Whitfield will take over Parrott baseball program

By News-Argus Staff
Published in Sports on June 7, 2014 11:08 PM

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rcoggins@newsargus.com

KINSTON -- Sit down a few minutes and talk about baseball to George Whitfield.

His eyes twinkle.

The timber of his voice changes.

An unbridled enthusiasm and passion for the game the 77-year-old, nine-time Hall of Famer holds dear to his heart keeps your undivided attention.

And now, after an eight-year hiatus from coaching, he is going to roam the dugout again next spring.

Whitfield has officially accepted the head varsity baseball job at Arendell-Parrott Academy. He replaces Steve Bryant, who moved into a full-time administrative position at the school in March.

"As long as the good Lord has blessed me and I have good health, why not go have a little fun and see what happens?" said Whitfield, who started the baseball program at Pitt Community College, and had coaching stints at Mississippi State and East Carolina.

"It's going to be a new experience and I'm looking forward to it. At my age, you're looking forward to getting up in the morning."

Whitfield didn't get an opportunity to meet the team since the academic school year has ended. However, he does plan to travel to each player's home and sit down with them and their parents over the next few weeks.

At that time, he'll talk about his expectations of the players and what goals -- short- and long-term -- that he has for them and the program. Parrott reached the semifinals of the N.C. Independent Schools Athletic Association Class 2-A playoffs this past spring. Three seniors graduated off a squad that fashioned a 14-3 record.

The Patriots have made 13 postseason appearances since 2000, and emerged as state runners-up in 2002 and 2003.,

"I hope we can put a competitive team on the field," said Whitfield, who coached teams to eight state championships on the high school and American Legion levels during a 47-year stint.

"I don't know much about the league and I don't know any of the coaches in it, so it will be a new experience for me. I plan to teach the players discipline and what it takes to give 100 percent."

Whitfield also wants to see camaraderie among the players and a good team spirit no matter the outcome on game day.

Still, the hire was unexpected.

"Six weeks ago, Dr. Bert Bright, who was the assistant headmaster at Parrott, mentioned to me about coaching the team," said Whitfield, who is a recipient of the prestigious Order of the Long Leaf Pine.

"I thought he was kidding to start with. We didn't talk again for five weeks or so. I finally went over Thursday and visited him. I thought, what the heck, why not? We'll see what happens."