Baseball Mourns the Death of Richard Narron

The baseball world is mourning the death of Richard Narron, a prominent figure in American college and youth baseball who was most closely associated with East Carolina University (ECU). The 80-year-old man passed away from causes that have not been disclosed by the family.

Here is the statement from East Carolina University: “Inducted into the ECU Hall of Fame in 1978, Narron was twice selected to the All-Southern Conference team and earned All-American honors in 1967, playing a key role in the Pirates’ two SoCon championship victories.”

“Narron arrived at East Carolina in 1965 after graduating from Goldsboro High School. Under the guidance of Coach Earl Smith (also a member of the ECU Hall of Fame), he played as a starter for two seasons (1966–67), leading the Pirates to two consecutive Southern Conference titles. In his sophomore year, in 1966, he led the team to a 17-10 record, earning the prestigious All-Southern Conference, All-State, and All-District honors.”

“In 1967, named team captain, he had his best season: he led the Pirates in hits (33) and batting average (.452), performances that earned him a spot on the ABCA Third Team All-America, a second consecutive league title, and another All-Southern Conference selection. That same year, he signed his first professional contract with the New York Mets, where he played before moving to the Baltimore Orioles for the 1970 season. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”

After retiring from competitive play, Narron turned to entrepreneurship: he founded and ran Sportsman’s World for 46 years, a store that became a go-to destination for sports equipment throughout northeastern North Carolina.

Deeply attached to his roots, he was committed to passing on the sporting legacy of his father, Sam, by promoting and fostering baseball in Johnston County. Since 1998, he has established and overseen the Sam Narron Award (housed at the JCPS Board of Education building), an annual award given to a young senior high school player who has distinguished himself through “Determination, Dedication, and Sacrifice,” demonstrating the deepest love for the sport.