Louisburg College:mgolf

General Overview: The Louisburg College baseball program has been one of the most successful programs in the country for the past forty-six years. The Hurricanes have won twenty-five conference championships, ten district championships and have made ten appearances in the NJCAA College World Series. In 2002, the Hurricanes finished 51-11 (a school record for wins) and made their tenth trip to the College World Series in Grand Junction, Colorado, finishing sixth in the country. During the course of the past forty-six years, over eighty players have signed professional contracts. In the program’s history, twelve Louisburg College alumni have played major league baseball. Numerous players have continued to play baseball at four-year institutions. The baseball program competes year-round on Frazier Field and remains a huge source of pride for our campus and our community.

History: Only one word can describe Louisburg College Baseball over the last 40 years and that is EXCELLENCE. Russ Frazier became the Hurricanes baseball coach in 1959 and led the Hurricanes to national prominence during his tenure of 40 years. Coach Frazier directed the Hurricanes to 22 conference titles, nine district championships and nine trips to the National Junior College World Series in Grand Junction, Colorado, while compiling a record of 1034- 390. Russ Frazier built a program rich in baseball talent with a firm commitment to academics. Over 70 percent of his players have gone on to graduate from four-year schools.

Twelve former Hurricanes have made it to the Major Leagues, including Otis Nixon, Greg Briley, and Chad Fonville. Over 75 Louisburg College players signed and played professional baseball. Very few junior college programs parallel Louisburg College’s baseball tradition. The dedication of Coach Frazier and all the players that donned the navy and red have made the program one of the finest junior college baseball programs in the nation.

In the spring of 1999, Russ Frazier retired as the Hurricanes’ baseball coach. In June, while serving as Athletic Director, he named Billy Godwin as his successor. On October 2, 1999, in ceremony at Frazier Field, Coach Frazier’s jersey number 18 was retired and a sign to signify his place in Louisburg College baseball history is now hanging underneath the scoreboard in left field.
On January 7, 2005, Coach Frazier received college baseball’s most prestigious honor when he was inducted into the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) Hall of Fame.

The fall of 2005 will begin a new era in Hurricane baseball history as Tommy Atkinson begins his first season as head coach after serving as an assistant coach for six seasons under the direction of former Head Coach Billy Godwin. Louisburg College welcomes Coach Atkinson in his new role and has every confidence in his ability to lead the Hurricanes and continue our great winning tradition.

Russ Frazier
Head Baseball Coach
1959-1999

Frazier Field was built in the late 1960s, has emerged into one the nicest junior college facilities in the nation. Nestled in the west corner of the campus and partially surrounded by white pine trees, Frazier Field sits only 200 yards from Holton Gymnasium and is only a five-minute walk from the five residence halls on campus. The field was dedicated “Frazier Field” in the spring of 1977, named for the long time coach Russ Frazier, who led the Hurricanes for more than 40 years and amassed more than 1000 victories.

Frazier Field, complete with lights and irrigation system, seats approximately 700. The field boasts a concession area, 40-foot dugouts for the visitors and bathrooms. In 1985, a 20-foot screen was erected from left centerfield to right centerfield. In 1999, new fencing was placed around 85 percent of the field, two new chain link batting cages were installed behind the third base dugout and nine World Series signs were hung on the outfield fence to signify the Hurricanes nine trips to the National Junior College World Series in Grand Junction, Colorado. In the fall of 2000, a new air-conditioned press box was erected directly behind home plate. In the spring of 2002, construction was completed on the field house, which includes a 70-foot dugout and a 1400 square foot dressing facility. Pro-style lockers were added in the spring of 2003. In 2004, a backstop net system was installed from dugout to dugout. The field measures 330 feet down the left field foul line, 360 in the left field power alley, 360 feet to center field, 355 feet to the right field power alley and 310 feet down the right field foul line. The beautiful hybrid Bermuda tifton grass allows for year round play and gives the field a “golf course” appearance.

Built in the late 60’s, Frazier Field has emerged into one the nicest Junior College facilities in the nation. Nestled in the west corner of the campus and partially surrounded by white pine trees, Frazier Field sits only 200 yards from Holton Gymnasium and is only a five-minute walk from the five residence halls on campus. The field was dedicated “Frazier Field” in the spring of 1977 and named for the long time coach Russ Frazier, who lead the Hurricanes for more than 40 years and amassed more than 1000 victories.

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Developmental Team: Due to the high level of interest in the Louisburg College Baseball program, the Hurricanes added a developmental team in 2003. The purpose of this program is to focus on player development and serve as a bridge for high school players who want to play varsity baseball at Louisburg College.

Head Varsity Coach Tommy Atkinson is excited about the developmental team and believes that the developmental program benefits each of it’s players and builds a stronger varsity program. The developmental team will allow the coaching staff to evaluate aplayer longer, and allow that player to work under the Hurricane system with the goal of eventually playing for the varsity team. This program will give each player the opportunity to play immediately and gain valuable playing experience.

For more information, contact:
Head Coach John Thomas at
919-497-3328
jcthomas@louisburg.edu