Updated March 13 2017
For the third time this preseason, the Steamers are excited to announce the signing of two university teammates. The Teal and Black have inked Nick Spear and Austin Cox from the Mercer University Bears of Georgia in the NCAA Division I Southern Conference.
Nick Spear, an Atlanta native, spent the 2016 summer in the Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League playing for the Lima Locos in Ohio. The right-handed pitcher appeared 19 times, all in relief. The 5’11” 180-pound sophomore threw 20.1 innings and recorded 12 saves, a .74 WHIP and 1.38 ERA. Batters hit just .123 off him and had a slugging percentage of only .138. Spear also racked up 33 strikeouts to seven walks. He was named a midseason all-star and notched the save in that game. He led the Great Lakes in saves and ended third in strikeouts among relievers.
Spear possesses all the ingredients of a dominant CPL closer, featuring both the intangibles moxie and competitiveness; this is backed by a low 90s heater and two different out-pitch breaking balls. Spear is filling the role of closer this spring for the Bears. Through nine appearances and 12 innings, he is 3-0 with two saves, allowing just a 1.08 WHIP, .146 average against while piling up 16 punchouts.
Austin Cox, a left-handed pitcher, will come to the Steamers after also spending the 2016 summer with the Lima Locos. The 6’4” 230-pound sophomore appeared 12 times in relief. The Forsyth, GA native threw 18.2 innings with a 1.02 WHIP and 1.45 ERA while fanning 21. Opponents hit just .164 against him during the 2016 summer campaign.
A rare true, power, southpaw in college baseball, Cox brings a large build and a fastball that runs into the low 90s along with a filthy slider when it is on. After dominating in the bullpen in the second half of 2016 and last summer in the Great Lakes, he is currently stretching into a starter’s role at Mercer. If his command and repertoire develop accordingly, he could be a powerful element to consider in the rotation this summer for Edenton. Through his first 17.2 frames in 2017, Cox has torn up the strike zone to the tune of 26 strikeouts to only five base on balls.
The Edenton Steamers will proudly be celebrating their 20th anniversary season as a member of the Coastal Plain League in 2017. The season will begin on Tuesday May 30th when the Morehead City Marlins visit Historic Hicks Field. Be sure to follow the Teal and Black on social media to stay up to date with all things Steamers. You can find the team on Facebook @EdentonSteamers, Twitter @EdentonCPL, Instagram @edentonsteamers, and Snapchat @edentonsteamers. For more information visit edentonsteamers.com or call (252) 482-4080.
The Coastal Plain League is the nation’s premier summer collegiate baseball league. Celebrating its 22nd season in 2018, the CPL features 16 teams playing in Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. The CPL has had over 1,450 alumni drafted and 111 of those – including 2011 AL MVP and Cy Young winner Justin Verlander – make their Major League debut; while another notable alum – Russell Wilson – won Super Bowl XLVIII. For more information on the Coastal Plain League, please visit the league website at www.coastalplain.com and follow us via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat @CPLBaseball..Contact:Elijah Gonzalez
Phone:(252)482-4080