ALBEMARLE — The Uwharrie Wampus Cats recently announced that they are in need of host families for their players as they work to complete their 2024 summer roster.
This will be the team’s second season after last year’s inaugural campaign.
“Our host families receive season tickets to the Wampus Cats’ 25 home games this summer for their household and will also receive a signed ball by our 2024 team,” the wood-bat collegiate baseball team said in a social media post. “This is an exciting way to form a bond with a collegiate baseball player, as well as a great way to be involved with the Albemarle community. If you may be interested, please let us know.”
Anyone interested in becoming a host family can contact Greg Sullivan at [email protected] or call 706-255-5539. The team also announced that it is seeking business partnership opportunities and offering internship opportunities.
At the end of January, the Cats revealed they joined the Southern Collegiate Baseball League for this upcoming season and will begin play in their new Major League Baseball-supported circuit from late May to late July.
Jayson James will serve as the team’s new head coach, while Jayson James was later announced as the new Uwharrie general manager.
“I feel beyond blessed and excited for the opportunity to work with the Wampus Cats as general manager,” James said in a team press release. “I’m looking forward to the success I know we’ll have as a team, and I’m excited to help grow the team and make sure it’s a staple in the community for years to come.”
Over the past two months, the Wampus Cats have locked in some returns and new additions to their 2024 summer roster.
In February, the team announced newcomer Lenoir Community College pitcher Bryson Butler, and welcomed back St. Andrews University infielder Aiden Wilson, Williams College pitcher JH Vaughan, Wake Technical Community College pitcher Sawyer Smith, and Erskine College infielder Kipp Thornton.
Uwharrie also brought back USC-Sumter infielder BJ Williams, who led the Cats in batting average (.347) and home runs (4) last summer in 75 at-bats; Williams recently committed to Jackson State where he will play at the NCAA Division I level.
In March, the team added three more newcomers: Gardner-Webb pitcher Burton Rawlings, St. Lawrence University pitcher Jared Brenner, and Cleveland Community College outfielder Luke Chantry.
Last season, over 6,000 fans attended home games at Albemarle’s Don Montgomery Park as the Cats managed to put together an 18-17 winning record in their first season.