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BUIES CREEK, N.C. – Campbell's own Kenny Milton was honored as Alumnus of the Year and MLB veteran Carl Willis served as special guest speaker at the sixth annual CU Baseball First Pitch Dinner Friday night at McCall Court.
Just 35 days from the first pitch of the 2014 season, Campbell head coach Greg Goff and Director of Athletics Bob Roller began the night with welcomes and a recap of the Camels' record-setting 2013 year. Following dinner, former CU submariner Kenny Milton was honored as the program's alumnus of the year.
Milton, a 1988 CoSIDA Academic All-American, lettered from 1986-89 for the Camels, and still holds Campbell career records for total (97) and relief appearances (88). The right-handed pitcher also stands second in both career ERA (3.60) and saves (18).
In 1988, Milton went 6-1 with eight saves and a 3.19 ERA in 27 appearances, posting 10.16 strikeouts per 9 innings pitched, which still holds as a school single season record.
Featured speaker Carl Willis, most recently the pitching coach for the Seattle Mariners, shared his journey through baseball.
Willis, a Danville, Va. native, worked with the Mariners' organization since 2010, and served as the Cleveland Indians pitching coach from 2003-09. Willis has guided three pitchers to Cy Young awards, including CC Sabathia in 2007, Cliff Lee in 2008 and Felix Hernandez in 2010.
During his 11 year MLB career, Willis was a relief pitcher for the Detroit Tigers, Cincinnati Reds, Chicago White Sox and Minnesota Twins. Willis was a member of two World Series champion teams, the Tigers in 1984 and the Twins in the 1991.
The 2014 Camels, plus the coaching and support staff were also introduced at the event.
The Camels open the 2014 season on Friday, Feb. 14, hosting La Salle at Jim Perry Stadium.
Campbell has won 90 games over the last two seasons, including a school record 49 in 2013.
The Camels finished 2013 with a school record 49 wins, claiming the Big South's Regular Season Championship and ending the year runner-up in the league tournament. The team was ranked No. 28 by Collegiate Baseball in the publication's final poll.
The Camels, led by 2013 Big South Coach of the Year Greg Goff, return 16 letterwinners from last season's record-setting team, including All-Big South performers Ryan Thompson (Big South Pitcher of the Year), Elijah Trail, Heath Bowers and Clayton Brown. CU also welcomes 17 newcomers to the fold.
Thompson, an All-America selection last season, was named Preseason All-America by the NCBWA last week.
