DURHAM, N.C. – The Coastal Plain League (CPL) recognized this morning Macon infielder Grant Jordan as the winner of its Sportsmanship Award for the 2026 season.

The Sportsmanship Award is a recognition of outstanding character, respect, and integrity both on and off the field. Each CPL team was encouraged to select one player to nominate as a representative of their organization, highlighting that individual’s positive attitude, fair play, leadership, and dedication to the spirit of the game. Teams then voted on the player they felt best embodied these values during the season and is not only a good representative for their team, but also of the CPL.

“It means a lot to be recognized for this honor,” said Jordan. “I credit it to my upbringing and being able to keep the game a kid’s game and just have fun.”

Jordan was described as one of those players that any coach wants on their team. He is the guy that not only works incredibly hard, but he makes his teammates better too. Coming in for the summer and only knowing a few of his teammates from Georgia Southern, Jordan quickly took on a leadership role. He consistently exhibited his passion for the game each night to where he was not only liked by his teammates and coaches but also noticed by those in the opposing dugout for playing the game the right way.

Off the field, he was the first one to volunteer in team activities with the organization. Team staff noted that he would stay the longest to sign autographs and was always willing to chat with a kid or a family after games.

But perhaps even more noteworthy of his character is the fact that Jordan came to Macon as a shortstop that already had won a gold glove in college but was willing to play anywhere that helped the Bacon team. He ended up playing first for most of the season and was the starting first baseman for the CPL West All-Stars.

“Grant 100% exemplifies what it is to be a sportsman on and off the field,” stated Macon head coach Jesse Litsche. “He is a great teammate and is liked by everyone he comes in contact with and plays the game the right way. It is no shock to me that he has had so much success in his baseball career thus far.”

Now headed to Florida Southern for his senior year, Jordan played in 40 games this summer for the Bacon, slashing .300/.393/.429. He had 42 hits, including seven doubles, a triple, and three home runs. He scored 36 runs and tallied 41 RBIs while also walking 15 times and swiping 14 bags.

“Grant is one of those guys that you will always remember,” echoed Macon Managing Partner and President Brandon Raphael. “Not just for his play on the field, but how he interacts with the front office, his teammates, coaches, and the fans. He was involved well beyond the playing field and is a remarkable human being. We are so proud of Grant and such a well-deserved honor.”

All in all, Grant is one of those guys that people remember. Not necessarily because of his play on the field, but for how he carried himself before, during, and after games.

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 dsCPL has had over 1,800 alumni drafted, and 216 alums make their Major League debut. Most notable alumni include Justin Verlander, Ryan Zimmerman, Mark Reynolds, Kevin Youkilis, Chris Taylor, Jake Cave, Alec Bohm, 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, WCMC-HD4, Microspace, and WRAL Digital in Raleigh, NC; WILM-TV and WILT-LD 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 Zebulon Devil Dogz in Zebulon, NC; the American Underground startup hub in Durham, NC; and real estate interests including the American Tobacco Historic District in Durham, NC; Rocky Mount Mills in Rocky Mount, NC; MoJud Lofts in Greensboro, NC; and The Thread in Rock Hill, SC.