From Staff Reports

Helena High School’s baseball program has been placed on probation for a period of one year and assessed a $1,000 fine by the Alabama High School Athletic Association following a unsportsmanlike conduct incident that occurred during last weekend’s AHSAA state baseball playoffs versus Jemison.

The AHSAA has determined that players from both teams came out of the dugout and onto the field following a physical altercation at home plate, which is in violation of the AHSAA Leaving the Bench Rule. One player from each team was ejected from the game.

As a result, the AHSAA has suspended six Helena High players for four games, which they will begin serving immediately. Two players were suspended for the remainder of the 2015 season. Helena High School was assessed a $300 fine for the ejected player. The player is allowed to participate in the STAR Take 2 Sportsmanship Program, which will result in the reduction of the fine to $100.

Shelby County Schools Athletic Director David Hogue said Helena High School has accepted the penalties and regrets the unsportsmanlike behavior exhibited.

“This is an unfortunate situation for our baseball team and school program as a whole,” said Hogue. “We feel confident that these young men have learned a valuable life lesson from this  experience and will use it as an opportunity to become better students, athletes, and citizens.”

Helena takes on Marbury on Friday, May 1 beginning at 4:30 p.m. at Helena High School.