NATCHEZ — It started as a favor for a friend and ended with a number of professional baseball teams calling his agent’s phone.

When Natchez native Chris Rayborn went to help a friend of his with a camp earlier this year, he had no idea the show he was about to put on.

“I went to help at a camp that Cory Dickerson, who’s with the (Colorado) Rockies, was putting on,” Rayborn said. “There were a few scouts there, and they saw me long-tossing with someone.

“They told me, ‘You still got it,’ and they wanted me to throw a bullpen session. This was on May 28, and I told them I could only throw 10 to 15 pitches.”

Rayborn, who was selected in the 34th round of the 2003 MLB draft by the San Diego Padres, left the Padres several years ago to pursue a coaching career. He currently helps develop young baseball players locally at Advance Sports, but a request for a workout by professional scouts was too good an opportunity to pass up.

Rayborn threw a session for the Mississippi Braves June 29, showing the scouts six fastballs along with a few sliders and changeups.

“They said every fastball was 90 to 94 (mph), and that it’s a sinking fastball,” Rayborn said. “They rated my fastball and changeup as plus pitches, and my slider as a big-league average pitch.”

Rayborn said as he was on his way home from Jackson, at least 16 major-league teams called his advisor James Covington, who works for agent Bus Cook.

“(This) week, my hours at Advance Sports will only be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., because I’ll be negotiating contracts,” Rayborn said.

Although he’s 27, Rayborn said he doesn’t feel his age will be a hindrance despite being out of baseball for several seasons.

“I feel like I’m entering my prime,” Rayborn said. “I’m eager to get back out there, and am really kind of left speechless (by this opportunity).

“With my sinker and changeup, and my developing slider, I feel like I could fill any role. I could be a closer, setup man or maybe even start. I’ll do anything they ask me to.”

Rayborn said he was grateful to Covington, his parents and everyone else that’s supported him, including his mentor Clay Arnold.

“He does Tai-C with me, which is a variation of Tai-Chi, a form of meditation,” Rayborn said. “He inspired me to be on the right track and do what I need to do. I can’t thank Clay enough.”