Wilson shows off arm at MLB game ahead of Summer League debut; Veesaar has best game

While Caleb Wilson was showing off his arm at a major‑league ballpark ahead of his NBA Summer League debut, Henri Veesaar delivered his best performance over three games in that league. For the third time in three months, Wilson threw a ceremonial first pitch before a baseball game. He did the honors at the Savannah Bananas game at Kenan Stadium on April 12 and before UNC’s game at Boshamer Stadium against High Point on April 21. On Wednesday, he took the mound at Guaranteed Rate Field before the Chicago White Sox hosted the Boston Red Sox.

Busch, Gallen among 34 Tar Heels in pro baseball, several off to good starts

Michael Busch’s season has started to turn in the direction the Chicago Cubs expected, and Friday offered a clear snapshot of why. Busch, Arizona pitcher Zac Gallen and Seattle reliever Cooper Criswell are in the major leagues. There are 24 other Tar Heels in the minor leagues, along with seven others in non-affiliated leagues.

Plunked but productive: hot Kepley bringing his brand of grit to Cubs system

The first pitch Kane Kepley saw in professional baseball didn’t miss — it hit him. Even before that, he was already in a hole. Stepping into the batter’s box on Aug. 5 for the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, the Chicago Cubs’ Low-A Carolina League affiliate, the plate umpire flagged the rookie center fielder with a pitch-clock violation before he’d even seen a pitch.

Busch flourishing, Gallen struggling while several, including Pence, doing well in minors

The seasons for the three former North Carolina players currently in the major leagues have been a mixed bag, including impressive play from Chicago Cubs first baseman Michael Busch and struggles for Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Zac Gallen. The most impressive of the 26 Tar Heels in the minor leagues have been pitchers Cooper Criswell, Dalton Pence and Austin Love, as well as first basemen Aaron Sabato and Parks Harber.