SOUTH FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — The former Atlanta Braves player who caught the final out of the team's championship is now planning to make some hits in South Fulton County.
Marquis Grissom unveiled a new partnership with the city of South Fulton to renovate ballparks and create teams to help young athletes in the community.
Channel 2's Tom Jones spoke with Grissom on the partnership he will bring to the community where his baseball career started.
"I remember my first game I played. I struck out my first at bat," Grissom said.
Grissom was 7 years old when he struck out while playing on what is now called Welcome All Ballpark. That strikeout led to a long professional career topped off by his World Series catch.
Grissom spent 17 seasons in the majors, including two with the Braves.
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Now Grissom is returning to the field where it all started. He's hoping to develop children to be the best they can be on and off the field.
"We're going to develop the kid No. 1. No. 2, we have an educational program that's going to give these kids free tutorial services," Grissom said.
The former Brave is partnering with the city to bring his Marquis Grissom Baseball Association for kids ages 7 to 12.
South Fulton gave Grissom a proclamation and welcomed his association to the city. Street signs will also go up in his name.
Mayor Bill Edwards told Jones that Grissom is the perfect ambassador for the game and his community.
"This is where he played when he was 7 years old. He's going to make sure everything goes right," Edwards said.
Grissom said that so many in the South Fulton community have helped him succeed.
"I almost feel obligated to go back and pay it back," he said.
Cox Media Group
