Kinston Post 43 welcomes 'Rally Cat' to team

Kinston Post 43’s Brendon Grant holds Posty after the team’s 13-3 victory over Wilson Post 13 on July 9. Submitted photo

By Junious Smith III

Kinston Post 43’s baseball team has a mascot to rally around.

As players made their way to the Ronnie Battle Baseball Complex at Kinston High School on July 9 for the team’s Area 1 East semifinal matchup with Wilson Post 13, Christian Jones noticed a kitten under his car. From there, the kitten walked with Jones and several others to the ballpark and the team voted to keep her.

“As soon as we found her, she followed us to the dugout and everyone said ‘that’s the team mascot,’” Jones said. “We won that game, so we just started taking her everywhere.”

The kitten, affectionately known as “Posty,” was in the dugout for the team’s 13-3 victory over Wilson Post 13 in Game 1 of the Area 1 East semifinals. Due to heat and weather concerns, she didn’t travel with the team Tuesday in its matchup with Pitt County Post 39 at Pitt Community College, which was postponed due to rain.

Posty, held by Gracie Herring, was rescued by members of the Kinston Post 43 baseball team. The kitten is approximately six weeks old and is being taken care of by head coach Ty Eason. Photo by Junious Smith III / Neuse News

Kinston Post 43 coach Ty Eason said he’s now taking care of Posty after encouragement from the players.

“The guys really rallied around her and it’s a special group here,” Eason said. “They’ve been excited to have Posty and it gives them additional incentive to play for something. Without question, this is a fun group to be around.”

Eason said Posty, who is approximately six weeks old, is converting him a bit.

“I’ve never been big on animals, but it’s almost felt like a first-time dad moment,” Eason said. “We’ll continue to take care of her in the short and long term, and hopefully we can continue this strong pace.”