Shake and Bake

By Mark Etheridge - March 09, 2007

Alabama's all-America centerfielder Emeel Salem is known for his speed. In case anyone wanted some evidence of his inner cheetah, the folks filing into Sewell-Thomas Stadium just got exhibit A.

After a chop single got Salem to first, the senior hit the afterburners around second and then third. Without hesitation, third base coach Chad Oxendine sent his greyhound home. Even though the ball was en route to the cutoff man, Salem found that final gear often reserved for Ricky Bobby's run toward the checkered flag. Salem beat the throw with his headfirst slide to put Alabama up 1-0.