In the lives of most inmates, three strikes mean a possible lifetime behind bars.
For some work center inmates in Greenwood, three strikes don't mean three felony convictions and a life sentence but three actual strikes in softball.
The recreational outings in Whittington Park of inmates from the state Department of Corrections are part of their work-release program, said Greenwood Mayor Harry Smith.
But officials at the state Department of Corrections weren't aware of the games until contacted by the Commonwealth Friday.
Nic Lott, a department spokesman, said Smith told him it was not a problem for inmates to practice at the park.
"Now that this matter has been brought to our attention," said Lott, " inmates will no longer be practicing at the park."
Lott wouldn't say why the inmates would be pulled from the park.
The inmates were observed by reporters for the Commonwealth around 7:30 p.m. Thursday in the park. A photographer with the newspaper went across U.S. 82 and took some pictures. Only one guard was with 15 inmates. The guard raised objections about the photographer taking pictures of inmates. She left.
Smith said that inmates are closely supervised at all times by several officers.
There was no comment from Lott on the number of officers supervising inmates at practice sessions.
Inmates that choose to continue practice will do so at the community work center, Lott said.
Thirteen security officers are on duty, including the commander and supervisors at the work center, which has a capacity of up to 102 inmates.
The presence of inmates at the park has raised concerns among some people who live nearby.
Jimmie Holston, a resident of Greenwood for 12 years, has noticed inmates having practice sessions on several occasions with limited supervision.
Holston lives two blocks from Whittington Park and sometimes goes and observes activities at the field.
At times, he said, there is only one officer supervising several inmates, which creates a dangerous environment for the surrounding community.
Holston makes sure to keep a close eye on his son at all times when inmates are playing softball at the park.
"Just a few weeks ago I observed them playing in a softball league tournament at the field on a Saturday afternoon," said Holston.
However, the inmates aren't in any kind of organized softball league, said Lott. But in the past, some inmates have participated in leagues.
Greenwood Deputy Police Chief Huntley Nevels doesn't think the work center inmates are violent. He said the inmates are closely watched.
The playing time on the field allows inmates an opportunity to relieve tension and stress from living in a restricted environment, he said.
"It is a positive thing to allow the inmates a recreational game of softball," Nevels said.
Some folks who live near the park don't mind a friendly game of softball among inmates as long as they don't wander off.
John Lofton, a resident in the vicinity, hasn't noticed a lack of supervision and agreed the inmates need some recreation.
"I feel it is OK as long as officers keep a watchful eye at all times," said Lofton.
He observed an inmate softball game going on about three weeks ago with about 12 players on the field and a small crowd looking on.
