Strike Zone

by Michael Butler

February has arrived, and believe it or not - it's baseball season. Registrations are ongoing and players are already getting their arms ready for our favorite pasttime.

Craig Vaught is a Tallassee guy who came up through the youth leagues and made it all the way to the minors with the Toronto Blue Jays organization after high school.

"You go from a big fish in small pond to a small fish in an ocean," Vaught said of his three year stint in minor league baseball. "That was the case with me, because you're playing with people who are incredibly better, faster, and stronger.

Baseball is still Vaught's passion. Today, he is giving back by offering the Tallassee community a full-fledged baseball and softball training facility. Strike Zone will open on February 8th at 4:00 pm at 1851 Indian Trail in Tallassee.

There are no other programs that match the participation level of dixie youth baseball and softball here. Tallassee Recreation Director Rick Golden said that about 500 kids participate in levels from tee ball through Dixie Youth each year.

Golden thinks that the business will do well. "We've been out of town to get the same kind of service that (Craig) is going to be offering here in town," he said.

"What I'm offering is going to better your child," Vaught (right) said. "It's going to be fundamentals 101. It's open to the public. If you've had a rough day and you want to come in and hit some baseballs for thirty minutes, believe you me ya'll, it is a good anger management class. It only costs you $10 for thirty minutes."

Strike Zone will have five cages. There will be two baseball pitching machines and a softball pitching machine that will vary in speed. Vaught will be offering lessons too. "It will be $30 for a 30 minute lesson." There is also a registration package available that includes two hours of free cage rental per month, a complimentary t-shirt, a free lesson and a discount on birthday parties.

I want this place not only to learn about baseball but a safe haven for kids," Vaught said. "One goal down the road is to possibly tie it in to an after school program."

Vaught has set up a website with more information on the facility, which will be open seven days a week. "If you build it they will come, we hope," Vaught joked.

WTLS Interview with Craig Vaught

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