Trio of Local Sharks Return to the Tank
March 23, 2015 - Coastal Plain League (Coastal Plain)
Wilmington Sharks News Release
Wilmington Sharks Sam Foy, Steven Linkous and Hunter Smith
(Wilmington Sharks)
Wilmington, NC - The Wilmington Sharks are pleased to announce that locals Sam Foy, Steven Linkous, and Hunter Smith will be returning to the Wilmington Sharks for the summer of 2015.
"One of our goals is to bring back hometown talent each year, and with this crop of guys, we accomplish that," says General Manager Pat Hutchins. "Many of the local kids played at Buck Hardee field in high school or for Legion ball, so it's nice for people in the community to be able to continue to follow these players."
Sam Foy, a Junior at Davidson College, is looking forward to coming home in May to play ball in the Coastal Plain League. "Playing in the CPL is a great opportunity to play a lot of baseball with new and old friends, and I'm glad I have to chance to do it again," says Foy.
Foy has started every game for the Davidson Wildcats in 2015, while swinging for an impressive .353 batting average with 24 hits in 17 games - currently tied for the most on the roster.
Richard Foy, Sam's father, is the Head Coach of New Hanover High School Wildcat Baseball Team - which also plays their home games at Buck Hardee Field.
"Having my dad around and getting to enjoy the game of baseball with him again will be awesome," says Foy. "He's always been a great coach and role model for me, and I'm glad to have another opportunity to play for and continue to learn the game from him."
Steven Linkous grew up on the other side of the Cape Fear River in Leland, and has stayed close to home as he continues his impressive career at UNC-Wilmington. Linkous was selected CAA Player of the Week 4/21 after going 7-9 over three games for the Seahawks.
Linkous was being noticed in the Coastal Plain League as well. He was named to the 2014 CPL Eastern All-Star Team, and was feared around the league for his lightning fast speed - stealing 32 bases for the Sharks in 2014. This league leading number was 6 ahead of teammate Nate Moorhouse, who will be returning to Wilmington as an assistant coach.
"I think it's awesome that Nate gets to come back. He knows a lot about the game and can push me to get better every day. I learned from him as a teammate, and I'm looking forward to calling him ¬ËCoach Moorhouse'", says Linkous.
Linkous began the summer with the Sharks manning the hot corner, but began seeing action in Center Field in early June - a position that Linkous has excelled in.
"I have really liked playing the outfield. It's where my future will be because of my speed, and I can best help my team out there - although the infield will always have a special place in my heart", adds Linkous, with a smile.
Hunter Smith will be a Shark for the third time in three years. Smith, a Junior at UNC-Greensboro, posted a 1.63 ERA and a 2-3 record on the mound for the Sharks in 2013, as well as striking out 26 batters while putting up a 1-2 record in 16 appearances out of the bullpen in 2014.
Smith, a two way standout from Whiteville, NC, has been praised for his work ethic. "We like Hunter because his priorities are in line," added Hutchins, "he worked at a local golf course last summer, and was up and ready to work by 6 in the morning. These are the type of kids we love having in our program."
Coach Parker Bangs has brought Foy, Linkous, and Smith back to Wilmington, and continues to search the nation for other talented ballplayers to the Shark Tank to work on their games during the summer of 2015.
"No matter how well or poorly you play the night before, you always start from scratch with a new game the next day. You have to learn to show up to the ball field with the same attitude and energy no matter what," says Foy, of the CPL's tough schedule.
The Wilmington Sharks will play 56 games in 68 days, with Opening Night falling on Tuesday, May 26th against the Edenton Steamers.
"I couldn't pass up another shot at the Petitt Cup with the Sharks," adds Foy.
Images from this story
 Wilmington Sharks Sam Foy, Steven Linkous and Hunter Smith |
Coastal Plain League Stories from March 23, 2015
- Trio of Local Sharks Return to the Tank - Wilmington Sharks
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