"Have A Coke and A Smile" Aces Vaught (left) and Jeri Goodman in 1990

Vaught's new "Strike Zone"

By Michael Butler.

Craig Vaught has been involved with baseball in one form or another for most of his life. He grew up in the youth leagues of Tallassee. He was a state champion at THS. He was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays.

His work in the game has continued since his playing days with young players, many coming up the ranks here in Vaught's hometown.

Just a few hundred yards from the ballpark where Vaught donned the purple and gold, you can hear the pop of gloves and and the ping of bats.

Taylor Gin is a warehouse used for storing cotton not far from Tallassee's Southside Field. It now has an area designated for baseball and softball that Vaught uses for training.

Trey Taylor owns the facility which is approximately 7,000 square feet with five batting cages and pitching mounds.

"It's an opportunity for the kids," Taylor said. "It's going to be a good thing for Tallassee."

The building housed the original gin built in 1966.

"I've been working with eight or nine kids," said Vaught. "We've been working real hard."

Vaught opened what he called the Strike Zone seven years ago on Indian Trail in Tallassee. This is the new Strike Zone.

"I never dissolved the Strike Zone, so it's called the Strike Zone. The gin is a better fit and location in my opinion."

Vaught will offer instruction for baseball and softball. Membership packages, individual and team rentals will also be available.

"If you want to become a member, there's a $25 fee up front," Vaught added. "If there's a cage open, you can have cage time for 30 minutes at a time. Lessons are $30 a piece per 30 minutes for members."

For those interested in lessons or memberships, call Vaught at 334-415-0546.

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