Calling all ‘old-timers’

In his 22 years at Madison County High School, Charlie Griffeth has coached plenty of former Raiders.

He hopes to share the dugout with them one more time June 27 at a Raider old-timers game.

“It would be a fun time, fun to see those guys,” Griffeth said.

The game isn’t just for Griffeth’s old players, though. It’s open anyone who played baseball their senior year at Madison County High School.

“I hope a lot of those guys that I didn’t coach come,” Griffeth said. “I’m sure for a lot of them, it will be the first time they ever see the athletic complex, the new facilities.”

A homerun derby and a radar gun contest are planned in addition to the game, perhaps adding more interest to the festivities.

“It would be fun to hear some of the stuff they’ve got going on and see the homerun contest,” Griffeth said. “It would be fun to watch those guys swing.”

Griffeth continues to try to get the word out about the June 27 event in hopes that more will sign on. The cost to play is $50, money that goes directly toward future baseball facility upgrades. Those registering by June 24 receive a T-shirt.

“They probably don’t know they have to call to get a T-shirt size or may not know it costs $50,” Griffeth said.

Fan admission is free.

Ideally, the pool of ex-Raiders will be large enough for two games (one at 4 p.m., the other at 7 p.m.).

So far, Griffeth has received more verbal commitments than those who’ve signed up and paid.

“I’ve got a feeling that maybe 20 will show up that day or more that haven’t signed up,” Griffeth said.

The coach hopes to draw from a variety of former players — both young and old. Griffeth notes that he has at least one commitment from a player in his late 40s.

“I would like to see some of the old guys there,” Griffeth said.