Excel alum Adam Ballew has signed a baseball scholarship with Southern Union State Community College in Wadley, Ala., to play for well-known coach Jabo Jordan. Ballew, the starting left fielder for the Oxford High School Yellow Jackets, also has played left field for the Excel Blue Sox the past two years, leading the team in hitting both seasons.

"Adam has the purest swing to ever come through our system," said Matthew Maniscalco, owner of Excel Baseball Academy. "We believe that he will have the chance to be successful hitting at any level."

Off the field Ballew has honed his skills and increased his strength and agility as a member of Excel Strength, directed by Steve Gendron.

"Adam has worked extremely hard in the weight room, and it is really showing with his improved play on the diamond," said Gendron.

Ballew is the son of Randy and Bonita Ballew of Oxford. He will graduate from Oxford High School in May 2011 and report to Southern Union in August.

Excel wishes Adam continued success in his future endeavors on and off the diamond.