Minor League Baseball players and former Pell City Panthers, Cole Billingsley of the Baltimore Orioles and Locke St. John of the Detroit Tigers returned to their alma mater for last Friday night’s game against rival baseball team, the Homewood Patriots.

After the Panthers’ 6-4 victory, the former Pell City High School athletes were honored with plaques emblazoned with their respective names, graduation years and current teams. Both players were accompanied by parents, grandparents and other family members who were there to show support.

“It’s awesome. I’m grateful to the baseball program, and to the high school,” said St. John. “This is great of them to do this for us.”

The presentation was made by Pell City High School Baseball Coach Andrew Tarver, who also coached St. John and Billingsley when they attended the school.

“It’s like taking a trip down memory lane for sure—we’ve won a lot of ballgames here and it’s fun looking back on what we did,” said St. John. “I mean, (Billingsley and I) grew up playing together, and we know what it is to play together all the way through college too.”

“It’s a humbling experience. I graduated five years ago and I come back, watch these guys play high school ball and remember what it was like to be in their shoes, seeing the future ahead and wanting to play professionally,” added Billingsley. “It’s a true honor to be in this situation and be recognized for the accomplishments we’ve had in our careers. I’m very thankful and grateful to the community of Pell City and everyone who is believing in us and supporting us.”