The Legend of the String Bean Slinger
SPOKANE, WA - The story of the String Bean Slinger is the stuff of legends. Born and raised in the rural community of Prosperity (population 1,000) Carl "C.J." Edwards honed his craft in the backwoods baseball leagues of South Carolina. Edwards grew up playing with his dad - Carl Senior to his Carl Junior- and uncle in what was known as either the "Bush League" or the "Sandlot League". Despite competing as a teenager against grown men in their 30's and 40's, C.J. dominated the league. Still, due to his slender frame and remote location, he continued to fly under the radar of all but one baseball scout.
That scout was Chris Kemp, who spent two seasons playing in the Rangers farm system including a 36-game stint with Spokane in 2006, before being hired by Texas to scour for talent in South Carolina, North Carolina and Eastern Tennessee. Kemp was able to look past Edwards' size - he was 6'2" and about 140 pounds at the time - to see a potential diamond in the rough.
"He was this really skinny but athletic kid going up against these adults," Kemp said. "I didn't have my [radar] gun with me, but I could tell he had the chance to throw hard. It wasn't extremely strong stuff, though. His breaking ball had spin, but it was still up in the zone. But you knew because he'd grown up and played against older guys - you could see what kind of heart he had. It kind of felt like holding a winning lottery ticket"
The Rangers took a chance on that lottery ticket, selecting Edwards in the 48th round of the 2011 draft. He didn't pitch at all that year but burst onto the scene in 2012 with a strong showing between the AZL and Spokane where he finished the year with a 2.11 ERA and 60 strikeouts in just 47 innings. Edwards was a fan favorite with the Indians and earned his nickname the "String Bean Slinger" as despite growing another inch to 6'3", C.J. still weighed just 150 pounds. Although it seemed like Edwards disappeared when he turned sideways, his performance that year made sure he wouldn't go unnoticed.
"When I first saw him get on a mound in instructs, I was sitting next to Danny Clark, I think, and I just said, 'What round did we draft this guy in?'" said Storm Davis, then pitching coach for the Rangers' Class A affiliate in Hickory, N.C. "I'm from the South, too, so I have an idea where he grew up and where he's from. But I don't know how someone didn't catch him. That's not 48th-round stuff. I've seen first-rounders that didn't have stuff as good as him."
CJ's season with Spokane earned him national recognition with Baseball America naming him the No. 8 prospect in the Northwest League and MLB.com placing him at No. 20 in the Rangers organization. He backed up that acclaim with a stellar 2013 season for the Hickory Crawdads before being traded to the Chicago Cubs as part of the Rangers' deadline deal for Matt Garza.
He didn't skip a beat once he joined the Cubs' organization, striking out seven consecutive batters in his first start with their High-A affiliate. Edwards helped his new team reach the playoffs where he delivered ten scoreless innings over two starts to help Daytona clinch the Florida State League Championship.
The young right-hander battled through injuries the next two years before making a cameo appearance with the Cubs at the end of 2015. He struggled in his initial taste of big league action but has been lights out for Chicago this year as the Northsiders look for their World Series title since 1908.
"Confidence. Major-league confidence," said Chicago manager Joe Maddon when discussing the difference between Edwards in 2015 and this year. "He's a confident, young major-league pitcher right now that I think finally believes he belongs here."
Edwards has 3.38 ERA this season with 33 strikeouts in 24 innings. He's shined brightest in big moment including on August 10 when he was called in to protect a 2-0 Cubs lead over the Angels. Edwards retired LA's 3-4-5 hitters in order highlighted by a strikeout of two-time MVP Mike Trout and a weak groundout from future Hall-of-Famer Albert Pujols. Although Carl has firmly established himself as a key part of the Cubs future, he's not content to just rest on his laurels.
"I know what I have right now and I know I've got more inside of me," he said. "That's what keeps me driven all the way. Hard work is paying off, but it's not done. It won't pay off completely until I've been in this league for 15 years or so."
Carl recently took time out from a National League Pennant chase to catch up with the Spokane Indians.
Spokane Indians (SI): What is your best memory from your time in Spokane?
Carl Edwards (CE): My best memory with the Indians was that time when Joey Gallo hit the ball to the McDonalds [laughs].
SI: What do you miss most?
CE: The fireworks on Friday nights and the great fans.
SI: Favorite mascot - OTTO, Doris, Recycle Man?
CE: OTTO!
SI: What's it like playing on the Cubs with All-Stars like Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant?
CE: It feels awesome to be on a team like this with such great players.
SI: Toughest big league hitter you've faced?
CE: LOL. All of them!
SI: Is this the year the Cubs win the World Series?
CE: Yes, I feel like this is the year.
SI: Goals for the rest of this season and beyond?
CE: Finish strong.
SI: Anything else you'd like to tell the Spokane fans?
CE: I really enjoyed my time there. Thanks for everything!
About the Indians
The Indians are the Short Season Class "A" affiliate for the Texas Rangers. For more information, please visit www.spokaneindians.com or call (509) 343-6886 (OTTO).
Homestand Preview: May 6-11 vs. Vancouver
Tuesday, May 6th - SCRAPS Bark in the Park Night presented by SCRAPS Enjoy a baseball game alongside your furry friend! Fans and dogs alike will receive the special group rate of $6.00 per ticket. Fans that bring their dogs will get to sit in a special pet-friendly section and
Indians Slam Emeralds 9-6 in Series Finale
Aidan Longwell broke open a tie ballgame with a grand slam off the Coors Light Caboose as the Indians topped the Emeralds, 9-6, in front of 2,375 fans at Avista Stadium for the Dollars in Your Dog Day Game. TOP PERFORMERS Longwell's grand slam was the second for Spokane this
Emeralds Outlast Indians in Extra-Inning Affair
A tense back-and-forth affair saw the Emeralds strike for three runs in the 10th inning as they topped the Indians, 6-3, in front of 3,840 fans at Avista Stadium for Fireworks Night presented by Holiday Heating + Cooling + Electric. TOP PERFORMERS Jared Thomas led the way offensively for Spokane
Indians Fall Flat in 2-0 Loss to Emeralds
After scoring 32 runs over the first three games of the series, the Indians managed just six hits on a warm Friday night as they fell to the Emeralds, 2-0, in front of 3,209 fans at Avista Stadium for Fireworks Night presented by Spokane Tribe Resort & Casino and KEY
Indians Come Up Short in 9-5 Loss to Emeralds
Jared Thomas and Jean Perez both homered for a second consecutive night but the Indians fell to the Emeralds, 9-5, in front of 2,137 fans at Avista Stadium for 1st Responder Appreciation Night presented by Inland Northwest AGC & Big 99.9 Coyote Country. TOP PERFORMERS Thomas finished the game 3-for-5
Indians Blast Four Home Runs in 10-5 Win
The Indians clubbed four home runs and hit double digits in runs for a second straight game as they outshined the Emeralds, 10-5, in front 2,021 fans at Avista Stadium for DORIS' Birthday Extravaganza presented by the Spokane International Airport. Spokane improved to 9-8 with the win and now boast
Indians Announce 2025 Family 4-Pack Dates
The Spokane Indians Baseball Team and Spokane Tribe Resort & Casino are teaming up again to make family outings at Avista Stadium even more affordable this year. Now in its third season, the Family 4-Pack presented by Spokane Tribe Resort & Casino features (4) reserved bench seats, (4) Indians dogs,
Indians Teach Emeralds a Lesson in 17-5 Win
The Indians tallied season highs in hits and runs as they schooled the Emeralds, 17-5, in front of 4,724 fans at Avista Stadium for the Education & Businessperson's Special Day Game presented by KXLY 4 News Now & KXLY AM 920/100.7 FM. TOP PERFORMERS Skyler Messinger helped the Indians climb
Homestand Preview: April 22-27 vs. Eugene
Tuesday, April 22nd - Education & Businessperson's Special Day Game presented by KXLY 4 News Now & KXLY AM 920/100.7 FM Move your business meeting to the ballpark and come have a fun educational experience while cheering the Indians to victory. First pitch is at 11:05 a.m., gates open at
Indians Drop Sunday Finale, Split Series with C's
The Canadians struck for three in the second and two more in the fourth as they pulled away for a 7-1 win over the Indians in front of 1,862 fans at Avista Stadium for the Neurodiversity Awareness Day Game presented by Les Schwab Tires. TOP PERFORMERS Jared Thomas reached twice
Indians Announce 2025 SWX Broadcast Dates
The Spokane Indians and SWX Right Now announced today the broadcast dates for the six televised games during the 2025 Northwest League season, starting with Military & Veteran Appreciation Fireworks Night on Friday, May 9th. First pitch against the Vancouver Canadians is at 6:35 p.m. that night with coverage from
Indians Fall Flat in 9-3 Loss to Canadians
Vancouver jumped on Indians starter Alberto Pacheco for seven runs in the second inning as the C's cruised to a 9-3 win over Spokane in front of 2,495 fans at Avista Stadium for Rosauers Family Feast Night presented by Rosauers Supermarkets, KAYU Fox 28, & 92.9 ZZU. TOP PERFORMERS Braylen
Messinger's Big Night Powers Spokane in 8-6 Win
Spokane third baseman Skyler Messinger homered and drove in four as the Indians defeated the Canadians, 8-6, in front of 2,470 fans at Avista Stadium for Storybook Princess Night. TOP PERFORMERS After the C's jumped on Jordy Vargas for two quick runs in the top of the first, Messinger provided
Mike Boyle Set to Call Historic Sports Doubleheader
Spokane, Wash. - Mike "Double Duty" Boyle is set to complete a historic doubleheader on Sunday. The veteran broadcaster will be on the mic for the Spokane Indians in their afternoon matchup with Vancouver before heading over to the Spokane Arena for the Spokane Chiefs playoff game against Victoria that
Thomas Delivers Walk-Off Winner in 1-0 Thriller
Jared Thomas delivered a two-out single in the ninth inning—his third hit of the night—to plate Jesus Bugarin as Spokane stunned Vancouver, 1-0, in front of 2,575 fans at Avista Stadium for Golf Night presented by Pacific Golf and Turf & 105.7 Now FM. TOP PERFORMERS After getting blanked in
Homestand Preview: April 8-13 vs. Vancouver
Tuesday, April 8th - SCRAPS Bark in the Park Night presented by SCRAPS Enjoy a baseball game alongside your furry friend! Fans and dogs alike will receive the special group rate of $6.00 per ticket. Fans that bring their dogs will get to sit in a special pet only section
Brown Dazzles in Debut, But Indians Fall 8-4
McCade Brown was unhittable in his High-A debut, but a bullpen meltdown doomed the Indians as they fell to the C's, 8-4, in front of 1,661 fans at Avista Stadium for Book Club Night. TOP PERFORMERS Brown struck out the side in the first and finished with six K's over
Indians Thump Canadians 8-2 in Series Opener
Spokane's offense erupted for three home runs in a single inning and a season-high 11 hits on the night as they trounced the Canadians, 8-2, in front of 1,450 fans and 58 dogs at Avista Stadium for SCRAPS Bark in the Park Night presented by SCRAPS. TOP PERFORMERS The bats
Pacheco Spins a Gem in Spokane's 3-1 Win
Albert Pacheco shut down a talented AquaSox lineup and was backed by home runs from Aidan Longwell and Jared Thomas as Spokane topped Everett, 3-1, in front of 2,595 fans at Avista Stadium for the King Carl Day Game presented by The Black Lens. TOP PERFORMERS Pacheco set the tone
Indians Announce 2025 Promotional Schedule
The defending Northwest League champion Spokane Indians announced today their full promotional schedule for the 2025 season at Avista Stadium, which kicks off against the Seattle Mariners affiliate (Everett AquaSox) on Friday, April 4th with Opening Night Fireworks. The 66-game home slate is packed with fan favorites like: **(20) Firework
Indians Flounder Against Amphibious Pitcher in 8-0 Loss
Everett starting pitcher Jurrangelo Cijntje was nothing short of sensational in his pro debut as the AquaSox thumped the Indians, 8-0, in front of 2,850 fans at Avista Stadium for Fireworks Night presented by Fireworks Night presented by Valley Glass, KXLY 4 News Now, & 700 ESPN. TOP PERFORMERS The
Homestand Preview: April 4-6 vs. Everett
Friday, April 4th - Opening Night Fireworks & Magnet Schedule Giveaway presented by Northwest Ford Dealers, KREM 2 & 93.7 The Mountain 🎟️ CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS 🎟️ Baseball is back at Avista Stadium! Join the Spokane Indians for Opening Night of the 2025 season. All fans in attendance will
Indians Drop Season Opener to AquaSox, 4-3
Spokane mounted a furious rally in the ninth inning but came up just short as they fell to the AquaSox, 4-3, in front of 3,742 fans at Avista Stadium for Opening Night Fireworks & AAA Magnet Schedule Giveaway presented by Northwest Ford Dealers, KREM 2, & 93.7 The Mountain. TOP
Indians Announce 2025 Opening Night Roster
The Colorado Rockies assigned 30 players to Spokane today for the start of the 2025 Northwest League season, which opens on Friday, April 4th against the Everett AquaSox at Avista Stadium. The roster for the defending champions includes 15 returning players and five of Colorado’s top 30 prospects. The Indians
Join Us for FREE Community Fan Fest on April 2nd
The first pitch of the 2025 season is right around the corner and we want you to help us kick off a new year of baseball at Fan Fest on Wednesday, April 2nd from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Avista Stadium! This FREE community event courtesy of Avista and