The Simpson County Cardinals are an up-and- coming select travel baseball team.
The team is coached by accomplished Simpson County athletes Brian Mills, Kalen Jackson, and Xavier Hayes. Mills recently graduated from the University of Louisiana Lafayette, where he was a team captain for the Ragin Cajuns baseball team.
Mills explained that after much thought he made a decision to hang up cleats. He said, “It was a tough decision but I finally decided to hang them up. Now it’s time for me to really give back to the community.”
This is what sparked the creation of the Simpson County Cardinals. Jackson, who most recently played safety for the South Alabama Jaguars football team, Hayes, and Mills met this summer and decided to form an organization. The organization consists of a 9 year old and 11 year old team.
The teams came together in August and has improved dramatically over the course of two months. Mills said, “We came together because we know the game and what it takes to get to the Division 1 level.” Mills said that the trio wanted to see the community recapture some of its former glory. He also expressed a desire to pass on his knowledge to the younger generation so they can prepare themselves earlier and have a higher chance at success.
Mills said, “When we got started, we told the parents it’s not about the fame or one person’s glory but instead about coming together as family. That’s what allows them to over achieve.”
The team is made up of Simpson County players and three players from Jefferson Davis County. In the last two months, the Cardinals have competed in two tournaments where the 9 year old Cardinals notched a first and second place finish. The 11 year old team also had a second place finish winning, silver rings. Mills said, “We got silver, but that’s not our goal. We play to get gold rings every time.”
Mills explained that the three coaches have carried their competitive natures with them from their playing days. He said, “We are going to get better this off season. When they see Simpson County Cardinals on the schedule they’re going to know, they have to bring their best game.”
The fall schedule has ended for the Cardinals, but Mills explained that they have three months to prepare for the spring. “We are done with tournaments and getting into our offseason grind. We’re preparing to be full speed for spring.” Mills said, “We were competing with teams who had been together for three years and still did well. It was just a taste before they attack the future.”
The coaching staff and players are all excited about what the future holds for the Cardinals. Mills said the Cardinals organization is being run as a brotherhood and emphasizes family. “Kalen and Xavier are doing a great job and we make all of our decisions together. Our coaching staff is strong.” He explained that one of the staff’s most emphasized teaching points revolves around two words, “I can.”
Mills said it was important to instill confidence in these young athletes along with a good work ethic that extends beyond baseball. He said, “More kids are dropping out of school and not moving forward in life. We want to keep them motivated and working hard.”
The Simpson County Cardinals have the foundation to be an impactful and successful organization if the team receives the right support. “This is something we want everyone in the community to get involved in,” said Mills. He envisions the organization growing beyond baseball to possibly include football in the future. For now the focus is on baseball, building a brotherhood, and learning life lessons.
