Courtesy of The Enterprise Journal
Most of the overflow crowd enjoyed a 9-1 Parklane Academy baseball victory over Columbia Saturday night. But for some, it was more of a reunion with old friends.
Former major league pitcher Jeff Calhoun was honored Saturday night along with several of the Parklane players who have won the Calhoun award since its inception in 1988. The Jeff Calhoun Award has been awarded to the Pioneer senior who most exemplifies those traits that Calhoun showed while at Parklane. Calhoun led Parklane to four straight state championships from 1973-76 before moving on to a standout collegiate career at Ole Miss. Calhoun held several strikeout and ERA records at Ole Miss. Most of Calhoun’s major league career was in Houston with the Astros as a relief pitcher. He also pitched for the Philadelphia Phillies. Calhoun made a weekend of his trip, visiting his father and other family members. He spent most of the game getting reacquainted with some old friends. “This turned out to be a nice reunion,” he said. “The park looks great and it was a beautiful day to be here.”
Calhoun lives in Houston, where he works for the Second Baptist Church. Parklane Coach Michael Clements organized the event to get former players involved in the Parklane program now. “It’s always a great thing for someone’s accomplishments to be recognized,” said Clements. “I just wanted to get all the players an opportunity to meet Jeff Calhoun. We were excited to have all those former players back on campus. Now, our players will be much more appreciative of this award and what it means.” Against Columbia, Chance Schmidt was 2-for-2 with a double to lead Parklane at the plate. He was the only player with multiple hits as Clements went to his bench early after Parklane scored six runs in the first inning en route to a 9-0 lead after four.
Brandon Austin, Parklane’s leading hitter at .556, had a single. Zach Smith (.552), Ben Kavanay, Wes Gill, and Shelby Johnson each added singles. Junior lefthander Nathan Taylor was the winning pitcher. He worked two innings, striking out three while facing only seven. Johnson worked the next two innings. He struck out three of the six batters he faced. Alex Price had two strikeouts over the next two frames. Jared Bullock worked the final inning, allowing one run on one hit. Parklane, 7-3 overall, begins conference play Tuesday when East Rankin Academy visits for a 4:30 junior varsity game and a 7:00 conference opener. Parklane travels to Pelahatchie Thursday to complete the series with East Rankin.
Calhoun lives in Houston, where he works for the Second Baptist Church. Parklane Coach Michael Clements organized the event to get former players involved in the Parklane program now. “It’s always a great thing for someone’s accomplishments to be recognized,” said Clements. “I just wanted to get all the players an opportunity to meet Jeff Calhoun. We were excited to have all those former players back on campus. Now, our players will be much more appreciative of this award and what it means.” Against Columbia, Chance Schmidt was 2-for-2 with a double to lead Parklane at the plate. He was the only player with multiple hits as Clements went to his bench early after Parklane scored six runs in the first inning en route to a 9-0 lead after four.
Brandon Austin, Parklane’s leading hitter at .556, had a single. Zach Smith (.552), Ben Kavanay, Wes Gill, and Shelby Johnson each added singles. Junior lefthander Nathan Taylor was the winning pitcher. He worked two innings, striking out three while facing only seven. Johnson worked the next two innings. He struck out three of the six batters he faced. Alex Price had two strikeouts over the next two frames. Jared Bullock worked the final inning, allowing one run on one hit. Parklane, 7-3 overall, begins conference play Tuesday when East Rankin Academy visits for a 4:30 junior varsity game and a 7:00 conference opener. Parklane travels to Pelahatchie Thursday to complete the series with East Rankin.
