Mississippi News
Braves surging since promoting Michael Harris
Surging Braves have won 32, lost 13 since promoting the amazing Michael Harris
The Atlanta Braves pushed the call-up button on May 28, taking Michael Harris II all the way from the Class AA Mississippi Braves to Atlanta, making Harris, just turned 21, the youngest player in Major League Baseball.
The move – skipping Class AAA altogether – raised some eyebrows. There was his age, plus the fact Harris had played only 43 games above the Class A level. Were the Braves rushing him, panicking because the defending world champions were off to a disappointing 22-24 start?
Those of us who had watched Harris at Trustmark Park knew better. He was ready. As a baseball player, he was 21 going on 28. Bruce Crabbe, the M-Braves manager, gushed more about Harris' maturity than he did the kid's obvious talent. Crabbe talked about Harris' “rare professionalism at such a young age.”
“He's so smart,” Crabbe said. “He just gets it.”
Back in April, I watched Harris at practice one afternoon, hours before a night game. Batting left-handed, he sprayed line drives all over Trustmark Park. He blasted a couple out of the park, well over 400 feet to left center field. He stepped across the plate to the right-handed batter's box and hit one well over the left field wall. (No, he is not a switch-hitter, but he has been in the past. He has also been a pitcher. In fact, many MLB ball clubs valued him higher as a pitcher than an everyday player.)
After that practice, I asked Harris if he had a timetable for reaching Atlanta. He shook his head. “Whenever they need me, I plan to be ready,” he said.
He got the call 36 days later.
READ MORE: Michael Harris II has Mississippi roots
Now then, fast forward to Thursday night at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. The game was tied at 2 when Harris stepped to the plate with two outs in the fifth inning. He fell behind – one-ball, two strikes in the count – before fouling off several pitches. On the 10th pitch of the at-bat, he turned on fastball, up and in, and launched a two-run home run well over the wall in right centerfield.
In the bottom of the same inning, Harris did something even more impressive – a lot more impressive. The Nationals put runners at first and second with consecutive singles, bringing Juan Soto to the plate. Soto smacked a line drive single, which the left-handed Harris fielded on one hop, moving to his right. Then, without stopping to set his feet, Harris fired a strike to the plate. Luis Garcia, the Nationals' speedy leadoff hitter, was out, and he was also stunned. His expression, clearly shown on TV, said this: “How in the world did that happen?”
Brian Snitker, the Braves manager, said more.
“Unbelievable play. My God,” Snitker said. “It was a game-changer obviously, but I didn't think he had any chance, When he uncorked that thing, I was like, ‘Oh my Lord.' It's not like Garcia can't run either.”
Announcers later told us the throw was measured at 94 mph. My God, indeed.
Now then, let's take a look at what the Braves have done since Harris entered the lineup on May 28 when they were 22-24. They have won 32 games, lost only 13. They have reduced a 7.5-game New York Mets lead in the standings down to 2.5. They have done all this despite losing second baseman Ozzie Albies to injury and despite All-Star right fielder Ronald Acuna's prolonged slump.
Harris has been the catalyst. Batting mostly at No. 9 in the order, he has scored 29 runs and driven in 26 more in 45 games. He is hitting .284 with eight home runs and stolen a base seven times (in seven attempts).
No telling how many runs he has saved in centerfield. He reminds this writer of a young Willie Mays, running down seemingly impossible-to-catch balls and turning doubles and triples into outs. His arm is as accurate as it is strong. He has turned the Braves' outfield defense from mediocre to an obvious strength. Said Snitker of Harris, “When he's out there in the grass, he's a difference maker.”
Crazy as it sounds, had Harris been with the Braves the entire season, he surely would be playing in next week's Major League All-Star Game. He has been that good. No, he's been that sensational.
This article first appeared on Mississippi Today and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
Mississippi News
Shots fired into Vicksburg homes
SUMMARY: A shooting in a Vicksburg neighborhood resulted in multiple houses being hit with stray bullets, but no injuries were reported. Residents called the police after hearing gunshots in the area. Vicksburg Police Chief Penny Jones emphasized the importance of video surveillance in communities and urged residents to regularly check their camera systems. Jones stated that the police have identified a person of interest in the case and are investigating. The incident, described as a random act, has left the neighborhood shaken, especially for Jones who grew up in the area. Residents are encouraged to stay vigilant and ensure their safety measures are working properly.
The post Shots fired into Vicksburg homes appeared first on www.wjtv.com
Mississippi News
Beth Ann White’s attorney asks court to disregard verdict
SUMMARY: Beth Ann White's attorney has requested the court to ignore the jury's verdict in the case involving a Hinds County crash that killed a mother and her six-month-old son. White was found guilty of causing the crash and was convicted on several DUI charges. The attorney argues that the verdict is not supported by evidence and is biased against his client. White faces up to 25 years in prison for each count. The sentencing has been set for May 15.
The post Beth Ann White's attorney asks court to disregard verdict appeared first on www.wjtv.com
Mississippi News
Oxford woman arrested for allegedly pulling gun on someone
SUMMARY: 29-year-old Kadejah Martin of Oxford, Mississippi was charged with domestic violence aggravated assault, resisting arrest, and disorderly conduct after allegedly threatening someone with a gun on May 3. Police were called to the scene on West Jackson Avenue, where the victim had escaped and sought refuge in a nearby business. Martin was found with a gun in her vehicle, but no injuries were reported. She was given a $100,000 bond. Follow WCBI on Facebook for more updates.
The post Oxford woman arrested for allegedly pulling gun on someone appeared first on www.wcbi.com
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