HURLEY, Miss. (WLOX) – From 2011 to 2015, Konnor Pilkington racked up more than 20 wins on the mound for East Central before advancing to Mississippi State and the majors.
From 2011 to 2015, Pilkington racked up more than 20 wins on the mound for East Central.(none)
Ahead of his ninth season in the majors, he returned home to Hurley to witness the honor of having his jersey retired.
“It’s extremely special, you know,” Pilkington said. “I’m just truly blessed and honored to be able to come back to my hometown to be recognized by the school and baseball program. For them to retire my number just means everything to me.”
Konnor Pilkington’s number was retired during a ceremony at East Central’s baseball field.(WLOX)
“It all started right here. I tell all the young kids and everybody I know, you know, you got to start somewhere. East Central, Hurley and the community and the baseball program really helped me get to where I need to be.”
He was surrounded by friends, loved ones and his former coach, Bo Long, who had the pleasure of watching Pilkington toe the rubber for the Hornets for four years.
“Just watching his ball do the things that they did, it was special,” Long said.
Long had the privilege of witnessing his growth as a player and person.
Bo Long had the pleasure of watching Pilkington toe the rubber for the Hornets for four years.(WLOX)
“Obviously, he’s good at baseball, but there’s so much more about him than that,” Long said. “Every time you go see him, he stops whatever he’s doing, comes and gives you a hug, tells you he loves you, and thanks you for coming. He’s just that kind of a special kid.”
As the community gathered to support the former Hornet standout, Pilkington says they’ve wrapped arms around him for support, a kindness he’s never forgotten.
“You got friends, family, you know, people that I haven’t talked to in years, still right behind me and supporting me all the way and the community has always had my back,” Pilkington said.
As the community gathered to support the former Hornet standout, Pilkington says they’ve wrapped arms around him for support, a kindness he’s never forgotten.(WLOX)
As future Hornets watched on, Pilkington offered guidance to those following in his footsteps.
“Make sure you’re giving it your all because you never know when the last day is gonna be. I just want to be that role model for them to be able to look up to and be able to help them and guide them and, you know, be somebody they can, you know, kind of resemble the game after, so that means a lot to me.”
Pilkington is set to report to Spring Training for his second season with the Washington Nationals.
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