Steamers Welcome Back Award Winners
Edenton, NC – The Edenton Steamers have announced the return of four former award winners. The reigning Gieseke Gold Award winner (Steamers MVP) and outfielder Hunter Cole (Randolph-Macon College), the 2020 PCL MVP and outfielder Houston Wright (University of Tennessee-Martin), the 2021 Goodman Glove Award Winner (Steamers best defensive player) and catcher Case Kermode (University of Mount Olive), and the 2021 Evans Pitcher of the Year Award winner (Steamers best pitcher) and RHP Blake Gipson all return to Edenton for the summer.
Hunter Cole returns to the Clams coming off of a season in which he slashed .301/.441/.527 with five home runs and 17 RBIs in 27 games. The 2021 Gieseke Gold Award winner added some zip on the bath paths as well, posting a team-best 15 stolen bases. The sophomore from Randolph-Macon College is hitting .405 and has knocked in 34 runs in 28 games this spring for the Yellow Jackets. The man donned “Mr. Edenton” by his teammates will play his second straight season in the teal and black.
“Hunter really burst onto the scene with us early last season. It seemed like every time he stepped into the batter’s box, you knew something good was going to happen,” said Tyler Russell, Steamers’ general manager. “He also came into his own as a strong outfielder for us last summer, which was certainly a positive for us as he came to Edenton as a primary first baseman. We are looking forward to seeing if he can continue to build on the strong resume that he put together last summer.”
Case Kermode, coming off of an All Star 2021 campaign that included him winning the Goodman Glove Award, is returning for his third season as a Clam. Kermode’s defensive ability was displayed in his arm, throwing out six runners stealing last summer. Versatility was another part of Kermode’s defensive arsenal, playing behind the plate, in the outfield, and even some first base last season. He showed some pop at the plate last summer, hitting five home runs, which tied him for the team lead, and driving in 19 runs over 20 games. The 5-11 sophomore is one of two returners from the University of Mount Olive Trojans.
“Case is one of the grittiest players that I think I have ever seen. He is a true competitor, and will bring his best to the ballpark every day. Not only is he a huge asset behind the plate, but we know that we can use him around the field in other positions if needed,” Russell said. “He’s not a big guy, but he packs some sneaky pop into his strong swing. Not to mention, this guy is a great teammate and a great leader that some of our new players will gravitate towards. Edenton fans should certainly be excited to see this guy back in uniform for his third tour of duty.”
Another Trojan turned Steamer is Blake Gipson, the 2021 Evans Pitcher of the Year Award winner. The 2021 All Star is back in the teal and black after posting a 3.07 ERA and 16 strikeouts in 14.2 IP last summer. Gipson mainly served as a middle reliever last season, but did add a start for the Steamers. The 6-0 right-hander has been solid in his spring season with the University of Mount Olive, delivering a 4-0 record, 22 strikeouts, and 29.0 IP over nine appearances.
“I don’t think there was anybody on last summer’s team that smiled more than Blake. This guy absolutely loved being at the ballpark every day and being around the game. He’s a great teammate that everyone loves,” Russell said. “When it comes down to business, this guy is a bulldog on the mound. He goes right after hitters with his high velocity and great offspeed stuff. When you see him come in from the bullpen, you just know that the game is in good hands.”
A returner that’s etched his name into the Steamers’ record books is Houston Wright. The 2020 Gieseke Gold Award winner, and 2020 PCL MVP, owns the franchise record for batting average (.456) and RBIs (51) in a single season. The 6-3, 215 pound outfielder tacked on 14 home runs in his 27 games with the teal and black. Wright returns for his second season in Edenton. The senior outfielder at UT – Martin suffered an injury and played just 15 games in the spring season for the Skyhawks. Before the injury, Wright was hitting .225 and slugging .375 in 40 at-bats. He added on 9 hits, including three extra-base hits this spring. Wright intended to reunite with the Steamers in the 2021 season, before an injury sidelined him for the summer.
“Houston is one of the best hitters that we have seen in a Steamers uniform. He really set the league on fire back in 2020. His numbers from that season really speak for themselves, as he put together what was arguably the best offensive season in franchise history,” Russell said. “Unfortunately, he has been bitten by the injury bug since he left Edenton. But we are hopeful that a return to Historic Hicks Field will be exactly what he needs to get back on track.”
Kermode, Cole, and Wright bring a ton of power to the plate. Kermode and Cole were tied for the team lead in home runs a season ago (5), and Wright hit a team-leading 14 homers in the 2020 season.
Gipson is as reliable as middle relievers come. He posted an eight appearance stretch last season in which he only allowed one run.
“This is arguably one of the strongest quartets of players that we have ever been able to return for another season. All of these guys are in line to make a huge impact for this team, on both sides of the ball,” Russell said. “The trio of Cole, Kermode, and Wright could make up the heart of the batting order and should certainly strike fear into any opposing pitching staff. While Gipson is set to be a strong arm at the back of the bullpen that will help secure many Steamers victories. This group should really give the fans a lot to cheer for all summer long.”
About the Edenton Steamers
The Edenton Steamers are proudly celebrating their 25th season of summer collegiate baseball in 2022. The Steamers will open their home schedule against the Boone Bigfoot on Saturday June 4th, at Historic Hicks Field. The Steamers have had over 110 alumni drafted, and 20 to make it to Major League Baseball. 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, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube @edentonsteamers. For more information visit edentonsteamers.com or call (252) 482-4080.