Boyd set for Derby Classic

By ADAM VANKIRK — The Independent

Cannonsburg Sat, May 17 2008

— Boyd County baseball will once again have its own tradition to match the 134th running of the Kentucky Derby this weekend.
Started by former coach Joey Hamilton in the early 1990s, Boyd County is set to host the Derby Classic today and Saturday.
As usual, the two-day event will be loaded with baseball powers. Covington Catholic, George Rogers Clark and Lawrence County will all be competing, along with Boyd County.
“It’s a lot of fun for us to put this thing on,” Boyd County coach Ben Maynard said. “We take a lot of pride in our team and facility and it’s nice to be able to bring in some good teams.”
The three teams coming in for the Classic, which is a big attraction for major league scouts, had a combined 46-15 record heading into Thursday night’s games. Lawrence County (15-5), led by coach Randy Keeton, is ranked 18th in the state’s coaches poll.
It will also be Keeton’s last regular-season game coaching on Boyd County’s field, where the longtime Bulldogs’ coach has seen many battles over the years.
Maynard, a Lawrence County graduate, said he’s looking forward to one more go-round with Keeton, who recently won his 500th career game in his final season coaching.
“It’ll be nice to see coach Keeton and be able to say farewell,” Maynard said. “A lot of the kids playing for Lawrence now were kids when I was growing up. Being on the baseball field and getting to see them again will be a lot of fun for me.”
Boyd County and Lawrence County, which features Louisville commit Tim Hayes (catcher) and five other college signees, will close out the Classic in the late game at 6 p.m. on Saturday.
Freshman Tyler Arthur will start for Boyd County against the Bulldogs. In the Lions’ first game on Saturday, against George Rogers Clark, lefty Bret Moore is scheduled to take the mound. Chase Wiler will start the Lions’ game against Covington Catholic tonight.
Boyd County’s ace Logan Helms has been suffering from tendinitis and won’t pitch over the weekend.
“It’s going to be tough,” Maynard said. “We’ll have to compete hard but we’re excited about it. We’re looking forward to some stiff competition. Hopefully we’ll get a good weekend of weather so we can get out there and enjoy it.”