Boom!

Baseball fever has struck the local community like a baseballbat connecting with a fastball. Folks who haven’t been to a highschool baseball game in years are suddenly appearing at Moyer Fieldto see the Brookhaven Panthers.

“Hey, how are you? Haven’t seen you in years. My, how yourchildren have grown.”

Red and blue, helium-filled balloons are tied to the chain linkfence at the entrance to Moyer Field. A large grill by theconcession stand cooks hotdogs, sausage dogs and hamburgers,filling the air with a barbecue perfume. This is a festival, acelebration of the diamond sport.

Monday’s South State 4A Championship game against West Jones wasa prime example. West Jones brought a couple hundred vocal fans,most of them wearing dark green caps and t-shirts with West JonesMustangs printed or sewn on the garments.

Panther fans wore baseball caps with a large B on the front.Others wore garments of bright red or blue, featuring Ole BrookPanthers.

There is foot-stomping, hand-clapping, whistle-tooting,cowbell-clanging enthusiasm in the stands. It feels like a Fridaynight football game atmosphere.

“Did you enjoy the game last night?”

We provided an affirmative nod and a smile as an answer to theblue-eyed mother’s inquiry. Yes, it was a fun game to watch. Betteryet, it was a thrilling, suspense-filled game.

Every pitch was cheered or chastised, depending upon whichschool’s team you were pulling for. The home plate umpire couldcertainly benefit from a pair of ear plugs. He must be oblivious tothe crowd’s taunts and questions regarding his calls.

“Good call! That’s a strike.”

“Bad call! Come on blue, it was a foot outside.”

Same pitch, different fan.

In the seventh inning, fans from both schools were on theirfeet, living every pitch and every swing. When pitcher Scotty Smithgot the last out, a large and loud celebration began. This is greatstuff for the memory book.

It has been a remarkable baseball season for the BrookhavenPanthers. Rain washed out Wednesday’s practice but do they reallyneed to practice?

The Panthers (28-7) have played 35 games this season in what isrecognized as their greatest year. They are on the verge of winningthe Class 4A State Championship Series with Pontotoc. Thebest-of-three series was slated to start tonight on Moyer Field butyesterday’s heavy rainfall could change that plan.

Coach Randy Spring’s Panthers have come a long way since theybegan practicing in late January. There were cold days and rainydays, usually with a nipping, northerly wind blowing across thefield. It would have been easier to cancel practice and find aheater.

There are no superstars on this BHS squad but they do play welltogether. Count eight seniors on the roster in Smith, Brooks Hall,Adam Ogden, Cody Cunningham, Xavier Qualls, W.T. King and MattWalker. Certainly, they are a solid group of leaders.

Brookhaven’s juniors include Darius Perkins, Grant McDonniealand Guy Orr. Sophomores are Brandt Hinton and Marlon Dixon.Freshmen are Elliot Warren and Zach Watson.

On Spring’s staff are veteran assistant coaches DwayneOberschmidt and Jaymie Palmer and newcomer Eric Stokes who pitchedfor the Panthers about seven years ago.

Team manager is Keosha Hooker. Statisticians are SabrinaArmstrong, Ashley Hatcher, Emily Oberschmidt and Lauren Payne.

While many of the players already are contemplating a statechampionship ring, it’s important to remember that the Panthershave accomplished what no other team before them has achieved.Certainly, it’s something to be proud of and we commend them fortheir accomplishments.

Ronny Ross, Brookhaven Country Club general manager and PGAprofessional, is providing a special offer during the month of May.The PGA is giving free, 10-minute lessons to aspiring golfers.

Ross is joining thousands of fellow PGA Professionals in thismonth-long celebration. The “Play Golf America” program is anational marketing initiative to promote the game of golf.

In addition, three participants will win the Ultimate GolfGetaway sweepstakes. The PGA pro who gives the most free lessonsand sends in the most Free Lesson cards will win an award, plus onePGA pro and one amateur chosen at random. The prize includes a3-day golf vacation and a playing spot in the next Mia HammFoundation Golf Classic.

Contact Ross at 833-6841 to arrange a time for the free lesson.Sweepstakes cards are available at the BCC or look for one of theMay issue of Golf Digest.

“We welcome all those who would like to participate andencourage them to bring a friend or family member and come and havesome fun, regardless of skill level,” said Ross.

Clawhammer Fund: Steve “Clawhammer” Stockton, aSummit native and longtime umpire/referee, has been diagnosed withterminal prostrate cancer. An account has been set up in his nameat AmSouth Bank in McComb. For more details, contact family friendNeal Randall at 1043 Broken Arrow Lane in Summit, 39666.

Write to sports editor Tom Goetz, at The DAILY LEADER, P.O.BOX 551, Brookhaven, MS 39602 or e-mailsports@dailyleader.com