Former Peninsula Pilot, P.J. Higgins, made his Major League debut May 19 for the Chicago Cubs. Higgins entered the game as a pinch-hitter in the fourth inning, then taking over at first base in the field of the Cubs 4-3 loss to the Washington Nationals.

Higgins was drafted in the 12th round of the 2015 MLB Draft by the Cubs out of Old Dominion University. The catcher and utility player  put together a .273 average with 21 home runs  and 193 RBIs across six minor league seasons. After a strong spring training with the Cubs in 2021 he almost made the Opening Day roster before the team ultimately decided to bring in veteran Tony Walters as their backup to start the year. Walters was designated for assignment on May 19 making room for Higgins to join the team.

Higgins played for the Pilots during the 2014 season, finishing as an All-Star with a .356 average, seven doubles, four triples and 28 RBIs across 42 games played. His debut marks the 143rd all-time former CPL player to make their major league debut and the fourth of the 2021 MLB season. This debut also pushes the Pilots major league alumni total to 11.

About Coastal Plain League:
The Coastal Plain League, brought to you by FloSports, is the nation’s premier summer collegiate baseball league. Celebrating its 25th season in 2021, the CPL features 15 franchises playing in Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. To date, the CPL has had over 1,650 alumni drafted and 142 alums make their Major League debut – including 2017 ALCS MVP, 2017 World Series champion, 2011 AL MVP and Cy Young award winner Justin Verlander, as well as 2017 NLCS MVP Chris Taylor. 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.