By Barry H. Hendrix
The Thomasville High School Tigers varsity baseball team was honored June 11 with a resolution by the Clarke County Commission as the 2024 Class 3A state champions. The resolution was presented during the regular meeting of the Commission at the Clarke County Courthouse in Grove Hill.
“We want to acknowledge you guys and congratulate you,” said Commission Chairman Barry Chancey. The team had a 32-5 record for the 2024 season.
“Thank you for being here,” said Jackie Ray Rush, commissioner who represents Thomasville and District 2. “…This is a big deal for me. I am so proud of you.” Rush spoke the names of the players, coaches and Diamond Dolls who attended the commission meeting.
He also congratulated Charles Morris named by the Alabama Sports Writers Association as Pitcher of the Year. Commissioner Rush acknowledged that the Sports Writers also named Clint Anderson as Coach of the Year. Morris, Diego Bryant and Gavin Nichols were named to First Team All-State.
“There are 65 Class 3A teams in the State of Alabama,” Rush said. “If you average 15, that’s 975 kids in this one 3A baseball class. These roughly 20 kids (on the THS team) made it to the top. …That’s quite an accomplishment.
“…You don’t know how proud I am to see you here today. …They say there is no crying in baseball. If you had been in Jacksonville, Ala. (site of the championship series) that day, you would have seen some people crying. Parents and a lot of fans shed a tear.”
“Let me congratulate you guys and thank you on a job well done,” said Tyrone Moye, District 4 Commissioner. “While I am an Aggie, I am proud of Thomasville and Jackson. We have two teams in our county who brought back state championships. (Jackson recently won a state championship in boys basketball.)”
“Congratulations to you,” said Rhondel Rhone, District 5 Commissioner. “During the regular season I bleed Royal Blue (for the Clarke County High Bulldogs), but when it comes down to championships and playoffs, I support whoever is from Clarke County. You represent all of us.”
“It is what you worked for,” said Abbey Haag, District 1 Commissioner. “It’s hard work.” She praised the effort of the individuals in a team sport, training and playing in hot conditions. “You have to pull together. The coaches have done a great job. Well done!”