JUNGLE AWARDS: Whitehead, Brandt honored by Pirate fans

The annual tradition of the East Carolina Baseball program began in 2001

“The Jungle”—which is the name of the outfield area at Clark-LeClair Stadium (and perhaps describes the mindset of its inhabitants)—has been a part of East Carolina baseball for more than two decades. It is widely known and perhaps envied by East Carolina’s opponents as the atmosphere provides the Pirates with a unique element that separates the program from many around the nation. It also epitomizes the loyal fan base, which has put the Pirates in the top 20 nationally in attendance the past few years while in turn giving the program one of the best home field advantages in the game.

Some of the Diamond Pirates most diehard supporters reside in this part of the ballpark and in 2001—following the approval of then fourth-year head coach Keith LeClair—started what are called “The Jungle” Awards.

Initially, there was only one award and current Arizona Diamondbacks’ first baseman Chad Tracy received that inaugural honor during his third and final season in Greenville.

However, starting in 2003, the fans agreed to recognize a position player and pitcher for the annual award.

Sophomore centerfielder Trent Whithead was chosen as this year’s position player recipient. Whitehead, who moved into the leadoff role early in the season, has done a tremendous job as the table-setter. While starting 53 of the 55 games he played in, the Washington, N.C.-native produced the second-best batting average (.377) on the team. He is tied for the team-lead with 20 doubles and is slugging just over .550. Meanwhile, he has committed just one error while roaming primarily center field for his club.

EAST CAROLINA HEAD COACH BILLY GODWIN (MIDDLE) WITH JUNGLE AWARD RECIPIENTS TRENT WHITEHEAD (LEFT) AND KEVIN BRANDT (RIGHT) AFTER THE PIRATES' SWEEP OF MEMPHIS.

With the loss of Josh Ruhlman, who pitched 58 innings in relief over 36 appearances last season, it was imperative for the Pirates to find a quality lefty.

Billy Godwin found his man in freshman southpaw Kevin Brandt. Brandt, a native of Fuquay-Varina, NC, has compiled a 7-1 record and 3.46 ERA during his initial season in the East Carolina program. The bulk of his action has been in mid-relief, but he has also sparkled in starting and situational roles.

He exploded onto the scene with his exceptional relief effort against the potent line-up of Oklahoma State. In just his fourth game as a Pirate, the rookie pitched like a veteran as he shutout the Cowboys while surrendering just three hits over 6.1 innings. Meanwhile, the powerful Pirate line-up got on track and overcame a 7-1 deficit to win 14-7.

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Later, he would deliver magnificent mid-week starts against in-state rivals NC State and North Carolina. Against the Wolfpack, Brandt worked 6.2 shutout innings and allowed just three hits. A week later, he bettered that outing by going 8.1 shutout innings versus the top-ranked Tar Heels. UNC-CH collected just five hits against him.

Those two outings came during a stretch where Brandt didn’t allow a run for 23.2 innings. Opponents are hitting just .221 against him and he possesses a strikeout to walk ratio of better than three to one.

PREVIOUS JUNGLE AWARD RECIPIENTS:

Player of the Year:

2001- Chad Tracy

2002- Clayton McCullough

2003- Jamie Paige

2004- Ryan Jones

2005- Brian Cavanaugh

2006- Jake Smith

2007- Ryan Wood

2008- Corey Kemp

2009- Trent Whitehead