SPRINGFIELD — Effingham County baseball players Chrys Hawkins, Josh Bassett, Tyler Wells and Blake Hendrix have been selected to compete in the Savannah Area Fellowship of Christian Athletes All-Star Classic.

Rebels head coach Chris Johnson was pleased to have several members of his team selected to compete in a game that showcases some of the area’s best athletes.

"We nominated a group of kids and they chose four, and we are very excited and thankful for that," Johnson said. "The kids who were chosen were very deserving. They work really hard and had done a great job for us.

“We have other kids who competed as well. It just turned out these four guys fit into their plan. We are honored that those kids got a chance and they were all excited about it."

In addition, Johnson was asked to be an assistant coach in the classic by Richmond Hill's Scott Strickland.

"I have a lot of respect for him," Johnson said. "This is his first year as the head coach of Richmond Hill (and) he's been a big part of their program. He's a great baseball guy and an even better person. 

“I was honored when he asked me if I'd like to help out. (I’m) very fortunate and excited at the same time, and it's always for a good cause with the FCA."

The fifth annual event is set to take place May 21 at Grayson Stadium. Baseball greats Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Jackie Robinson and many other legends played there, making it an iconic venue. 

"They've really done a great job of fixing that place up," Johnson said. "Our kids are very excited about it. Being a minor league stadium is a big deal for the kids to play in because they don't all get to do that very often."