MADISON — Columbus North senior Parker Maddox and Columbus East senior Julian Greenwell have been battling against each other during their four years of high school.
In their final high school baseball games, Maddox and Greenwell are playing as teammates. The duo were just two of the 27 players that represented the South team in the Indiana North-South Baseball All-Star doubleheader Saturday at Gary O’Neal Field at Madison High School.
“It’s a pretty awesome experience, especially since we were rivals before and coming together with one of my best friends one last time for high school baseball,” Maddox said.
Maddox and Greenwell originally were going to be teammates at Indiana University, but they both found new homes after former IU coach Chris Lemonis left for Mississippi State. Maddox will be playing next year at Ohio University, and Greenwell is headed to Wright State.
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Saturday was more than just a pair of games for Maddox and Greenwell. It was where the rivalry was put aside and more about representing their respective schools and the city of Columbus.
“It’s great! Parker and I are really good friends, so it’s nice to hang out here with him, and especially since the last four years, we’ve been at rival schools,” Greenwell said. “It was nice one last time to be on the same team as him.”
Greenwell and Maddox arrived in Madison on Friday and attended the All-Star Banquet Friday night. They’ve been staying in the dorms at Hanover College, and they’ll play one more game today beginning at noon.
“I’m originally from Madison, and heading back to Madison is pretty cool that I’m able to pitch here,” Maddox said. “Playing with my best friends that I’ve played with all summer. It’s an amazing feeling playing against one last time.”
The South All-Stars won the first game 7-3. Maddox pitched 12/3 scoreless innings in relief, and Greenwell started and batted fifth in the lineup, hit a single in his second at-bat and scored two runs.
Greenwell, who led the Olympians to a Class 4A state runner-up finish, added another hit and scored a run in the second game, which was won by the North 16-3.
“It’s super-exciting because I’ve played with these guys and played against them,” Greenwell said. “I’ve also heard about how good some of these players are that I haven’t seen before, so it was nice to see them in person and make more friendships through the game of baseball.”
