LAUREN WOOD | THE NATCHEZ DEMOCRAT — James Thomas, 8, right, tries to tag out his friend Nasif Lee Gardner, 8, as they play baseball in Nasif’s backyard Wednesday evening. The two have been friends since they were 4 years old.

LAUREN WOOD | The Natchez Democrat — Thomas tosses the ball to Gardner at the plate while the boys were enjoying some unseasonably warm baseball weather Wednesday.