 The Eagles were able to claim the first of its Carolina League crowns.At a time when Kinston's population was only 25,000, the ball club attracted over 140,000 fans.Part of the lure was the talent supplied by Kinston's parent club, the Pittsburgh Pirates, which included Steve Blass (17–3, 1.97 ERA, 209 K's), and Frank Bork (19–7, 2.00 ERA).