Jackson, Mississippi, is set to become a hotbed of baseball action this holiday season, as two of its most celebrated homegrown talents, Konnor Griffin and Jake Mangum, return to Jackson Prep to host a youth baseball camp on December 27, 2025. The event promises not only a masterclass in hitting and defense for young players but also a reunion of two athletes whose journeys from local stardom to professional baseball have inspired countless fans across the region.
The camp, open to boys and girls in grades 2 through 8, is structured into two sessions—one in the morning from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM and another in the afternoon from 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM. Each session, limited to just 75 participants, is designed to ensure personal attention and high-quality instruction. Registration kicks off at 9:00 AM for the morning group and 1:00 PM for the afternoon, with a fee of $125 per player. According to Jackson Prep baseball’s social media channels, spots are filling quickly as families from across the region look to secure a place for their aspiring athletes.
It’s not every day that two professional ballplayers return to their alma mater to give back to the next generation, and both Griffin and Mangum have plenty of wisdom to share. Jake Mangum, a name synonymous with Mississippi baseball excellence, is fresh off a busy offseason. After a standout career at Jackson Prep—where he helped capture multiple state championships—Mangum took his talents to Mississippi State. There, he etched his name into the record books as the SEC’s all-time hits leader, a testament to his consistency and work ethic. Drafted in the fourth round of the 2019 MLB Draft by the New York Mets, Mangum has since played for the Miami Marlins and Tampa Bay Rays before being traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates this offseason.
“It’s always special to come back to the place where it all started,” Mangum has said in past interviews about his connection to Jackson Prep. While he’s now donning the black and gold of the Pirates, his heart remains tied to the community that shaped him. His journey through the minors and several MLB organizations has given him a wealth of experience to pass along, especially to young players dreaming of making it big.
Konnor Griffin, meanwhile, represents the next wave of baseball talent coming out of Mississippi. Selected ninth overall in the 2024 MLB Draft by the Pittsburgh Pirates, Griffin wasted no time making an impression in his first professional season, earning the coveted Minor League Player of the Year award. Like Mangum, Griffin was a multi-time state champion at Jackson Prep and had initially committed to play collegiately at LSU before hearing his name called early in the first round. His rapid rise through the ranks has made him a local hero and a beacon of hope for young players who see themselves following in his footsteps.
“I want these kids to know that with hard work, anything is possible,” Griffin has remarked when asked about giving back to his community. His message resonates even more given his meteoric ascent and the accolades he’s already racked up at such a young age. The camp will give attendees a rare chance to learn directly from someone who, not long ago, was standing in their shoes on the very same field.
The timing of the camp couldn’t be better. With the holiday season in full swing, it offers a unique opportunity for families to engage their children in an activity that blends fun, fitness, and valuable life lessons. Parents are eager to see their kids benefit from the expertise of two professionals who not only know what it takes to succeed on the field but also understand the importance of character and perseverance off it.
While the camp will be the talk of Jackson Prep this weekend, the Pittsburgh Pirates organization is also making headlines—this time for reasons both on and off the diamond. Just days before Christmas, Pirates legend Andrew McCutchen and his wife Maria welcomed their fifth child, a baby boy named Suede McCutchen, on December 21 at AHN Wexford hospital. Suede joins siblings Steel, Armani, Italia, and Avé in what’s becoming a true baseball family dynasty.
McCutchen, who was taken 11th overall by the Pirates in the 2025 MLB Draft, has become one of the franchise’s all-time greats. His first stint with Pittsburgh, from 2009 to 2017, was nothing short of spectacular: the 2013 National League MVP, five-time All-Star, four-time Silver Slugger, and a Gold Glove winner in 2012. He was the first Pirate to win NL MVP since Barry Bonds and the first to make five consecutive All-Star appearances since Roberto Clemente. His career numbers with the Pirates—1,781 hits, 248 home runs, 875 RBIs, and a .280 batting average—cement his legacy among the franchise’s elite.
Despite his personal success, the team’s fortunes have been less rosy of late. The Pirates finished the 2025 season with a 71-91 record, landing at the bottom of the National League Central and extending their playoff drought to a decade. McCutchen, ever the consummate professional, wrapped up his 12th season in Pittsburgh with 13 home runs and 57 RBIs over 135 games, but the veteran outfielder’s future with the club remains uncertain. “We’ll see what happens,” McCutchen told reporters after the home finale at PNC Park, where he received a heartfelt standing ovation. “Obviously, a lot of that stuff is out of my control, so I just need to do my part. I do want to continue playing, so wherever that may be. I’m looking forward to seeing where the offseason takes me. We’ll move on from there. I’ve got six games left, so I’ll try to finish the season strong.”
The Pirates’ front office, meanwhile, is working to reshape the roster. They’ve acquired second baseman Brandon Lowe from the Tampa Bay Rays, brought in outfield prospect Jhostynxon García from the Boston Red Sox, and signed free agent slugger Ryan O'Hearn to a two-year, $29 million contract. Whether these moves will be enough to turn the tide remains to be seen, but there’s cautious optimism among fans that a new era could be on the horizon.
Back at Jackson Prep, excitement is building not just for the chance to meet Griffin and Mangum, but for what their stories represent—a testament to the power of local roots, hard work, and the enduring spirit of baseball. As the camp approaches, families are preparing their gloves and bats, eager to learn from two athletes who’ve walked the same halls and played on the same fields. It’s a moment of pride for the community and a reminder that, even in a sport defined by statistics and records, the most lasting impact often comes from giving back.
As the year draws to a close, the intersection of youth development and professional achievement is on full display in Jackson and Pittsburgh alike. Whether it’s a future MLB star honing his swing at Jackson Prep or a franchise legend welcoming a new addition to his family, baseball’s enduring magic continues to bring people together—one pitch, one hit, and one story at a time.
