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36 May 2021 Outfielder Outfielder Terrmel Sledge Terrmel Sledge Third Base: Russ Adams, Toronto Blue Jays (2004-2009) Born and raised in nearby Scotland County, Russ Adams spent a half- decade as a utility infielder for the Blue Jays. Adams enjoyed a career-year in 2005 when he smacked eight home runs, drove in 63, and batted .256. Outfielder: Terrmel Sledge, Montreal Expos/Washington Nationals (2004-2005), San Diego Padres (2006-2007), Nippon Professional Baseball (2008-2012) "Army Brat" Sledge spent his early years in the vicinity of Fort Bragg before his family relocated to California. Sledge starred in college at Long Beach State and played for their 1998 College World Series team. He reached the majors in 2004 with the Montreal Expos, proving to be one of the bright spots on their final team before relocating to Washington, D.C. He batted .269 that season with 15 home runs and 69 runs batted in, finishing sixth in National League Rookie of the Year voting. Unfortunately, Sledge never again performed as well in the states but he did put together a tidy career playing for Japan's Hokkaido-Nippon Ham Fighters and the Yokohama Bay Stars. Sledge retired aer the 2012 season and got into coaching. For the past four seasons, Sledge has served as a hitting instructor in the Chicago Cubs organization. Outfielder: Alex Cole, Cleveland Indians (1990-1992), Pittsburgh Pirates (1992), Colorado Rockies (1993), Minnesota Twins (1994-1995), Boston Red Sox (1996) Cole, who was born in Fayetteville in 1965, was one of the most feared base-stealers of his generation, swiping at least 25 bases on four occasions during his MLB career. Twice he finished in the top 10 in his league in steals. During his rookie campaign in Cleveland, Cole stole a career-high 40 bases. On two other occasions, the speedy Cole finished in the top 10 in triples. Cole played primarily in centerfield and was widely acclaimed in baseball circles for his defensive prowess. He can also boast of being an original member of the Colorado Rockies expansion baseball team in 1993. Pitcher: Jim Bibby, St. Louis Cardinals (1972-1973), Texas Rangers (1973-1975, 1984), Cleveland Indians (1975-1977), Pittsburgh Pirates (1978-1983) Born and raised in Franklinton, Bibby is the only alum of the discontinued Fayetteville State baseball program to make it to the Major Leagues. Aer serving a tour in Vietnam, the right-handed Bibby began moving his way up the New York Mets farm system before being sent to St. Louis as part of an eight-man deal. Aer a cup of coffee with the big league Outfielder Alex Cole PHOTO COURTESY COLOR ADO ROCKIES PHOTO COURTESY LONG BE ACH STATE UNIVERSIT Y

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