Panthers Top Prospects Camp
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Eric Owens, born on February 3, 1971, in Danville, Virginia, is Ferrum College’s new Head Coach and a proud alumnus. Owens’s journey from local standout to Major League Baseball (MLB) player is marked by his dedication and passion for the game.
Owens’s talent shone early, earning him two-time 1st team All-American honors and USA Player of the Year. His excellence led to inductions into the halls of fame of Roanoke, Ferrum College, Danville, and Tunstall High School.
His MLB career (1995-2003) saw him play for teams like the Cincinnati Reds, Milwaukee Brewers, San Diego Padres, Florida Marlins, and Anaheim Angels. Owens achieved a .264 batting average, 26 home runs, and 214 RBIs. Notably, he executed a daring straight steal of home in 1999 and recorded the first hit at Seattle’s Safeco Field.
Transitioning to coaching, Owens developed young talents such as Mike Trout and Corey Seager. His coaching roles included positions with the Anaheim Angels, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Toronto Blue Jays, where he significantly impacted players like Josh Donaldson.
Ferrum College is excited to have Eric Owens return as Head Coach. His rich experience and deep connection to the college promise to inspire and develop the next generation of baseball talent.
Darren Hodges rejoined the Ferrum baseball staff in January 2025 and will work with first-year Head Coach Eric Owens, who began in June 2024.
Hodges originally joined the Panther athletic staff in August 1998 as assistant baseball coach. He was promoted to head baseball coach in April 2007, and remained in that position through the 2013 season. In six years as head coach, Hodges compiled a 100-106 career coaching record. His best season came in 2010, when Panthers finished with a 25-13 record.
Ferrum had 20 All-Conference and 32 Academic All-Conference selections under Hodges. He also coached 2012 USA South Baseball Player of the Year Paul Jaglowski, who went on to earn Academic All-America and was Ferrum’s 2012 President’s Cup recipient.
Hodges began his collegiate baseball career at Carson Newman University, but after his freshman season in 1988, transferred to Ferrum. Hodges earned USA South Athletic Conference All-Conference in 1989, and in 1990 was All-Conference and Academic All-Conference.
He played two seasons for the Panthers, 1989 and 1990, then was drafted in the 10th round of the 1990 Major League Baseball Amateur Draft by the New York Yankees. Hodges spent five seasons in the minor leagues with the Oneonta Yankees, Prince William Cannons and Albany-Colonie Yankees. He was a Carolina League All-Star in 1991 and was named to the Prince William Top-50 franchise list. Hodges was also inducted in to the Salem-Roanoke Baseball Hall of Fame in 2008. He earned his bachelors degree from Ferrum in 2002.
Jacob Woolwine joined the Ferrum athletic staff as Assistant Baseball Coach in February 2025. He previously served as Assistant Coach for the 5 Tool Bombers College Team from 2021-24, including his role as hitting coordinator. Woolwine has experience with summer/winter camps and clinics for kids of all ages, and has given private lessons.
Woolwine graduated Summa Cum Laude from San Diego State University in 2021 with a bachelor’s degree, majoring in Psychology with a minor in Interdisciplinatry Studies. He earned a Driveline Foundations of Hitting certificate in 2023.
Come see us
584 Ferrum Mountain Rd, Ferrum, VA
Contact us
Ferrum College Baseball Camps
- 540-230-1224
Have questions?
Check out some of our FAQs below
What is the refund policy?
Registrants that are unable to attend a camp they have previously registered for will receive a coupon code to attend a different camp free of charge if you contact us within 48 hours of the camps start time.
Where are the camps located?
All Ferrum College Baseball Camps are located at Ferrum College in Ferrum, VA. The address is:
460 Ferrum Mountain Rd
Ferrum, VA 24088
Is lunch provided?
Lunch is not provided at our camps, however we give all attendees an hour break to leave campus to get food or purchase a meal in the dining hall.
Can parents stay for camp?
Absolutely! Parents are more than welcome to stick around to watch camp.
What hotels do you recommend that are close by?
Holiday Inn: 395 Old Franklin Tpke
Rocky Mount, VA 24151
Baymont: 1730 N Main St
Rocky Mount, VA 24151
Hilton Garden Inn: 4500 S Peak Blvd
Roanoke, VA 24018
