Playing minor league baseball in your hometown has advantages. For Gene Cone, one of them is financial.
The former Spring Valley High and University of South Carolina standout gets to sleep in his old bed and stay at home as he begins his first full season of minor league baseball, playing for the Columbia Fireflies.
“Definitely easy on my wallet, living at home. That is a plus for me,” joked Cone, pointing out another perk. “To see a lot of friendly faces … that is pretty nice. Nice to have support around.”
Cone said his parents and sister have come to most of the Fireflies’ games in the first homestand of the season.