By By Tony Krausz / assistant sports editor
June 17, 2004
Van Pope has begun his journey as a professional baseball players.
According to sources inside the Atlanta Braves organization, the Meridian Community College third baseman signed a contract earlier this week.
Pope is currently at the Braves' Gulf Coast training camp, and he will report to the Danville Braves of the Appalachian League, Atlanta's Rookie League affiliate, in Danville Virginia. Pope was not available for comment on Wednesday.
The former Eagle was drafted in the fifth round of Major League Baseball's amateur draft on June 7 by Atlanta with the 161st overall pick.
Pope had signed a letter of intend with Ole Miss earlier this year. to play baseball for the Rebels next season.
The third baseman, who helped lead the Eagles to back-to-back trips to the Junior College World Series, ended his MCC career with a .410 batting average, 31 home runs and 107 RBIs in two seasons.
He also made spot appearances on the pitcher's mound, compiling a 3-3 record and seven saves in 21 appearances.