Applications are now being accepted for the Ralph “Country” Brown Memorial Scholarship, available to senior baseball and softball players at Chattooga High School.

The scholarship committee will review applications and select the student whose academic performance, extracurricular involvement, and overall character demonstrate strong promise, a desire to succeed, and a commitment to making a positive contribution to others. The student’s application essay will also play an important role in the selection process.

Applications must be picked up and returned to the Chattooga High School Guidance Office. The deadline to submit applications is March 27, 2026.

The scholarship honors Ralph “Country” Brown, one of the most popular professional baseball players in Atlanta history. Brown, who grew up in Summerville, played for the minor league Atlanta Crackers from 1947 to 1952 and became a fan favorite for his talent and personality. In recognition of his accomplishments, he was inducted into the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame in 1993.

Brown began his professional career in 1946 at age 25 when he signed with the Tampa Smokers, a Class C farm team for the New York Yankees. He quickly made an impact, winning both the league batting title and Most Valuable Player award. The following season he repeated the achievement while playing for the AA Augusta Tigers.

It was during his time with Augusta that teammate Dutch Lumberger gave him the nickname “Country” after learning Brown was from Summerville, Georgia — a name that stuck with him throughout his career.

Brown later joined the Atlanta Crackers, where he earned $500 a month and became one of the team’s standout players. In 1949 he led the Southern Association with 33 stolen bases and helped the Crackers win the 1950 Southern Association championship.

After being traded to the Chattanooga Lookouts in 1952, Brown eventually retired from baseball in 1957 and returned home to Summerville. He later served his community in law enforcement and spent the final 25 years of his life as a magistrate judge in Chattooga County.

Brown passed away on December 24, 1996, but his legacy in both baseball and public service continues to be remembered.

Former Georgia governor and U.S. senator Zell Miller once said Brown was his favorite Atlanta Cracker, while Atlanta Journal columnist Paul Hemphill described him as a symbol of determination and character — “a Southern farm boy who had to make his own way.”

The scholarship established in his honor aims to recognize local student-athletes who reflect those same values.