Ofahoma Braves: Inspiration in Motion

By Dr. Anne T. Sulton, Esq.

JA Senior International Correspondent

Batter Up! A pitch, a swing, a base hit, the crowd roars in delight. No, it did not require the baseball to soar out of the park for the Ofahoma Braves to have hit a home run.

The home run was realized in 1965 when Coach Lee Edward Green assembled local boys for their first practice session at the Ferr Smith property. Smith donated a piece of land for the baseball field. It became known as the Ofahoma Braves Baseball Field. And each season, the home run occurred there in Ofahoma, Mississippi. 

Coach Green had played with the Choctaw teams. Under his guidance, the Ofahoma Braves became famous for their sportsmanship, exciting competitive games, and community service.

On June 28, 2026, the Free Mission Missionary Baptist Church in Carthage, MS held an event entitled “From Community Service To Serving God”. This event was held to honor and to remember the contributions of the Ofahoma Braves. Among the Braves’ players is Pastor Leroy Jennings – he started playing on the team when he was 13 years old.

Clint Johnson was selected to provide “Special Remarks” on the history and enormous impact this baseball team had on the players, fans, and entire Ofahoma community. Johnson’s selection as a keynote speaker was fitting. In 1972, he started playing for the team under Coach Green’s leadership. 

Johnson’s love of the game continued and his skill set was refined while playing for Coach Robert “Bob” Braddy at Jackson State University from 1974 to 1978. Following his stellar performance as a pitcher for the JSU Tigers, Johnson played with the Boston Red Socks organization for six years. 

Baseball is still his passion. Johnson returned to manage the Ofahoma Braves in the mid 1980s, taught at Lanier High School during the 1990s, and served as the Jackson Public School District’s Athletic Director from 2011 until his retirement in 2020. 

But Johnson just can’t get baseball out of his mind. He now is affiliated with the nationally renowned Legacy League. This premier league just completed a 20-game season with college players aspiring to play professional baseball. For more information on this league, please visit https://legacyleaguebaseball.com/

When asked about the “From Community Service To Serving God” event, Coach Johnson said: “This event is relevant because the Ofahoma Braves served the community through their dedication and commitment to baseball. This team served as an inspiration to the entire community. It was a humbling and exciting experience to be recognized for playing the game I love.”