The phone calls kept coming in one by one and finally theColorado Rockies delivered the call Corey Dickerson had beenwaiting all his life. The Rockies drafted Dickerson in the 29thround of Wednesday’s Major League Baseball Draft making him thefirst Lincoln County native drafted since 2001.

“I’m thrilled,” said Dickerson. “It was a long day, but I’m gladthe Rockies came in and got me.”

The day began with Dickerson getting a phone call from the WorldSeries champion Philadelphia Philles that morning. Then came callsfrom the Marlins, Reds, and Rockies in the afternoon. After 29stressful rounds, Becky Dickerson’s (Corey’s mother) phone rang,with Colorado Rockies scout Damon Inalli on the other end.

“It’s a dream come true,” said Tim Dickerson, Corey’s dad. “I’mjust glad for him and the opportunity he’ll have with a MajorLeague organization.”

Several members of Dickerson’s family gathered at theirBrookhaven home Wednesday, waiting with excitement for the call tocome. The Rockies drafted Dickerson as a centerfielder.

“It was a long day, but I’m happy the Rockies pulled thetrigger,” said Dickerson’s Player-Advisor James O. Covington.

“Corey’s got Major League potential and a great future ahead ofhim. The negotiating process now begins between us and Colorado.I’m confident a deal will be met so he can sign before the August15 deadline.”

Dickerson batted .381 with 16 home runs and 5 triples thisseason as a freshmen centerfielder at Meridian Community College.Mississippi State offered Dickerson a scholarship last week duringa campus visit. LSU, Texas, and USM have also showed aninterest.

The 6-foot-2, 205-pound Dickerson graduated from BrookhavenAcademy last year, earning All-State honors and setting the MPSAstate record for career home runs with 45. He was selected TheDAILY LEADER’s Most Valuable Offensive Player on the 2008All-Lincoln County Team.

During this season at MCC, Dickerson made national headlines byhitting three homers in one game against nationally ranked DelgadoC.C. He also hit for the cycle as well.

“My goal has always been to play pro ball,” said Dickerson. “Ireally would like to thank my mom and dad and all of my family andfriends for being here today. It’s a day I’ll always remember.”

In 2001, Fred Perkins and Arlandus Brown of Brookhaven were bothdrafted by the Montreal Expos in the draft/and follow round butneither of them signed contracts.