Jason Smith, a graduate of Demopolis High School in 1995, is now playing an integral part in the Detroit Tigers 2004 season.

Smith is batting .301 this season with four homers and eight runs batted in.

He has played in 33 games so far with 22 hits, five doubles, and two triples.

“I only coached him for one year,” Demopolis head baseball coach James Moot said.

“My first year here was his senior year.

Clifton McKnight, who is now a teacher here at Demopolis High School, coached him his first three years.”

On July 28th, Smith had a break-through performance against Cleveland, going 2-for-4, belting one homer along with two runs.

“It was obvious when I came here that he had tremendous talent,” Moot said.

“He certainly had a gift at that young age, and he did the things he needed to be successful, be very coachable, and to get to the point where he is now.

Jason went through a lot of trials and tribulations to get to where he is today, and for that, I have much respect for him.”

Smith and the Tigers take on the Chicago White Sox tonight at 7:05 p.m. in game two of a three-game series.