BASEBALL --Howard, Peacock, Harris sign national letters of intent

By John Joyce
Published in Sports on November 11, 2017 8:21 PM

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The celebration, draped wall-to-wall in purple and gold yet occasionally interrupted by threads of maroon and green, looked just like it should have.

After all, it was their signature design.

On Nov. 8, the trio of Chance Howard, Jonathan Peacock and Kolby Harris -- mainstays of a Rosewood High bullpen that reached the 1A Eastern Regional Final last spring -- realized a plan many years in the making, and with just the right amount of pomp and circumstance.

In front of a large crowd of teachers and extended family, the group signed national letters of intent to  play collegiate baseball.

Howard, a peerless leadoff hitter who finished last year with a robust .421 batting average, confirmed his plan to attend the University of North Carolina at Charlotte this fall.

For Peacock, a five-pitch technician who also manages the Eagles' corner office, the choice was North Carolina Central -- an institution he hopes will reinforce the ties he so enjoys at Rosewood.

Harris, the band's easygoing right-hander, chose the University of Mount Olive -- a school widely known for its prowess on the diamond.

A sturdy presence on the hill, Harris finished 7-1 last season with a 2.30 ERA (earned run average) in 10 appearances.

"Growing up, when you play with them (Howard and Harris) for as many years as you have, it's very special to have a bond on and off the field," Peacock said. "You can complete this journey and continue on with two of the guys you've been with for such a long time... it's a memory you'll never forget."