Ellington

Thursday, March 16
College basketball, NCAA Tournament (11 a.m., Ch. 12): The best part of the men's college basketball season begins. It doesn't matter who's playing, you know you will watch.

Friday, March 17
College baseball, Tennessee at Mississippi State (6:30 p.m., Starkville, 620 AM): The nation's hottest team opens SEC play against the Vols.

Saturday, March 18
College baseball, Alabama A&M at Jackson State (1 p.m.): The Tigers entertain the Bulldogs at University Park. … LSU-Shreveport at Belhaven (2 p.m.): The Blazers play a doubleheader at Smith-Wills Stadium.

Sunday, March 19
College baseball, Illinois Wesleyan at Millsaps (2 p.m.): If your team is out of the NCAA Tournament or you're just going stir-crazy, check out the Majors in the great outdoors.

Monday, March 20
College baseball, Illinois Wesleyan at Mississippi College (6 p.m., Clinton): The Titans continue their tour of metro Jackson (Belhaven plays 'em on Tuesday). … Pro baseball, World Baseball Classic, Championship (8 p.m., ESPN): If the organizers get their wish, the U.S. will play Cuba. Fidel is not invited.

Tuesday, March 21
Mississippi College vs. Millsaps (6:30 p.m.): The Choctaws and the Majors battle for that ugly-ass Maloney Trophy at Smith-Wills Stadium.

Wednesday, March 22
Pro baseball, Philadelphia vs. Atlanta (noon, ESPN): The Braves face the Phillies in a spring training game.

The Slate is compiled by Doctor S, who's one of the boys of spring. For more seasonal activities, check out the Amazing SportsBlog at http://www.jacksonfreepress.com