All-Stars

This week the Coastal Plain League will announce its All-Star selections. This year's all-star festivities will take place in Forest City, North Carolina. They have a wonderful complex in Forest City and management does a real good job. I am looking forward to visiting Forest City again. Forest City was actually the newest team in the league until your Marlins moved to Morehead City.

I believe the Morehead City Marlins will be well-represented in this year's game. A lot of our players have put together real strong seasons thus far. The Coastal Plain League is usually a pitching dominated league, so many pitchers have had incredible seasons. If you're named an all-star as a pitcher, that certainly means something. Working in the league for four season now, I have seen many future minor leaguers play in this game.

The night before the game, the CPL will have a home run derby. That's usually fun to watch. Last year when I was with the HiToms, we were represented by Stewart Ijames from Louisville. He certainly was known for some moon shots. He didn't win it last year but he gave a great effort. Stewart was just drafted by the Yankees but hasn't signed yet. He is currently playing in the Cape Cod League this summer as a draft and follow player.

This is usually a great time to relax and talk to some of the other teams in the league. This also gives our players time to rest up for the stretch run to the Petitt Cup. They certainly need it.

If anyone wishes to know more about this all-star game or would like to attend, please call the Forest City Owls.