Thursday, October 1, 2026
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Cherryville, NC (WNN) - Look at that lady hanging out of the press box window, yelling at people to cheer on the hometown Post 100 Legion baseball team. Oh wow, she is standing up from a walker, that's dedication. She has such enthusiasm, just who could she be? It is super fan, team mom, and music lady Judie Eaker, attempting to light a fire under the fans at Fraley Field in Cherryville, NC. From 1985 through the early 2000s, Judie poured her heart and soul, along with every ounce of energy, into her role as the music lady and cheerleader. Judie's husband is long-time public-address and KTC Broadcasting announcer Danny Eaker.
As we continue to celebrate American Legion Baseball's Centennial, which Cherryville Post 100 has been a part of for 88 of those years, we will continue our stroll down memory lane. It would be easy to think Cherryville Post 100 has always been a powerhouse not only in Area IV but also in the state of North Carolina. However, that long and storied history has had some ups and downs. In 1953, led by the pitching of the late Hugh "Buzz" Peeler, the boys from Cherryville played in the Little World Series. This tournament would later become the present-day American Legion World Series. Some success followed, but some lean years followed as well. It might seem unfathomable that Post 100 did not even field teams in 1978 and 1979. The late Bill "The Wizard" Abernathy led an effort to resurrect American Legion Baseball in Cherryville, and the success that followed could easily be the basis of a movie. We will dive further into this story in an upcoming article—briefly, a core group of players that won back-to-back NC. State High School championships in 1980 and 1981 formed the nucleus of a Post 100 team that fell just short of reaching the ALWS in 1981, just two years after not even having a team. That core group included a shortstop and second baseman who would become coaching legends. Current Post 100 coach Bobby Dale Reynolds has the most wins in legion history in the state of NC, and Rusty Stroupe's 474 baseball victories at Gardner Webb University are the most in school history. After this point, most anyone asked would say Cherryville would be expected to be in post-season playoffs, possibly even onto a national tournament.
Fast forward a few years to 1985, when Danny Eaker, a former catcher for Post 100, brought his wife on board the press box crew as the music lady. Judie's main role was to play music between innings and for players' walk-ups to the batter's box. Having a son and later a grandson playing for Cherryville High School and Post 100 added even more to her love and passion for the game. She went beyond just playing music; she took on the role of cheerleader and did her best to involve the fans in the game. Just as a preacher is encouraged and motivated by an amen corner, baseball players are encouraged and motivated when they know the fans are behind them, win or lose. Mrs. Eaker is very passionate about the game of baseball and has given everything she has to the players and fans for a little over 30 years.
When asked about what fueled her passion for the game and the players, she responded, "This is our mission to the youth." She understands that American Legion Baseball develops more than just game skills. Life lessons are taught by how the game is taught and how a coach and other mentors relate these aspects of the game to life. Stressing things such as teamwork, always having your teammate's back, and individual sacrifice for the team's good carry well beyond the game. Judie embraced the opportunity to become a second mom to many of the players. She took time to get to know them and their background stories. This helped her to encourage players on an individual level. Her role could be compared to what many presently call a life coach. These bonds created between them carried on into the future; many years passed since the days of youth baseball. Her commitment to the players gave these young men an adult they could look to for encouragement through words and prayer. Being a lady of great faith, Miss Judie would pray for and with the players. They knew they had someone outside the coaching staff they could also count on.
Reluctantly, Judie relinquished her role as music lady, cheerleader, and team mom after over 30 years due to the onset of kidney disease that required her to focus on her health. This decision was not easy for her; she greatly missed the game and the players. Much to her surprise, many former players surrounded her with prayer and encouragement after stepping away from the game. They were returning the love and encouragement she had given to them. Still today, some of those players share stories and photos of their kids and, in some cases, grandkids with her. Many let her know they pray for her healing and recovery, as well as encouraging her through her journey. They are mirroring the love and encouragement she gave and taught them.
Just because she has not been able to return to watching the games in person yet, don't think this lady misses out on any of the action. Her husband, Danny, updates her by text. She also listens to every play of every game he broadcasts over WCSL and KTC Broadcasting. If you listen closely, in the background, you might hear a "ping" indicating an incoming text message. That is probably Judie texting Danny about the game. She might not be physically in the stadium, but her presence is felt. She can be found on social media and Messenger, keeping fans out of the area updated on games. Don't think for one second her time at the field is over. As her health improves, she has worked toward making a return to see some games. One of her frequent sayings as the music lady was telling fans to "stand up and cheer!" The new scoreboard, installed last season at Fraley Field, has many features. Included are buttons for preprogrammed graphics, including a stand-up and cheer button. Judie's goal is to return to the press box and press that button during a game. This strong lady is a fighter and has come a long way. It is, without a doubt, just a matter of time before she achieves this goal. Judie, we all wish you well and look forward to seeing you return to Fraley Field.
Cherryville Post 100 is currently in the midst of a five-game homestand this week. At the time of this article, the Senior team, coached by Bobby Reynolds, is 5-2 overall and 2-1 in Area IV play. The Junior team is enjoying a 5-0 overall and a 3-0 Area IV record. Seniors are home every night this week through Saturday evening, and the Juniors return home Monday night. There are plenty of chances this week if you are a Legion Baseball fan or a fan of supporting local athletics. See some great baseball and enjoy great family fun for around $7 per person. Many nights, youth wearing their team baseball or softball jerseys get in free with a paying adult. The Cherryville Post 100 Baseball Facebook page will list details of admission costs and what is and is not allowed into the stadium.
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