The honors just keep coming for Roxie native and Franklin Countyalumnus Colby Beach. The strong-armed right hander was namedPitcher of the Month for July by the Kansas City Royals AdvancedRookie League affiliate last week as a member of the Idaho FallsChukars.

Beach, who collected two wins recently for the Chukars, hasstruck out 36 batters in 28.2 innings pitched. He is currently 2-3on the season with a 5.97 ERA in the Pioneer League.

“Its fun playing pro ball,” said Beach. “There are a lot ofadjustments you have to make. It’s not like college.”

When not pitching in games, Beach is practicing with histeammates or throwing bullpen in front of his coaches. He throwsfour pitches for strikes: a deceptive slider, curveball, change-up,and an electric 93 mph fastball to top things off.

Beach graduated from Western Kentucky in May. He helped theHilltoppers to the Sun Belt Championship Tournament, where he wasthe winning pitcher of the championship game against NewOrleans.

Harris Earns Honor

Another Franklin County native. second baseman Alonzo HarrisJr., is also showing out in New York Mets rookie league.

Harris went 3-for-5 with a solo home run and two doubles againstthe Florida Marlins rookies last Saturday night. Harris is playingsecond base in the Gulf Coast Rookie League.

He is currently batting .328 on the season with three homers.The 2007 McComb High graduate was drafted by the Mets in the 37thround last year. He was The DAILY LEADER’s 2007 All-Area Player ofthe Year.

Harris was also named Star Player of the Day for last weekend’sgame by metsminorleagueblog.com