Perkins’ arrival changed the environment of Hampton baseball Story and Photos by Ivan Sanders & Joe Sluder
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eaning on the fence at Scotty Bunton Field, Hampton High baseball coach Nicholas Perkins looked over the groomed playing field, the large banner lining the outfield fence, and the lights that allow the team to play night games. “It’s been a multi-year collaborative effort between coaches, players, parents, alumni, the community — it’s just been a collaboration between everyone that cares about this baseball program,” Perkins said of the growth and development at Hampton. “We have very good facilities ... and we think it’s a great place to watch a ballgame.” The improvement in facilities has come hand-in-hand with the development of a winning program at Hampton, which has not traditionally been known as a baseball powerhouse. “I tip my hat to Hampton as they do appreciate winning and they appreciate hard work so if you can win while working hard people are going to support you,” Perkins said. One of the first steps — and most prominent — was the installation of lights at the field. Prior to that, baseball games often were halted as darkness descended and the junior varsity saw limited play. Now, both squads can play and the junior high program is adding night games. “The lights have been huge,” 18
Perkins said. “In my mind and philosophy, varsity games are to be played later and that allows more people to come to the game. It allows parents and families of just not your home team but your visiting team to get off work, go home and take a shower, and arrive at the ball park for first pitch. “It has allowed games to be played later and that has helped with the admission at the gate, which helps us pay for our umpires. It has helped concession stand profit. And it has allowed us to play junior varsity games early and to have a full schedule of JV games. The lights at Scotty Bunton Field have just had a huge impact on our program.” The popularity of the program also is drawing more players. Perkins said he and his staff want players to know they love and care about the game; have knowledge about the game; and want to impart that to the players. “I hope they think that we take this very serious and it’s just not just something to do between basketball and football starting back up in the summer and fall,” said Perkins. “We hope and think that we have been able to emphasize the importance of the program and just continue to add to the legitimacy of baseball in this community.” Perkins also said that the support that he has received from the administration at Hampton High School has
