VCU slugger Jackson makes mark in Cal Ripken, Sr. League

By Fred Jeter
The Richmond Times-Dispatch
www.inrich.com

August 3, 2007

With flying colors (mainly the colors of ash and maple lumber), Chris Jackson has passed a critical test regarding a possible professional baseball career.

He has aced Wood Bats 101.

The Virginia Commonwealth University junior snagged all-star honors in the Cal Ripken Senior Collegiate Baseball League, where wood bats are required.

In leading Youse's Maryland Orioles (based in Glen Burnie) to a 26-14 record and the regular-season title, Jackson hit .310 -- tops on his team and seventh overall in a pitching-dominated league.

"It's tough. I think I've broken six bats," Jackson said. "You've got to learn to shorten your swing with wood. If you have a long swing, it's hard getting the bat head to the ball."

Playing shortstop (he's a third baseman at VCU) all 40 games, Jackson had six doubles, seven triples, one home run and 21 runs batted in. He also stole nine bases in 11 tries.

Defensively, he had 51 putouts, 88 assists, 6 errors, .959) while getting reacquainted to the position.

"Chris has had a big summer," Orioles manager Dean Albany said. "He can really play."

A regional scout for the Baltimore Orioles, Albany has spotted Jackson on numerous occasions.

"I probably spend 30 days in Richmond a year," Albany said. "I've liked Chris and talked to [VCU coach Paul Keyes] about him playing for us."

The 6-0 185-pounder hit .341 with four homers in helping the Rams win the CAA crown. He made a seamless transition to the wooden bats.

"He's hit very well -- about as good as anyone in our league," Albany said.

Jackson said, "You hear guys complaining when their shots get caught on the warning track. But they get some blooper hits they wouldn't normally get . . . and you don't hear any complaints then."

NO. 8: For VCU and the Orioles, Jackson wears No. 8 -- the same number worn by Baltimore Hall of Famer Cal Ripken.

A highlight of the summer for Jackson was getting to meet Ripken while working a youth camp at the Ripken Complex.

"I was very excited; he's always been my favorite player," said Jackson, a former Manchester High star.

Copyright 2007. Richmond Times-Dispatch.