Sports Magazine

Carolina Baseball

Baseball season in the Carolina’s has a unique meaning. Granted, every state in the US has its own feel for baseball, but the Carolina’s have somehow managed to carve out a sense of ownership and pride that baseball honors.

Jim Catfish Hunter, who became the highest paid pitcher in baseball when he signed with the New York Yankees in 1975,  was from Hertford, North Carolina.

The Perry Brothers, Jim and Gaylord, the only brothers to each win a Cy Young award, grew up in Jamesville, NC a few miles from Hertford.

Shoeless Joe Jackson was born in South Carolina and the great Jim Thorpe, after winning multiple medals in the 1912 Summer Olympic Games in Stockholm, Sweden, was stripped of his honors after his semi pro status was revealed. He had played baseball for pay in Rocky Mount , NC.

Oh, For what’s it’s worth, remember when Michael Jordan switched to baseball? He’s a North Carolina native.

Kevin Costner starred in the blockbuster movie, “Bull Durham”, (NC)  about a minor league ball player on the way up to’ the show’. The Durham Bulls continue to play in the same location after all these years.

Hundreds of major league baseball players hail from the Carolina’s.

Today, the Kannapolis Intimidators, a single A club of the Chicago White Sox, keep the tradition alive playing a full season at Fieldcrest Canon Stadium. Area Charlotte baseball has never been more active.

This style of baseball is the game at its finest. Young players just out of high school and college, compete for opportunity. The games are well matched and a full season always satisfies fans.

The Kannapolis Intimidators are named for the late Race Car driver and hometown hero, Dale Earnhardt, who’s nickname was just that, The Intimidator.

The Carolina’s boast some of the world’s baseball greats and the tradition continues as minor league teams like the Kannapolis Intimidators add family entertainment to the already thriving Charlotte events that entertain and educate.

Baseball is a part of life in the Carolinas.

Little league ball players suit up every season and fill local community playing fields with America’s favorite pastime. The process has built such momentum that baseball has a constant supply of willing Carolina players in Little, Minor and Major Leagues.