citrus, two Missile, one All-American, one Orange, one Fiesta, one Sun, and one Liberty. 

His community activities include senior warden at All Saints Episcopal Church, past president of  Florida Section American Institute of Mining Metallurgical and Petroleum, a member of the Board of Directors of the Boys’ Club at Lakeland, a member of the Lakeland Yacht and Country Club, PTA president, and past president of Ridge Chapter Naval Reserve Association. 

Harvey and his wife, Alice Storm, are the parents of four children and the grandparents of seven.  They reside in Lakeland, Florida. 

Accc Hall Of Fame

JORGE POSADA – 2007

Jorge Posada, a native of Puerto Rico, made the jump from the short-stop position for the Calhoun Community College Warhawks to becoming one of the top catchers in major league baseball with the New York Yankees. After eleven seasons with the Yankees Posada had earned the reputation as one of the key players for the perennial playoff contenders for World Series contention.  

Posada has earned four World Series Championship rings and has competed as a starter in two All Star Games as a New York Yankee. He tied Yogi Berra?s record of 30 home runs in a season for the New York Yankees.  

In addition to his efforts on the baseball field, Posada has been distinguished by the ?Giving Back Foundation? for his foundation, which provides assistance in medical research. Posada?s son was born with a rare medical condition, know as craiosynostosis. Jorge has been actively involved in finding a cure for this medical condition through the development of his foundation.  

Posada has also been honored by New York City and Puerto Rico for his work in the off season with youth in volunteer clinics and equipment provision for youth baseball in needy areas. Posada received the 2001 Milton Richman ?You Gotta Have Heart? Award from the New York Chapter of the Baseball Writers Association and the 2000 Thurman Munson Award for his baseball and philanthropic work.  

Recruited by Warhawk Coach Fred Frickie after a hint from a professional baseball scout, Posada became a Warhawk in the fall of 1989. He was named to the All-Region XXII squad as a freshman after batting .362. As a freshman, Posada set a new record for doubles with 21 and hit nine home runs. In the spring draft, the New York Yankees selected him for the second time.  

Moving to third base from shortstop proved to be a great move for the Warhawks during his sophomore year. During his tenure at Calhoun, Jorge was a switch hitter playing in 90 games. He had 84 hits, 33 doubles, two triples and 13 homeruns for a total of 44 extra base hits. Jorge earned his Associate of Science degree at Calhoun prior to being drafted by the Yankees and signing in June of 1991.  

After four seasons with Yankee minor league squads, Posada was promoted to the major league team in the fall of 1995. He played at the AAA Level for the 1996 season and was called up again in the last month to his current position.

The 1998 season served as the beginning of his contribution to the three consecutive World Series Championships of the Yankee Dynasty. Jorge is a four-time All Star, a four-time winner of the Silver Slugger award, and was chosen New York Player of the year in 2003.  

Jorge?s career numbers in 1,240 games with the Yankees include a career batting average of .270, 189 home runs, 735 RBIs, 630 runs and 252 doubles (through August 5, 2006).  

Jorge was in the top 10 in American League On-Base Percentage three times in his career, placing eighth in 2000, fifth in 2003 and fourth in 2004.  

A native of Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, Posada lives in Tampa with his wife Laura, son Jorge Posada, Jr., and daughter Paulina.

Central Alabama

  Central Alabama Community College is well-known throughout the nation for its excellent reputation in offering a variety of programs of study. Since its founding in 1965, the College has constantly sought to fulfill its mission of providing opportunities for the development of knowledge and skills through programs that are affordable, accessible, and responsive to the needs of the
community, business, industry, and government. Indeed, the College has played a pivotal role in empowering individuals to develop their full potential and demonstrate a sense of civic responsibility and community service.
        The American Association of Community and Junior Colleges recently emphasized the significance and impact of the community, technical and junior colleges by stating that “during the fall term well over 10 million individuals were taking one or more classes in the community, technical and junior college – colleges which are experiencing a nationwide enrollment increase of approximately six percent this year.” Thus, CACC faces the challenge with community college leaders throughout the nation of providing quality higher education to an increasing number of students.
        Students at CACC receive personal attention from highly qualified instructors and counselors.  Class size, an average of 19 students, and individual attention from faculty members help each student become academically prepared to ensure a successful future.  As a two-year college, CACC offers an associate degree which enables the student to transfer to a senior college with junior standing and all general education requirements fulfilled. The technical division of the college offers courses which lead to a certificate or associate in applied science degree, enabling the student to go directly into the workforce qualified to meet immediate employment responsibilities.
        Central Alabama Community College is proud of its tradition of providing programs of academic quality and is committed to maintaining a campus climate that reflects excellence, professionalism, caring and friendliness. In this atmosphere every effort is made to see that students learn, that teachers teach and that staff members serve. As the College prepares for the 21st century its objective is unchanged – quality and excellence in all that we do.

ACCC HALL OF FAME

Timothy Adam Hudson – 2001 

Timothy Adam Hudson is a 1993 graduate of Glenwood School in Phenix City, Alabama.  Tim was the cornerstone of his high school baseball program as he led them to the 1993 AISA state championship.  Tim signed a baseball scholarship to Chattahoochee Valley Community College in 1993. 

As a freshman at CVCC, Tim blossomed into one of the best baseball players in the country, as he earned First-team All American honors.  Tim led his team to the AJCCC Division II championship in 1994, while leading his team in batting average (.385), home runs ((9), runs batted in (42), wins (10-2), strikeouts (76), and was second on the team with a 2.76 ERA.  Consequently, Tim was named Most Valuable Player of the AJCCC.  Tim?s momentum carried over into his sophomore year, as he was named Second-team All American in 1995.  Tim led the nation, set a school record, and then a conference record in strikeouts with 117.  Tim helped his own cause as a pitcher by hitting .345 with 5 home runs, and 29 runs batted in.  In addition, he had a team and conference leading 1.95 ERA. 

Tim signed a baseball scholarship to Auburn university in 1995, where be became one of the finest baseball players in the history of the program.  Tim led his team in ERA (3.25) and strikeouts (90) in 1996.  However, his true breakout year was 1997 as a senior for the tigers. Not only did he lead the team in every pitching category (15-2, 2.97 ERA, 165 strikeouts), while setting an Auburn baseball record for strikeouts per nine innings (11.89), but led Auburn in batting (.396), hit 18 home runs, and set a school record for runs batted in, with 95.  Tim was named First-Team All-SEC, SEC-Player of the Year, First-Team All American, and the recipient of the prestigious Smith Award, which recognizes the best collegiate baseball players in America. 

Tim was selected in the sixth round of the Major League Baseball draft by the Oakland Athletics in June of 1997.  After ripping though the minor leagues for two years, he was called up to the majors in June of 1999 where he continued his dominance of the sport.  He finished 11-2 with a 3.23 ERA and led the Athletics with 132 strikeouts while pitching in only two-thirds of the season.  He was named All American League Rookie of the Year by Baseball America.  As an encore, in only his first full season with Oakland, Tim finished second in the American League for the Cy Young Award during the 2000 baseball season with a record of 20-6 wins and 169 strikeouts.  Tim currently serves as the number one pitcher in the3 Athletics? starting rotation and is considered by many baseball experts as one of the top young pitchers in the game. 

Tim is married to the former Kim Bruner and resides in Auburn, Alabama in the off-season.