DURHAM, N.C. – The Coastal Plain League (CPL) announced this afternoon that Drew Harrison of the Boone Bigfoots was named the TrackMan 2025 CPL Starter of the Year.

“It’s an incredible honor to be named the Coastal Plain League’s Starting Pitcher of the Year,” said Harrison. “With so many talented players across the league, I’m grateful to be recognized for the hard work I put in this summer.”

A freshman at Pearl River Community College, Harrison made seven starts on the summer and finished with a league-best 5-0 record and a respectable 3.29 ERA, which as tied for tops among starting pitchers in the CPL. In 41 innings of work, he gave up 16 runs – 15 earned – on 25 hits, walked just 15 and struck out a league-best 51.

“Drew was a true number 1 for us, making every start,” said Boone head coach Craig McAndrews. “He’s very dedicated to his craft and his work ethic is second to none. Not many guys throw four pitches for strikes every outing, and that’s a big reason for why he was the best pitcher in the CPL this year.”

The 6-2, 195-pound right-hander also led the league in batting average against at .171, while sporting a WHIP of 0.98, K/9 of 11.195 and BB/9 of 3.293. On an individual game basis, Harrison recorded 10 punch outs twice, both on the road. In Martinsville on July 11, he struck out 10 in 5 innings against three walks; and then a week later on July 17 at High Point-Thomasville, he added another 10-strikeout outing versus giving up three hits and a pair of walks.

“My time with the Boone Bigfoots and in the CPL was an unforgettable experience,” continued Harrison. “Competing against high-level players every night and working alongside great coaches and teammates pushed me to grow as both a pitcher and a person. The league gave me a chance to develop my game in a competitive environment, and I know it’s going to benefit me moving forward.”

While the league will be looking to unveil its All-CPL Teams for the 2025 season next week, one can safely assume that Harrison will be listed as a member of the First Team All-CPL pitching staff. All player awards are selected after gathering feedback from head coaches and league officials, as well as seasonal statistical analysis.

“I want to thank my coaches, teammates, and the Boone Bigfoots organization for all their support this summer,” Harrison stated. “I’m also thankful to the CPL for providing such a great platform for players like me to compete and get better. I’m excited to carry what I learned here into the next stage of my career.”

About Coastal Plain League:
The Coastal Plain League is the nation’s premier and most innovative summer collegiate baseball league. The CPL is currently comprised of 15 franchises playing in Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. To date, the CPL has had over 1,800 alumni drafted, and 201 alums make their Major League debut. Most notable alumni include Justin Verlander, Ryan Zimmerman, Mark Reynolds, Kevin Youkilis, Chris Taylor, Alec Bohm, Jake Cave, Chas McCormick and NFL Super Bowl champion Russell Wilson. For more information on the Coastal Plain League, please visit the league website at www.coastalplain.com, and be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok @CPLBaseball.

About Capitol Broadcasting Company:
Capitol Broadcasting Company, Inc. is a diversified communications company which owns and/or operates WRAL-TV, WRAZ-TV, WRAL-FM, WRAL-HD2, WNGT-CD, WCMC-FM, WCMC-HD1, WDNC-AM, WCMC-HD2, WCMC-HD3, WCLY-AM, WCMC-HD4, Microspace, WRAL Digital and Wolfpack Sports Properties (a joint venture with Learfield) in Raleigh, NC; WILM-TV, WILT-LD and Sunrise Broadcasting in Wilmington, NC; The Durham Bulls Baseball Club, Bull City Hospitality and Coastal Plain League in Durham, NC; The Holly Springs Salamanders in Holly Springs, NC; the American Underground startup hub in Durham, NC; and real estate interests including the American Tobacco Historic District in Durham, NC, and Rocky Mount Mills in Rocky Mount, NC.