The Pirate Club has announced a match pledge by former athlete Garrett Blackwelder, and his wife, ECU alumna Corrie.
The pledge match is being made because “funds are needed immediately to support current and future ECU baseball players.”
Below is more information from the Pirate Club.
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Photo credit: (Pirate Club photo illustration)
Former ECU student-athlete Garrett Blackwelder, and his wife, ECU alumna Corrie, announced Thursday that the family will match all contributions to the Pirate Club’s Purple & Gold Society and Athletics Excellence Fund to help ECU baseball and head coach Cliff Godwin retain and acquire talent for the 2026 season.
The Blackwelders are challenging all Pirate fans and Pirate Club donors to support the program over the next week by making a donation.
ECU has qualified for regional competition nine times (seven consecutive) during Godwin’s 11-year tenure at the helm. The Pirates won the 2025 American Athletic Conference championship and defeated Florida twice in the Conway Regional.
The NCAA baseball transfer portal is open from June 2 through July 1. Funds are needed immediately to support current and future ECU baseball players.
If you would like to make a contribution to the match, individuals can:
* Make a donation in any amount to the Athletics Excellence Fund – Donors can make a one time payment by going online here or they can setup monthly payments by calling the Pirate Club at 252-737-4540.
* Individuals can also join Purple & Gold Society by completing the form here and a Pirate Club staff member will reach out to you directly. Society membership starts at a $5,000 annual commitment. Monthly payment plans are available. To learn more about the benefits of being a Purple & Gold Society Member, view the membership website found here.
Contributors to either fund will be awarded Pirate Club priority points at double the standard rate; four points for every $100 contributed.