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July 2001 A Special Edition of The Chowan Herald Edenton, NC „ . v
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Neighbors & Newsmakers
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Steamers provide good ole
family entertainment for
Chowan, surrounding area
BY HELEN KERR OUTLAND
A hot summer’s night in Edenton without a Steamers game would just
be another hot summers night. However, when the smell of grilled ham
burgers begins to fill the air and the lights go on at Historic Hicks Field
the air changes. Steamers’ fans overlook the heat and bugs and fill the
stadium to cheer their young heroes on. The Steamers are as much a part
of Chowan County as the river.
Twenty-one young men from universities all over the country have
converged on Edenton with determination in their eyes and adream in
their hearts. Playing in the Coastal Plain League (CPL) for the Steamers
can be that first step to the pros. ^
Summer collegiate baseball isn’t something new. The Coastal Plain
League existed from 1937 until 1952. It was an integral part of the North
Carolina minor league. Then in 1997 the league was revived. It returned
with a new face. It is now a collegiate summer league. The young men v
who form the league are the top players from their universities.
The young players get the chance to compete against other top talent
and receive exposure to major league scouts. Six Steamers were drafted
by the pros in the 2000 season. Professional baseball players such as Jeff
Bagwell, Frank Thomas, Mo Vaughan, and Charles Nagy began their
careers in a summer collegiate league.
The 2001 roster for the Steamers includes three players from the Uni
versity of North Carolina and two from East Carolina University. It is
here that the talents ef these young men will be* gripping the wooden bats
-n the same type of bat that they might use should their dreams come true
aim they go to the pros. This is where they will get plenty of playing time
to hone their skills under the guidance of Coach Greg Clarkson of Gulf
Coast CC.
According to the CPL media guide the Coastal Plain League was
founded to fill a void in collegiate summer baseball. There are about a
dozen other college summer leagues in operation from Alaska to Cape
Cod. Until the CPL arrived there had been no such league located in the
Southeastern United States. Edenton is the smallest town to host a CPL
team. Owned by the Edenton-Chowan Community Foundation, a non
profit group, they ensure the Steamers continue to be a part of Chowan
County. , >." - t
The Steamers General Manager is a native son of the area. Todd
' Hunter had lived in the Zebulon, NC for a while with his family. There he
was associated with the Carolina Mudcats but the rural life was in his
blood. “ My wife and I felt it was here where we wanted to raise our
children,” says Hunter. The opportunity to manage the Steamers gave
Hunter both the chance to raise his children in grassroots America and
advance his career in Sports Management.
Hunter has been surrounded by baseball all of his life. Being t he son of
Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher Jim “Catfish” Hunter, Todd knows the
game inside out. “As a kid I would often spend time with my dad at one
stadium or another,” says Hunter. “We baseball bratsactually spent more
time playing in the tunnels or under
the bleachers than watching the
games.” f
Although Hunter did play some
college baseball himself he says he got
burned out on the time commitment
involved. “It was hard sometimes to
see Dad leave knowing he would be
gone for several weeks,” adds Hunter.
“I want to spend time with my family
too. Of course as adult and with job
responsibilities of my own, I see some
of my dad’s job differently.”
For Hunter and Chowan County the
Steamers have provided the perfect
combination of hometown atmosphere
and quality sports. During the summer
season area families host the players.
The players get the chance to interact
with the community through baseball
denies, autograph sessions and charity
"appearances. For the players and the
host families a bond and a friendship
are often established that will last a
lifetime. v
On a hot summer night, when the
lights of Hicks Field brighten the sky
stop by and take a look around. Buy a
hot dog, find a seat, and let the cheers
of the crowd help you forget about the
heat.
For on the field is a future Hall of
Fame baseball player honing his skills.
Cheer him on. He may be making a
memory for you. v