Craig Mckee, of the Atlanta Muckdogs, pitches to Sammy Reed, of the Bettis Dodgers during the Georgia Games tournament. KEVIN MARTIN/STAFF

Nearly three years later, Hart was back on the field at The Lake, this time as a member of the Bettis Dodgers in the opening game of the 12th annual Georgia Games Championships adult baseball tournament.

"It's pretty cool to be back out here, and I guess a little bit weird," said Hart, who went 2-for-3 with an RBI for the Dodgers in a 7-2 victory over the Atlanta Muckdogs.

Hart and the Dodgers offense provided ample support for pitcher Sammy Reed, who baffled the Muckdogs for seven innings and struck out 15. Reed and former Evans High School three-sport star Fernando Mickens also went 2-for-3.

Hart was a 32nd-round draft pick of the Boston Red Sox in 1998 out of Lubbock (Texas) Christian University. Billed as a sweet-swinging first baseman with some pop, Hart was assigned in May 1999 to the GreenJackets, a low Class A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox.

Hart batted .262 with five home runs and 50 RBI, but nagging knee and ankle injuries limited him to just 86 games that season. The injuries forced him to the bench for the Sally League playoffs that fall, but Hart came away with a championship and memories he will never forget

John Cuip (left) of the Atlanta Muckdogs congratulates teammate Brennan Knight after the 3rd inning of the Muckdogs game against the Bettis Dodgers Fridayat Lake Olmstead Stadium. KEVIN MARTIN/STAFF

"I remember (manager) Billy Gardner telling us at the end of the first half that we were the worst team in professional baseball," Hart said. "And we ended up winning the whole thing. That was an awesome experience, and that ring is pretty nice."

Three weeks after the season, with the injuries still bothering him, Hart knew his professional playing career was over. He was offered an assistant manager's position at the Sports Authority in Augusta Exchange, and the opportunity was too good to pass up.

"My knee was bothering me, and I actually had met my wife during the season, so I decided to retire and settle here instead of going back to Texas," said Hart, who married his girlfriend, Rose, in October 2000. "And the job opportunity also was there for me, so it seemed like the best thing to do."

Hart has been playing on and off this season for the Bettis Dodgers, a team featuring several local college players.

"It's been fun," Hart said. "I only wish I could play more, but work keeps me busy."

The Dodgers play again today, when they face the Atlanta GreenJackets at 10 a.m., one of three games to be played at Augusta State University.

The second game of Friday evening's doubleheader between the Cartersville Mudcats and Atlanta Cubs was rained out and will be made up as one of four games played at The Lake today, beginning at 10 a.m.

Reach Rob Mueller at (706) 823-3425.