THE LATEST LINE: ELEY HOPES TO DISPLAY SKILLS AT NBA CAMP

There is no question that Bud Eley is not the most polished collegiate basketball center in the country, nor the most talented.

But there is also no question that Eley has the type of size -- 6-feet-10 and 260 pounds -- and skills -- decent agility, soft hands and a deft passing touch -- that certainly intrigues National Baseball Association coaches and scouts.

And that's the main reason why Eley, despite playing in only 11 games for Southeast Missouri State University last season because of injuries, was invited to participate in this week's NBA pre-draft camp and is regarded as a potential NBA draft choice.

Sure, Eley is still plenty raw, but he's also the type of big man that the NBA often takes a chance with. Bud's best basketball still appears to be ahead of him, so the potential is certainly there.

But right now, Eley is rated as nothing more than a potential second-round draft pick and, unless his stock soars immensely during the pre-draft camp in Chicago, he's almost certain to use his final year of eligibility at SEMO next year.

In any event, good luck to Bud as he goes up against some of the nation's premier players this week.

* A familiar face will be missing from the Capaha Field diamond during Cape Girardeau American Legion baseball games this summer.

Mark Seyer, one of the area's truly fine gentleman who has spent more than 60 years participating in baseball in some capacity, will no longer be at his familiar third-base umpiring perch during Cape Legion games at Capaha.

Several months ago Mark suffered a stroke that has seriously affected his vision, forcing him to give up umpiring. He also hasn't been able to drive.

Mark, who still looks considerably younger than his 82 years, played baseball for 22 years on various area teams and he has umpired the past 42 years.

He told me he's going to really miss the umpiring but plans to still be at Capaha Field as much as he can this summer. And he said he feels fortunate that the stroke, even though it took away much of his sight, hasn't left him flat on his back. He still gets around like somebody 20 years younger.

As a tribute to all of Mark's contributions, he's going to throw out the first pitch Wednesday when Cape's Ford & Sons Legion squad opens its home schedule with a 6 p.m. doubleheader against Chaffee.

Here's wishing Mark all the best in the future.

* Congratulations and good luck to Oran High's baseball team, which will be playing in the Class 1A Final Four this week.

The Eagles earned the school's first final four berth since 1982 by beating Eminence 4-2 Saturday.

* The amateur baseball draft will be held this week and there is a possibility some area players might be selected.

One player who has received quite a bit of attention from professional scouts is pitcher Talley Haines, a former Cape Central High standout.

Haines played two seasons at SEMO before transferring to Freed-Hardeman, an NAIA school in Tennessee. Haines had a solid season this year, going 7-3 with a 3.05 earned-run average.

~Marty Mishow is a sports writer for the Southeast Missourian