JOHNSON CITY, TN- Lyndell Jeffers, owner of the Asheville Redbirds, member of the Southern Collegiate Baseball League (SCBL), passed away on December 30, 2006 at the VA Mountain Home in Johnson City, Tennessee, after a long, hard fought battle with brain cancer. Jeffers was diagnosed with a Glioblastoma Multiforme, back in September of 2005.

A big part of Jeffers’ life was the game of baseball. His childhood saw a growth of admiration for the New York Yankees, he played the game before being drafted in the Army and serving in Vietnam, the game of baseball was Lyn Jeffers.

Jeffers extended his love for baseball when he helped start a wooden bat team in Tennessee in the summer 1998, mainly to give local East Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, and Western North Carolina college players a place to play summer ball. In those eight years, Jeffers purchased his second SCBL team in Asheville, North Carolina. The Redbirds’ home field is Greenwood Field, on UNC Asheville’s campus.

"Lyn Jeffers has his own special Field of Dreams-his Asheville Redbirds," said Janet Cone, UNC Asheville’s Athletics Director. "He did not necessarily build a field with grass, bleachers, or even a pitcher's mound, but what he did build was a wonderful relationship with the players and their families. His field of dreams is about helping college players realize their dreams. He loves the game of baseball, but his passion and legacy are about the kindness and generosity extended to others."

Jeffers was a catalyst for the growth of the SCBL, which has grown to the point where the teams associated in the league have attracted student/athletes from all over the United States and even a few from Latin American countries. In a heart felt statement on Sunday, Bill Capps, Commissioner of the SCBL expressed what Jeffers meant to the league.

"God did grant a miracle many years ago when he gave us Lyn Jeffers, and that miracle continues each day. Lyn has made difference in, and has touched many, many lives. One of those he has made a great difference in is mine. This miracle will not end with Lyn's passing. He will always be remembered for who he is and what he has done for so many."

Jeffers made it a point that his summer teams were a place where college players could get some work in during the summer season, while bettering their skills for the next school season. The 63-year-old Jeffers found much joy in watching his players take the field. His passion to extend a helping hand to the college baseball player was just one of his many qualities. Those ambitions were what drove the league in 2005 to name their championship trophy the "Lyn Jeffers Cup".

"Lyn was one of the most extraordinary people I ever had the privilege to meet. His compassion and love for other people was a testament to who he was as a person," stated Redbirds Coach, Robert Rudder. "He put the futures of all college baseball players at the forefront by starting the Asheville Redbirds and Tennesee Thunder. I feel honored to have known him and his family and to be a part of his organization. He has touched many lives all over the world, especially mine. My heart goes out to the entire Jeffers family on this day of sadness. He was loved by everyone and he will be truly missed."

For Further Information contact:

TN/NC Baseball

423-854-9282

Entsport@aol.com