Fish, Macklin off to hot starts this college baseball season

Ben Fish and Xavier Macklin ... in their Little League days!



Campbell Univeristy sophomore Ben Fish and N.C. A&T University junior Xavier Macklin now!

The two all-time RBI-leaders from Rocky Mount and Nash Central met up, perhaps, for the last time last weekend.

Former Gryphon catcher Ben Fish is now behind the plate as a sophomore at Campbell University, while one of Nash Central's greatest athletes, Xavier Macklin, is a junior outfielder for the N.C. A&T University Aggies. Their two schools met in a four-game set last weekend and the Camels won the series 3-1.

Both have had solid starts to the season already. Macklin, after four starts, has three home runs, knocked in seven and is batting .428.

Fish, after three stints in the lineup, has two doubles, four RBI and is batting .429.

Two summers ago, the twosome provided plenty of power for the Coleman-Pitt Post 58 American Legion baseball team that made a run at the state championship after claiming their first Area 1 title in decades.

The two comblined to hit 22 home runs and knock in 73 batters in an awesome display of offense.

But Macklin will likely not be around for his senior season in Greensboro. The two-time All-MEAC performer, is expected to go pro after the MLB Draft in June.

Thanks to Ben's dad Don for providing the above pictures and turning the clock back on these two.

Help out Gryphon baseball by purchasing discount cards

It may be a little known fact, except to parents, that baseball is the least funded of the major sports on the high school athletics landscape. The financial support is so much greater with football and basketball. 

And like the other 360 or so high school programs in the state, Rocky Mount's storied baseball program needs that help, too.

The five state championship banners hanging from the wall at Gryphon Stadium don't buy Turface, fertilizer and all the various sundries needed to support a prep baseball program.

To raise money for their assorted needs, Rocky Mount's baseball players are now selling discount cards to area businesses, restaurants and eateries.

Cost of the cards are $20 each and you can buy them from any Rocky Mount baseball player and from head coach Kent Cox. I would imagine if you stop by before any practice session the rest of the coming season at the Stadium, he will accommodate you.

Businesses on the cards include: Chick-fil-A, Outback Steakhouse, Lamana's, Gardner's Barbecue, Sonic, IHOP, Subway, Andy's, El Tapatio, Dunkin' Donuts, Domino's Pizza, Jersey Mike's, Zaxby's, Arby's, Texas Steakhouse, Shell Rapid Lube and The Bowling Center.

The cards are good for one year. So get one for any member of the family. The purchase price can be made up in a hurry!

The discounts include:

Chick-fil-A - Free sandwich w/meal purchase

Outback Steakhouse -  Free Bloomin' Onion w/adult entree

Lamana's - Free 8-pc. wings w/purchase

Gardner's - Free barbecue sandwich w/combo purchase

IHOP - 20% off entire check

Subway - Free 6" sub w/purchase of 6" sub

Andy's - Free orange/lemonade - no purchase necessary

El Tapatio - Buy a combo, 2nd purchase 1/2 off

Dunkin' Donuts - Buy 6 donuts/get 6 free

Domino's Pizza - Free med. pizza w/purchase of large pizza

Jersey Mike's - Free mini-Mike w/purchase of reg combo

Zaxsby's - Free meal deal w/purchase of meal

Arby's - Buy one roast beef sandwich, get one free

Texas Steakhouse - Free appetizer or dessert w/purchase of 2 steak entrees

Shell Rapid Lube - $5 off oil change

Bowling Center - Buy one game, get one free