`WIZARD' TO GIVE `SHORT' LESSON

Participants in this week's third annual Capaha Field Baseball Camp will receive instructions from one of the best shortstops in the history of the game and a certain future Hall of Fame selection.

The camp, set for Thursday and Friday at Capaha Field, will have as its featured instructor former St. Louis Cardinals great Ozzie Smith.

"We're really exciting that Ozzie will be here for the camp," said Scott Blank, one of the camp's directors. "Our first year we had no ex-major leaguers, then last year we had two former players from both the Cardinals and Royals. They weren't nearly as well (as Smith).

"This year we decided to go with just one big name. It took a lot of work and a lot of phone calls, but Ozzie is really good about helping out with organizations like ours. We think he's really going to add a lot to the camp."

Youngsters between the ages of 6 and 16 are eligible to participate in the camp, with all proceeds going to the Capaha Field Improvement Committee, a non-profit organization. Proceeds will be used to make improvements on the field.

"This is the main fund-raiser for the (Capaha Field Improvement) committee, so it's really important that we get a good turnout," Blank said.

Smith will be attending the camp Friday. Camp hours will be from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. both days.

Along with Smith, other instructors will include coaches and players from Southeast Missouri State University, the Kohlfeld Capahas, Ford & Sons American Legion, area high schools and numerous other coaches and players to be announced.

"I think it's a good opportunity for the kids," said Blank. "Ozzie will give a clinic, then he'll stick around and sign autographs, shake hands, mingle with the kids. For a 10 or 12 year old, that's a big deal. Plus, the top area coaches will be involved, so we've got a real good staff set up."

Although the camp is filling up rapidly, registration is still open. Cost of the camp is $65 and will include all instruction, a lunch Friday and a camp T-shirt (if registered by June 9).

For more information or to register, call Blank at 335-4178 or Jay Crosnoe at 334-9026.