Winston-Salem Warthogs to Honor Historic Baseball Team on Wednesday, August 29 at Ernie Shore Field
August 28, 2007 - Carolina League (CarL1)
Winston-Salem Dash News Release
WINSTON-SALEM, NC--The Pond Giants, the oldest semi-professional baseball team in the nation, will be honored at Ernie Shore Field on Wednesday, August 29 when the Winston-Salem Warthogs play host to the Kinston Indians. The Pond Giants, a former African-American semi-pro team based in Winston-Salem, were once considered the highest level of baseball for African-Americans in the Triad area.
In a pre-game ceremony, former members will be honored on the field for their contributions to the game of baseball. The Pond Giants are the oldest semi-pro baseball team in the nation with continued operation since its inception. The primary team in the Triad played from the 1920's through the late 1950's, according to an article by Anthony Hill, published in The Chronicle. The foundation of the team can actually be traced back to 1914 and having played its last game in 1998. Multiple players from the Pond Giants were signed to Major League contracts. The following special guests from that historic team will be honored on the field prior to the Warthogs game on Wednesday with the first pitch scheduled for 7 PM.
Nelson Petree began as a player in 1944 and in 1960 became Owner / Manager / Player. A graduate of Atkins High School, Petree played first base.
Willie "Chic" Carter started in 1947, and was an outfielder and a pitcher. Carter was one of the city's first African-American firefighters. Carter is a graduate of Atkins High School and Winston-Salem State University.
Harold Marcus a member of the 1962 Pond Giants. Marcus was a pitcher and later became a coach. He graduated from Atkins High School.
Witt Lowery, and infielder, was also a member of the 1962 Pond Giants. Lowery is a world renowned boxing trainer.
Gene Griffin, an outstanding outfielder, was a member of the 1964 Pond Giants. He is a graduate of Atkins High School.
Marvin Shaw, a 1966 member of the Pond Giants, signed with the Boston Red Sox and played with the Winston-Salem Red Sox as an outfielder. He graduated from Atkins High School and North Carolina A&T State University.
Floyd Green graduated from Anderson High School and played with the Pond Giants in 1968.
Ron Jessup served as team captain in 1972. He is a graduate of Winston-Salem State University.
Ron Fowler is a graduate of East Forsyth High School and attended Winston-Salem State University. He started with the Pond Giants in 1976 as an infielder
Charles "Chuck" Foster was the 10th man in the dugout. He was responsible for stats and the history of the Pond Giants.
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