More than a bat boy: How UNC baseball pays tribute to late fan at College World Series

Posted Jun 13, 2024
J.R., was a UNC program fixture the past 18 years. He was a fan, bat boy, and friend to hundreds of players who came to know him through yearly visits. On May 6, he died peacefully and unexpectedly in his sleep at his home in Omaha, Nebraska. He was 31. The cause of death is still unknown, although his parents said it likely resulted from heart problems. (AOL.com)

Related: Baseball, Baseball Recruiting

Why Jackie Robinson Day is personal for UNC baseball pitcher Boston Flannery
Laura Flannery believes in coincidences. Her husband, Keith, does not. So when their only son, Boston Flannery, was born in May 2004, months before the...
Wed Apr 15, 2026

No. 3 UNC Baseball rolls by UNCW with No. 2 Georgia Tech up next
No. 3 UNC Baseball is packing a consistent offensive punch that will be needed as the national spotlight focuses on Boshamer Stadium this weekend. "A...
Wed Apr 15, 2026

How new prospect Parks Harber can provide Giants versatility in 2026 MLB season
Parks Harber, who will start the season in Double-A, is short on professional experience and the San Francisco Giants still are trying to figure out...
Tue Apr 14, 2026

Podcast: Scott Forbes Radio Show - UNC Series Win Over Clemson; UNCW, GT Previews
North Carolina head baseball coach Scott Forbes joins host Dave Nathan to recap the Tar Heels' road series win at Clemson, look ahead to games...
Tue Apr 14, 2026