Pump Jacks ink six former Dawgs, Ponies
6/10/08

KILGORE – Former Carthage players, their parents, fans and coaches know Driller Park as their home away from home, their favorite playoff stadium coaches. Former Dawgs Luke Burnett, Kory Cleveland, Garrett Smith and Khris Tate are certainly no strangers to the historic digs Kilgore High School has always called home home.

The old professional stadium, once the palace of the Kilgore Drillers in the post-WWII era, has served many teams, pros, semi-pros and area schoolboy programs all these many seasons. Although it has undergone subtle and not-so subtle changes through the years, it has an ambience that’s second to none.

The Pump Jacks seem especially suited to carry on the tradition. Manager for the team is UT Tyler pitching coach Stan Phelps, who despite a slow start recruiting has managed to put together some solid talent, leaning heavily on a Carthage connection of high school and/or Panola College exes. Former Ponies are Scott Copeland (White Oak), Chad Sherman (Bullard) and Aaron Wilkerson (Waco Midway). All are pitchers. So are Tate (Weatherford College), Burnett (La Tech), Cleveland (Panola). Tate was one of the best shortstops in Texas as a high school junior. Cleveland has played second, short and the outfield. Burnett is a classy first sacker. Smith plays outfield. When he began to recruit his team, Phelps had some problems with college coaches over concerns about how their pitchers might be used. They didn’t want to use their arms.

The schedule will create 48 games between June 10 and August 3, weather permitting. Some reservations may have turned players away, but the Carthage-Panola Corps was ready, willing and able. Likely these kids will handle the bulk of the load, but certainly not all.

The season opened in McKinney last night (Tuesday) and another game is schedule there Wednesday.
Opening game at Driller Park if June 11, also against McKinney. Single game tickets are on sale at $5 for adults, $4 for children. Call 903-218-4638.