Local standout elects to play for Cape Fear Ghost Crabs before college baseball
LELAND, N.C. (WWAY) — A standout pitcher from North Brunswick High School is set to continue his development close to home before beginning his college career.
Dylan Stacks has committed to play Division I baseball at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro after graduating this spring. Before heading to Greensboro, Stacks plans to spend the summer competing with the Cape Fear Ghost Crabs, a new summer league team in the region.
The Cape Fear Ghost Crabs play in the Old North South League, and will play their games at UNCW’s Brooks Field.
Stacks is known as a power pitcher, regularly reaching the low 90s with his fastball and topping out at 94 miles per hour earlier this season. He said improving his velocity remains a key focus.
“I still have a lot of velo left in me, that’s something I can improve on, so that’s what I’m working on right now,” Stacks said. “I’ve ran it up to 94 earlier in the season, but I’m looking to improve that.”
North Brunswick head coach Terrence Jackson said Stacks’ work ethic has influenced his younger teammates.
“Now the younger guys are starting to see that and buy into the Dylan Stacks mentality — that’s what we call it,” Jackson said. “They’re starting to buy into the Dylan Stacks mentality where it’s, ‘Hey, I’m gonna work and get better or I’m gonna work and I’m going to flatline.’”
Stacks said he is looking forward to the level of competition that comes with playing for the Ghost Crabs
“I can’t wait,” he said. “It’s really fun — high school, sometimes you face mediocre hitters, sometimes you face pretty good hitters, and getting those good hitters out is way more exciting.”
Trent Mongero, head coach of the Ghost Crabs, said playing this summer will provide a valuable benchmark for Stacks as he prepares for college baseball.
“For Dylan, I think it’s a great opportunity to mix it up with some really good current college players, kind of as a litmus test to see where he stands, expose a weakness or two, build his confidence or grow his confidence,” Mongero said. “He might step in and dominate right away — there’s no telling.”
As Stacks gains attention for his performance, he said his motivation remains rooted in his love for the game.
“Definitely throwing a fastball by somebody,” he said when asked about his favorite part of baseball. “I’d say I’m a pretty aggressive player, I like to show emotion on the mound — that’s what I like to do.”
Overall, Stacks appears to have a bright future on the diamond, with his career beginning right here in the Cape Fear Region.
If you’d like to see Dylan play, the Ghost Crabs are scheduled to open their season May 25 against the Laurinburg Highland Hooligans.
Click here for the full schedule and ticket information.
