NCCU Baseball opens first season in 32 years

NCCU Baseball opens first season in 32 years

February 6, 2007

DURHAM, N.C. -- For the first time since 1975, North Carolina Central University Eagles will take the field for a game of baseball on Wednesday (Feb. 7) at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park when NCCU hosts Wingate University at 2 p.m. Admission is free.

"Wednesday will be a historic day for NCCU," said NCCU Director of Athletics Bill Hayes. "After 32 years, baseball is back. NCCU has a proud baseball tradition, with several former Eagles going on to play professionally. And while NCCU is moving forward with the transition to Division I athletics competition, the return of baseball is another example of our efforts to restore and recognize our glorious past.

"NCCU Athletics would like to thank Capital Broadcasting Company, the Durham Bulls Baseball Club and Struever Bros. Eccles & Rouse for their support in resurrecting the Eagles baseball program," Hayes added.

The Eagles will be led by head baseball coach Henry White, who enters his 33rd year of coaching, including 21 years as head baseball coach at Saint Augustine's College. NCCU's roster includes 22 student-athletes, with 15 hailing from the state of North Carolina.

Wingate enters the contest with a 1-2 overall record. After dropping their first two contests, the Bulldogs are coming off a 12-1 victory over Newberry College on Feb. 3. Since 1994, Wingate has won four South Atlantic Conference tournament titles and has made four trips to the NCAA playoffs.

Following Wednesday's season-opener, NCCU returns to the Durham Bulls Athletic Park on Feb. 10-11 for a weekend series with Benedict College. Saturday's doubleheader will start at 1 p.m., while Sunday's single contest will begin at 12 noon.

For more information, visit the NCCU Baseball web site at: http://www.nccu.edu/campus/athletics/bshome.html