University of North Carolina Athletics
Summer Ball Dispatches: Adam Pate
June 12, 2015 | Baseball
Carolina baseball players leave Chapel Hill and spread out across the country to play in summer leagues. Throughout this summer, the Tar Heels will keep fans updated on their adventures though the Summer Ball Dispatches series. Rising junior Adam Pate, who hit leadoff and had two hits last night, checks in from the Cape.
Tar Heel fans,
I'm excited to be playing in Orleans, Massachusetts, this summer up in Cape Cod for the Orleans Firebirds. The small amount of time I have spent here so far has been incredible. It's safe to say I'm a country boy, and I realized quickly that I'm not in eastern North Carolina anymore. The “clam chowdah” and the passionate Red Sox fans in this part of the country stand out like Carolina Blue does back home. The Cape Cod League is well-known for bringing in some great athletes from throughout the country each summer. I'm thrilled to have the chance to compete with and against some awesome players. The Firebirds have players from the SEC, Pac-12, ACC, and numerous other major conferences.
There was a pretty good crowd for opening night this past Tuesday night despite the abnormally cool weather. There was nothing but a chilly wind and a steady mist rain, which made it difficult to see a fly ball from center field. This was very different from a North Carolina summer evening. The fans were covered in long pants and rain jackets. I have been reassured that things change as the summer progresses. The weather becomes warmer and more baseball-friendly and the crowds increase significantly. Orleans' home field has a big hill down the first baseline and right field. I am told that before too long, the massive hill will be full of fans sitting on lawn chairs and blankets. The atmosphere that has been described to me reminds me of a sold out Bosh on a Friday or Saturday night.
I am continuing to work hard each and every day this summer to come back to Chapel Hill in the fall a better ball player. I am beyond thankful for the opportunity to come to the most prestigious summer league in the country and to represent the best baseball program in all of the country, the University of North Carolina. I am enjoying my time in Cape Cod, and I look forward to returning for my junior season in Chapel Hill.
I look forward to seeing you all at the Bosh very soon.
God Bless and Go Heels,
