Arms Race Continues for Edenton
Edenton, NC – One month until the Steamers return to the diamond for the 2023 season.
How does the old baseball saying go “You can never have enough pitching”, this season Steamers are taking that to heart.
RHP John Horton (Norfolk State University, Left), RHP Ethan Levy (Catawba Valley Community College, middle), and LHP Carson Veasey (Catawba Valley Community College, right) add to the Clams staff as opening day gets closer.
Horton, the oldest of the three, brings versatility and filthy breaking stuff out of the pen. In 14 appearances the 6’1 220 lb junior has 22 strikeouts, 1 save, and 29.2 innings. Horton transferred to Norfolk from Patrick & Henry Community College after his sophomore year. With the Patriots, Horton was punching more tickets than the Polar Express.
In 26.2 innings Horton struck out 30 batters averaging a little over 10 per 9 innings. Horton features a fastball that sits in the high 80s to low 90s, a slider with a lot of downward break, a split-finger fastball, and a curveball.
“John is a great veteran arm that we think can bring a lot to our bullpen this summer,” Steamers General Manager Tyler Russell said. “At NSU, he has shown the ability to come out of the bullpen and throw multiple innings. That could go a long way as we consider his potential to start some games as well.”
Levy, like Horton, has phenomenal strikeout stuff on the mound paired with excellent control. In 12 appearances, the Fuquay-Varina, NC native has 16 strikeouts and only 4 walks in 12.2 innings of work. The 6-2 210 lb North Carolina kid features a fastball in the high 80s, a cut fastball, a changeup, and a curveball.
“Ethan is a guy that likes to fill up the zone with fastballs,” Russell said. “His mid to upper 80s speed is complimented by his plus-breaking ball. He has exhibited his ability to throw strikes this spring rather well, as his strikeout-to-walk ratio shows. His presence in the bullpen could be big this summer.”
Veasey limits hard contact from the left side of the rubber. In 12 appearances with the Red Hawks, the 6’2 200lb freshman southpaw has 14 strikeouts, 10.2 innings, and just two outings where he gave up more than 2 hits.
“Carson is another crafty reliever that looks to make an impact for us. He has a great slider to go along with his low-mid 80s fastball,” Russell said. “Like his college teammate, he carries a high number of strikeouts per nine innings, and has kept his walks to a minimum.”
Levy and Veasey each pitched at Faquay-Varina High School and helped the Bengals win the state championship in 2021. Levy served as the anchor for staff throwing over 131 innings and finishing with a 1.58 ERA.
“With Opening Day just around the corner, we are starting to feel the crunch of adding the last few players to the roster. This is certainly a great trio of pitchers to add to the mix. We look for all three guys to slot into the heart of the bullpen, and are looking forward to seeing what all three can do for the Teal and Black,” Russell said.
About the Edenton Steamers
The Edenton Steamers are proudly celebrating their 26th season of summer collegiate baseball in 2023. Looking to defend their Premier Collegiate League championship from last season, the Steamers will open their home schedule against the Tarboro River Bandits on Friday June 2nd, at Historic Hicks Field. The Steamers have had over 110 alumni drafted, and 20 to make it to Major League Baseball. Be sure to follow the Teal and Black on social media to stay up to date with all things Steamers. You can find the team on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube @edentonsteamers. For more information visit edentonsteamers.com or call (252) 482-4080.