By By Sheila Blackmon/The Meridian Star
June 17, 2001
James Smith got an early Father's Day present Thursday. "I couldn't have dreamed of anything better."
His son, Jason, a 23-year-old Triple-A player in the Chicago Cubs organization, called to tell his father and former youth baseball coach that he had been called up to the Major League team.
Athletic child
Jason Smith was born and raised in Coatopa, Ala., in Sumter County. He graduated from Demopolis High School, then played two years at Meridian Community College. Smith said his son was drafted to the L.A. Dodgers his freshman year at MCC, but didn't go because he wanted to play his second year at MCC.
Dad tunes in
James Smith wanted to watch Friday's Cubs game against the Minnesota Twins, but was forced to monitor on his computer. He came over to Meridian to watch Saturday's game.
The Cubs won the game, but Jason did not play Friday.
Smith said he wants to find out how high Jason thinks his chances are at getting to play, then he'll be on his way to Chicago "the first chance I get."
Sheila Blackmon is a staff writer for The Meridian Star. Call her at 693-1551, ext. 3275, or e-mail her at sblackmon@themeridianstar.com.