Smoak returns to SC for Christmas celebration

GOOSE CREEK, S.C. (AP) — Former University of South Carolina baseball star Justin Smoak is returning to the state to help with a Christmas celebration.

Smoak will help light the Christmas tree in Goose Creek on Saturday. The event also includes crafts, choral performances and Smoak signing baseballs.

Smoak played recreational baseball in Goose Creek before going on to star at Stratford High and then at South Carolina. He’s now a first baseman for the Seattle Mariners.