Spring is still months away, but it’s already time to talk top honors for Barnes Field, the home of Martin County High School Baseball.
The North Carolina Baseball Coaches Association has named Barnes Field the 2025 Region 1 Field of the Year.
Gator Baseball Head Coach Bobby Harmon is quick to share this accolade.
“This is a tremendous honor for our baseball program, Martin County Schools, and the entire community,” he explains. “This is the first time we’ve won this award since Coach Tice was here, who laid a lot of the foundation that we currently enjoy. So many people played a part in this recognition, including Chris Vanlandingham, Wes Hughes (our Athletic Director), my assistant coach, Darren Cottle, our entire admin team, too many parents/grandparents to name, and, last but certainly not least, Mr. Benny Swift. Anyone who goes down Skewarky Ave or McCaskey Road will see him out there daily.”
It’s easy to see that baseball is much more than a game for Harmon; it’s truly a calling.
“Every time I step on that field for a game, I realize how blessed I am to coach on a field with so much history. Our program is very fortunate to enjoy what many consider one of the premier high school fields in the state. I’m just extremely grateful.”
Barnes Field has been named as one of the top three fields in the region for the past two years.
Harmon will officially accept the honor on behalf of Martin County High School Baseball this January during the association’s annual awards ceremony.