Baseball pros, Miller charm MVP guests
By CHRIS WIDING and APRIL BITTEL Contributing Writers

Phil Niekro signs autographs for guests at Young Harris College's MVP Dinner.

Atlanta Braves Hall-of- Famer Phil Niekro was a huge hit at the First Annual MVP Baseball Dinner presented by Young Harris College's Baseball Program. He inspired the 240 guests with his many stories from his childhood as an Ohio coalminer's son to his induction into the American Baseball Hall of Fame. Unlike his floating and darting knuckleball, he got right to the point when talking about what contributed most to his success: "A love for family."

Former Young Harris College students and baseball team members Baltimore Orioles' Nick Markakis and Kansas City Royals' Billy Bucker joined Phil Niekro signing baseballs and other items for guests. Markakis lead his team with a 300 average, 23 homeruns and 112 RBIs. It was his second major league season with the Orioles. Bucker was called up this season and got his first major league win with the Royals.

Also in attendance for this special event was Georgia Governor and Young Harris, Ga., resident Zell Miller. Head Coach Rick Robinson credits Miller for the success of Young Harris College Baseball. "Young Harris Baseball is Zell Miller. Without Zell Miller's influ- ence on the program we would just be another Junior College baseball Program. Because of his integrity, his work ethic, and his love for the people of North Georgia our program has tried to instill all these characteristics into the young men that play and coach baseball at Young Harris College," Robinson said.

Left to right: Former Gov. Zell Miller, J.P. Robinson and Rick Robinson.

The night concluded with a recap of the 2007 World Series season and each of its members receiving a World Series Ring. The 2007 team finished the season with a 46 - 22 overall record, and a 22 - 6 conference record. This team beat Gordon College to win their 4th Region XVII Championship, and then defeated Chattanooga State to advance to the Junior College World Series.

2007 Young Harris College Mountain Lions display their World Series rings. Billy Buckner (left ) and Nick Markakis.