Oxford, AL – Oxford’s state championship baseball team is producing three more players, bringing the total to eight, with another three Yellow Jackets committed.
Joe Medley Joe Medley
A list of Oxford state baseball champions that have become into college players continues to grow.
Three officially signed on Friday and the high school seniors Carter Johnson (Alabama), R.J. Brooks (Jacksonville State) and Forrest Heacock (Snead State Community College) attending a celebration to celebrate their official signings in the media center at the school.
After Friday’s signings, the Oxford’s 2023 state championship in Class 6A team has produced eight players. Five players signed the same time last year: Sam Robertson (Auburn), Peyton Watts (Troy), Drew McCormick (Jacksonville State), Hayes Harrison (Northwest Shoals Community College) and Jackson Crow (East Mississippi Community College).
Three other members of that team have committed to: Eli Bozeman and Hudson Gilman (Jacksonville State) and Nick Richardson (South Alabama).
Oxford ended the 2023 season winning the second class 6A state championship, matching an all-time school record by winning 39 times. Oxford’s Yellow Jackets won their final 19 games, which included the entire playoff series.
This team is set to get the rings of state champions tonight before kickoff the football playoff match against Athens at Lamar Field. The team celebrated its signings on Friday with their parents, new Oxford head Coach Travis Jansen and recent-former Oxford coach Wes Brooks, who moved into the administration.
“I’ll declare my opinion, you guys,” long-time Oxford athletics director Larry Davidson said as he turned to Oxford’s three players on the roster Friday. “You’re in the process of becoming an Oxford Yellow Jacket. There’s no place for you but we’re still expecting great things from you in the future..
“Two things that will always be. Always an Oxford Yellow Jacket, and you’ll always be a champion in the state.”
Brooks anticipates playing his college game on the same pitch where He pitched the final game of the state final series with Spanish Fort. The excitement he displayed at the plate made for an iconic photo which was featured in the memorabilia display during the Friday’s ceremony to sign his name.
He is the newest Gamecock from his clan. His father, Roby Brooks, and uncle, Wes Brooks, played for Jax State under Rudy Abbott. R.J. Brooks will play under the first-year Jax State head coach Steve Bieser.
“It’s sure to become a massive course,” R.J. Brooks stated. “At the time there were 11 of us. I believe there are 10 of us now It’s a big class and I would like to be member of the class.”
Johnson picked Alabama over other college options and is expected to have Major League Baseball draft possibilities in June. Scouts are scheduled to visit the Johnson house to begin next week.
He was also one of the 40 players chosen for an 18U Team USA training camp roster in the summer. This was something was what he described as “the most memorable experience of the rest of my life.”
“Honestly I don’t think much about it at the moment,” Johnson said. “I’m trying to improve every day and take a look at what happens.
“I’m simply looking forward to playing anyplace, anytime. I’m just trying to play ball.”
Heacock will be joining Calhoun County products Jack Hayes, Max Hanson and McClane Mohon All hailing from Piedmont at Snead University. Heacock relocated from Helena to Oxford from Helena said it was an honour to join one of the newest Yellow Jackets to sign.
“It’s an excellent programming,” he said. “It’s an excellent location to be. It’s a great place to attend.”
