May 31

May 31 Kinston Post 43 starts American Legion season Friday

Kinston Post 43's Malik Dixon gets a hit earlier this year against Pitt County Post 39 at Kinston High School. Photo by William 'Bud' Hardy / Neuse News

By Junious Smith III

The high school baseball season may be over, but quite a few local players will continue to play.

The American Legion season opener for Kinston Post 43 is Friday against Jacksonville Post 265 at White Oak High School, and the team’s first five games are on the road. Kinston Post 43’s first home game is scheduled for June 11 against Wilson Post 13 at Kinston High School.

Terry Boyles, the American Legion state committee chairman, has been the athletic officer of Kinston Post 43 since the team came back to the city. Boyles said the opportunity for the athletes to continue playing through the summer is what it’s all about.

“This is our 22nd year since revitalizing the team,” Boyles said. “The hopes are always to win a state championship, but the main objective is to give the boys a chance to play, get seen by college coaches and help fulfill their dreams no matter what they are. As American Legion adult leaders, we want to give the youth in the community a chance to participate in sports and enjoy it.”

Last season, Kinston Post 43 manager Ty Eason’s first, the team went 10-8 made it to the postseason. This year, Eason said he sees plenty of potential, especially on the offensive side of the ball.

“I think we’re going to improve upon last year,” Eason said. “We’ve got plenty of strong hitters and with this being my second year, I’ve been able to learn more of the ins and outs of coaching. I’m excited for the guys on the roster — we have a bit of an older team, but also have some of the youngest guys I’ve seen on the team, like South Lenoir’s Jon Howard and North Lenoir’s Trevor Sears and Jamir Jones-Gatling.

“We also have the most guys we’ve seen on the roster in a long time. We definitely have the potential this year and our college freshmen will be a big part.”

Here’s the roster of players for Kinston Post 43, along with the schools they’re representing:

Jensen Barwick (South Lenoir/Barton commit)

Cameron Butler (North Lenoir/Lenoir Community College)

Jalin Conner (Greene Central)

Malik Dixon (North Lenoir/University of Mount Olive commit)

Jayden Gatling (North Lenoir)

Brendon Grant (North Lenoir/Chowan commit)

Jon Howard (South Lenoir)

Peyton Howard (North Lenoir/William Peace commit)

Christian Jones (Arendell Parrott/Winston-Salem State)

Jamir Jones-Gatling (North Lenoir)

Austin Joyner (North Lenoir)