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Several sports players make local appearances in the metro area Ridgeland, MS (SL) - New Orleans Saints and Mississippi Braves players were in the metro Jackson area this past week. Deuce McAllister was at the Jackson Zoo on May 6 to help raise money for the zoo. The Saints regional caravan stopped by Northpark Mall on the 10th and among the players were Deuce McAllister, Fred McAfee, Michael Lewis, Charles Grant and Donte' Stallworth. Mississippi Braves players Ryan Basner, Jon Schuerholz, Glenn Tucker and Wes Timmons met the local fans at Crystal Springs Ford in Crystal Springs on May 14th. |
New Orleans Saints running back Deuce McAllister and Mike J. at the Zoo in Jackson, MS on May 6, 2005. |
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The Ole Miss Rebels baseball team warms up before the annual Mayor's Trophy game in Jackson, MS on March 29, 2005.
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Jackson, MS - Junior left-hander Eric Fowler struck out a career-high 11 as No. 6 (Baseball America) Ole Miss defeated No. 13 (NCBWA) Mississippi State 5-1 in the 26th annual Entery/Mayor's Trophy game in front of 5,402 Tuesday evening at Smith-Wills Stadium. The game did not count in the Southeastern Conference standings. The win was the Rebels' fourth straight in the series and Ole Miss (20-5) has now won six of the last seven Mayor's Trophy games. Ole Miss is also the first team to win four straight in the series, which is now tied at 13-13. |
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Taylorsville native Jason Campbell drafted in the first round of the NFL draft by the Redskins Ridgeland, MS (SL) - Jason Campbell of Taylorsville was drafted in the first round of the 2005 NFL draft by the Washington Redskins. The quarterback of the undefeated Auburn Tigers was a standout player for the Tartars. Being picked in the first round was a surprise to almost everyone except Campbell and Redskins legendary coach, Joe Gibbs. Coach Gibbs had met with Campbell a week ago and showed a lot of interest in the talented quarterback. Three other Auburn players were also drafted in the first round, Carlos Rogers, Ronnie Brown and Cadillac Williams. Jason Campbell is only the second football player from Taylorsville to be drafted into the NFL. The other was former Ole Miss receiver, Tim Moffett, who was drafted by the Raiders in 1985. |
Washington Redskins quarterback Jason Campbell signs an autograph at the Fan Frenzy before the 2005 Senior Bowl in Mobile, AL on January 28, 2005. |
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Liz Ovalle, along side future NFL linebacker, Derrick Johnson, at the Regency Chevrolet dealership in Uvalde, TX.
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Longhorn football star, and probable first round NFL pick, meets Uvalde fans Uvalde, TX (SL) - Linebacker Derrick Johnson of the University of Texas was on hand to meet and sign autographs for Uvalde area football fans Thursday April 14, 2005 at Regency Chevrolet in Uvalde. Liz and Joe Ovalle stood in the south Texas heat to meet Derrick, get some autographs and take a few photos.
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Sponge Bob Chevrolet monster truck parked at the Lowe's grand opening Flowood, MS (SL) - The #48 Lowe's Sponge Bob Chevrolet monster truck was at the grand opening of the Lowe's store in Flowood, MS on March 5, 2005. Sadly, neither Sponge Bob nor Patrick the starfish were on hand to meet the fans.
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Sponge Bob monster truck in Flowood, MS on March 5, 2005.
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Mike with Fred Smoot at Miskelly's in Pearl, MS on February 26, 2005. |
Former Mississippi State star and current Viking, Fred Smoot visits Pearl Pearl, MS (SL) - Fred Smoot, formerly of the Washington Redskins, was at the Miskelly's Furniture store in Pearl on February 26, 2005. Cecilia and I met Fred and talked a little football. At the time, he was a free agent and hadn't signed with an NFL team yet. Two weeks later, he would sign a multi-year contract with the Minnesota Vikings. As a former MSU Bulldog, Fred is a class-act and a fan-favorite here in Mississippi. |
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Carolina Panthers' player, Kris Mangum, meets the fans in Pearl, MS PEARL, MS (SL) - Kris Mangum, of the 2003 NFC champion Carolina Panthers, was in Pearl on Saturday, February 5, 2005. He was a guest of Miskelly's furniture store during their grand opening. Cecilia and I went to the autograph session and Kris signed some photos for us. Cecilia was able to check out his NFC championship ring from last year. It was a monster of a ring, especially since they were the losing team in the Superbowl. I asked Kris if he thought the Eagles had a chance in this year's Superbowl and he said, "Only if the Patriots turn the ball over a lot". New England didn't turn the ball over and they won the big game. |
Mike with Kris Mangum at Miskelly's on February 5, 2005 in Pearl, MS.
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The South team lines up on offense against the North in the 2005 Senior Bowl in Mobile, AL on January 29, 2005
Mike Jordan and Stanford tight end, Alex Smith, at the Senior Bowl Fan Frenzy in Mobile, AL on January 28, 2005 |
North defeats South in the 56th annual Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama Mobile, AL (SL) - Akron quarterback Charlie Frye threw for 138 yards and a touchdown to win overall MVP honors as the North shut down the South 23-13 to win the 56th annual Senior Bowl, presented by Food World, held Saturday afternoon before a sellout crowd in Mobile’s Ladd-Peebles Stadium. The game had a dominant performance by the North squad, however a couple of the South's superstars played well. Auburn's Jason Campbell and Georgia's David Green gave performances that each school's fans have become accustomed to. Luckily, the weather didn't play a huge part in the outcome of the game. Cold air and overcast skies were the order of the day.
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California defeats Southern Miss but loses in the BCS system HATTIESBURG, MS (SL) - Taken from the Jackson Clarion-Ledger: — Southern Miss was within an extra point of setting up a who-knows-what-might-happen finish with less than six minutes left to play in Saturday night's football game with No. 4 California. But in a season where PATs have been anything but automatic, Cal turned momentum back its way with what turned into a three-point swing. Cal's Thomas DeCoud blocked Darren McCaleb's kick and linebacker Wendell Hunter went 85 yards with the football for a defensive conversion. Instead of a 17-17 tie, the Golden Bears held a 19-16 lead with 5:56 to play. Cal added a touchdown a minute later, and Cal held on for a 26-16 victory before 27,480 and a national ESPN cable audience. California's close margin of victory over USM, opened the door for Texas to be invited to the Rose Bowl. Cal will play Texas Tech in the Holiday Bowl on Dec. 30. Southern Miss will play North Texas in the New Orleans Bowl on Dec. 14. |
California Bears offense versus USM Golden Eagles on December 4, 2004 in Hattiesburg, MS.
California's top ranked quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, warms up before the game with USM on December 4, 2004 in Hattiesburg, MS.
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The Southern Miss offense lined up against the Bearcat defense in the first quarter of Cincinnati's dominating win on November 6, 2004 in Hattiesburg, MS.
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Cincinnati's Gino Guidugli thumps Southern Miss Hattiesburg, MS (SL) -
Taken from the Jackson
Clarion-Ledger: Southern Miss came into Saturday's game
with Cincinnati looking for a record-tying 14th consecutive
Conference USA victory. |
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Southern Miss players meet the fans in Jackson Jackson, MS (SL) - Three of Southern Mississippi's football players, along with the USM cheerleaders, held a meet-and-greet with the fans at Highland Village on July 10, 2004. Among the players were, quarterback, Dustin Almond, offensive lineman, Bradley Worthington and defensive stand-out, Dillon Cleckler. Cecilia, Bryan and I had a good time, but Cecilia had a very good time, as she was the grand prize winner of Southern Miss season tickets. A good day indeed. |
Bryan Boggan along with USM quarterback, Dustin Almond in Jackson, MS on July 10, 2004. |
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Ryan Newman's #12 Alltel Dodge at the Alltel store in Flowood, MS in October, 2004 |
Ryan Newman's Alltel Dodge drove into Flowood recently Flowood, MS (SL) - The #12 Alltel Dodge, driven by NASCAR phenom, Ryan Newman, made a stop in Flowood in October, 2004. The Alltel racing rep said that this was the Ford chassis that Newman had driven in Atlanta in 2002, but it has the current Dodge logos and paint scheme.
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Southern Miss rallies late for victory against conference foe, Houston Hattiesburg, MS (SL) -
Taken from the Jackson
Clarion-Ledger: Southern Miss coach Jeff Bower had warned
any who would listen about the dangers the Houston Cougars would
present Thursday night at Roberts Stadium.
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Southern Miss Golden Eagles v. Houston Cougars in Hattiesburg, MS on October 7, 2004.
Mike Jordan at the "Top of the Rock" in Hattiesburg, MS on October 7, 2004. |
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New Orleans Saints defensive player, Kenny Smith, along with Mike Jordan, at the WYAB fan gathering in Canton, MS on July 21, 2004. |
Saints players and fans welcome new radio broadcast affiliate in Canton Canton, MS (SL) - Yazoo City radio station, WYAB 93.1, had a celebration party at The Garden Depot in Canton on Wednesday, July 21, 2004. The affiliate will begin broadcasting all of the New Orleans Saints games this season. Current Saints player, Kenny Smith and popular radio voice for the team, Hokie Gajan, were on hand to meet and greet the fans. The radio station had many items as gifts, including footballs, huggers and team schedules. |
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New Orleans Saints team caravan arrives in Ridgeland RIDGELAND, MS (SL) - The 2004 New Orleans Saints team caravan rolled into Northpark Mall in Ridgeland on June 21, 2004. Saints head coach, Jim Haslett, along with players, Joe Horn, Darren Howard, Brian Young and Deuce McAllister. The program started with Coach Haslett talking about the upcoming season and he seemed quite optimistic. The appearance ended with the players and the coach signing autographs for all the fans. The folks I met at the caravan were very hospitable, friendly and signed a few items. I was able to meet Coach Haslett, Joe Horn, Darren Howard and Brian Young. I welcomed Young to the Saints family and he said he was really glad to be part of the organization now. |
Saints wide receiver and fan favorite, Joe Horn met with fans at the 2004 Saints caravan at Northpark Mall in Ridgeland, MS on June 21, 2004. Joe is pictured with WJTV's sportscaster, Lee Owens.
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Dale Jarrett's NASCAR UPS show car was at East Ford in Jackson, MS on June 12, 2004. |
NASCAR's Dale Jarrett's
UPS show car in Jackson JACKSON, MS (SL) - The number 88 UPS Ford Taurus appeared at East Ford in Jackson, MS on June 12, 2004. The show car has the updated 2004 paint scheme just like NASCAR legend, Dale Jarrett drives. The number 38 M&M's car of Elliot Sadler was also there, but it was a simulator instead of a show car.
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Former New Orleans Saints quarterback, Archie Manning, met fans in Jackson on Thursday JACKSON, MS (SL) - Mississippi's own, Archie Manning was in Jackson, meeting and greeting fans at the Cowboy Maloney's location on I-55 north. Electric City is celebrating 10 years of selling Direct TV and they were the first location in the country to sell this service. Manning, along with his son, Peyton, are spokespersons for Direct TV and the elder Manning met with fans for over 2 hours, in the sweltering heat. Each attendee received an autograph from Manning and a photo that was taken of each person in line. The folks at Electric City were extremely friendly and the whole event was well organized. Many thanks to all who participated in this gathering. |
Former Ole Miss and New Orleans Saints quarterback, Archie Manning, along with Mike Jordan at the I-55 Cowboy Maloney's Electric City location, in Jackson, MS on June 17, 2004.
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NASCAR Craftsman Truck driver Steadman Marlin visited Byram on Monday BYRAM, MS (SL) - Steadman Marlin, a NASCAR Craftsman Truck series driver, made a public appearance in Byram on Wednesday, February 9, 2004, before heading to Daytona for the Florida Dodge Dealers 250 race. He was at the AmSouth bank location signing autographs and having his picture taken with the truck he will use in the Friday night event. When asked about his thoughts on qualifying for the Daytona race, Marlin said, "We've got a fast truck that should be on the pole." Qualifying for the truck race will begin on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. Cecilia and I met Steadman at the appearance and got a couple of items signed. Steadman was very friendly and we talked about the upcoming Daytona truck race. When I handed him a photo I had of a Busch race he was in last year, he said that it was a bad memory. He was running up front and was involved in a huge wreck with about 5 laps to go. He signed the item anyway and the folks at AmSouth Bank snapped a photo of Steadman, Cecilia and me standing next to the truck.
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Mike and Cecilia Jordan with NASCAR driver, Steadman Marlin, at the AmSouth bank location in Byram, MS on Feb. 9, 2004. Photo courtesy of AmSouth Bank
Steadman Marlin along with the Craftsman Truck he ran at Daytona.
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The famous Ford BIGFOOT monster truck parked at the Upton Tire location in north Jackson on Feb. 20, 2004.
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Ford BIGFOOT monster truck rolled into Jackson today JACKSON, MS (SL) - The famous Ford BIGFOOT monster truck made a pit stop in Jackson on Friday, Feb 20, 2004 and arrived at the Upton Tire location on County Line Road. Aside from being "The Original Monster Truck", BIGFOOT was the first to use 66-inch tires & the first to use rear steering. It was the first to crush cars and made the first car crush in front of an audience in 1982. BIGFOOT has appeared in 8 movies & has won 7 World Championships; 5 of these in a row...another first! BIGFOOT also holds several world records including outdoor long distance Monster Truck jump and longest wheelie! Also, BIGFOOT #5 is the largest and heaviest pickup truck in the world.
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Two Mississippi sports legends make an appearance in Ridgeland RIDGELAND, MS (SL) - Boston Red Sox pitcher, Dave "Boo" Ferriss, and Ole Miss quarterback legend, Eagle Day, made an appearance at Bullpen Collectibles in Ridgeland on August 16, 2003. Both former players signed autographs and spoke of experiences each had in their respective sports. Ferriss told a story about his playing days with baseball great, Ted Williams. In the late 1940's, a young player was being full of himself, proclaiming that he was one of the best players on the team, then jokingly asked Williams for an autographed baseball. Williams promptly went to home plate, drilled a ball over the centerfield fence and said that he would sign THAT ball for the over-confident player. The youngster was quiet from that moment on. Related article from www.mlb.com: Where have you gone, Boo Ferriss?
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Former Ole Miss and Washington Redskins quarterback, Eagle Day and Bryan Boggan at The Bullpen in Ridgeland, MS.
Legendary Boston Red Sox pitcher, Dave "Boo" Ferriss and Mike Jordan at a recent autograph signing in Ridgeland, MS. |
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NASCAR Nextel Cup drivers are ready to start the Golden Corral 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway in Hampton, Ga. on March 14, 2004.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. performs a classic burnout in front of frenzied fans after his victory in the Golden Corral 500. |
Dale Earnhardt Jr. wins the Golden Corral 500 in Atlanta HAMPTON, GA (SL) - NASCAR superstar, Dale Earnhardt Jr. won the Golden Corral 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Sunday with a comfortable lead over 2nd place driver, Jeremy Mayfield and 3rd place rookie driver Kasey Kahne. It was Little E's 2nd victory of the young season. Walley and I attended the race, with many thanks to Jerry Watts, and it was an incredible sporting moment. This was my first NASCAR race and I was amazed at the rate of speed these guys drive. The day kicked off with Hootie and the Blowfish singing the classic song, "Georgia on My Mind" and was followed by golfing legend, Arnold Palmer giving the command to start the engines. There was also an impressive fly-over by various military aircraft before the racing began. The race was basically dominated by a handful of drivers, Earnhardt, Ryan Newman, Jeff Gordon and Tony Stewart. Each of those drivers had good runs early, but Junior led the most important lap at the end and won easily. Except for the lengthy stay in Atlanta's race traffic, 4 hours, the experience was great.
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