Wakefield baseball
During his signing ceremony last week, Wakefield senior — and future UNC-Wilmington baseball player — Josh Abshire (center, seated) was joined by his family, including father Les (clockwise, from left), brother Cole, sister Claire and mom Edy.
Abshire commits to Seahawks
Since making his verbal commitment to UNC-Wilmington this summer, Wakefield senior baseball player Josh Abshire has done his best to acclimate himself with the coastal university's campus.
Have visited the school a handful of times since, Abshire admitted he's driven around to get his bearings at his future home.
On Thursday, Nov. 12, Abshire officially became a member of the Seahawks' baseball program, signing his letter of intent papers with the perennial power in the Colonial Athletic Association.
"I know I made the decision a few months ago, but it's great to finally get it done and I'm looking forward to getting down there and playing," the senior said, following his signing ceremony in Wakefield High's Media Center.
According to Wakefield baseball coach Ed Hall, the Seahawks are getting an excellent catcher and tireless worker — traits Abshire showed early in his high school career.
"He has always been a kid with a good work ethic," the coach said. "He started catching some as a sophomore even though we had Jeremy Dowdy — who is at Appalachian State.
We have always thought a lot of his defensive ability."
Abshire's offensive statistics have improved in recent seasons, and the senior is expected to be a leader for the Wolverines.
"Over the last year, year and a half, he has begun to swing the bat real well," Hall said. "And he is probably one of the best baserunners we have. He's a kid who's kept working hard and developed his skills."
The Wolverine's superb athleticism helps him stand above the crowd as well.
"If he weren't such a good catcher, he could easily play the outfield," Hall added.
In addition to being one of the most competitive programs in college baseball — the Seahawks made the NCAA tournament as recently as 2008 — Wilmington has shown a propensity for producing professional baseball players.
In fact, Abshire will be one of the candidates to replace Seahawk catcher Cody Stanley, who is expected to be selected in next year's MLB draft.
The Wakefield senior said the opportunity to play early is exciting, and one of the reasons he was drawn to Wilmington.
The Seahawks finished 31-23 last year under head coach Mark Scalf, falling to Georgia State in the CAA tournament championship game.
Josh Abshire (seated, center) signed his letter of intent to play baseball at UNC-Wilmington next year. During the signing ceremony, the Wakefield senior posed for photographs with coaches and family, including Wakefield baseball coach Ed Hall (standing, from left), athletic director Dexter Cooley, brother Cole, sister Claire, Wakefield principal Mark Savage, father Les (seated, left) and mother Edy (seated, right).
