MCC launches Dugout Club to build support

The Meridian Star

(MERIDIAN) - The two words that best describe the Meridian Community College baseball program are tradition and success.

Coach Chris Rose is hoping to build upon that success with more championships and more support for his program.

Rose is hoping to bring new attention to his baseball program with the newly-formed MCC Baseball Dugout Club. The Dugout Club will be entering its first season at the school, and of course Rose has hopes for the group to be as successful as the team itself.

"When many of our alumni first heard that were going back to Division One, I had so many people contact me that were excited about the move," Rose said. "I wanted to bring about new support for our program and give everyone an opportunity to be involved."

The main goal for the Dugout Club at Meridian Community College will be to maintain Scaggs Field. The baseball field at MCC is one of the premier fields in the southeast, and all of the funds that are raised through the Dugout Club will go to maintaining Scaggs Field.

"We have such a beautiful facility here at MCC and it is such a great tool for us," Rose said. "We want the Dugout Club to help bring several improvements to our baseball field that we have not been able to do in the past."

One-hundred percent of the funds raised by the Dugout Club will go to the field which has hosted several Region 23 baseball Tournaments in the past along with State Games of Mississippi. Alumni and fans can join the club immediately and Rose has been pleased with the response.

"We have had so many people to step to the plate so far and that is phenomenal," he said. "The support has always been good for our baseball program and we want our community to continue that with this club."

There are several different membership categories for people to get involved in the Dugout Club and membership privileges include a family season pass for all baseball games at Scaggs Field, a Dugout Club t-shirt, a green and white raffle ticket and monthly e-mail updates on the Eagles.

All members of the Dugout Club will also have their name placed on a sign at the entrance of Scaggs Field to symbolize their support for MCC baseball.

"We hope that we can get everyone involved in this new venture. I want to thank all of our fans, former players, and everyone that has come forward to show their support so far for this club."

Some of the new improvements that are sought for Scaggs Field include: A new net backstop, a resurface of the warning track and a new sprinkler system for the field.

You can contact Rose for more info about the Dugout Club through the MCC baseball office at 601-484-8670.

More details about the Dugout Club and membership information can also be obtained through the MCC baseball Web site at www.meridiancc.edu/baseball.