NC State baseball set to honor Chris Combs’ No. 26 jersey

NC State baseball has retired only one number (former coach Sam Esposito’s No. 4) and has never honored a player’s jersey before, but that is changing. The Wolfpack is set to honor Chris Combs’ No. 26 this spring—Combs, who played at State from 1994-97, was diagnosed with ALS in 2016.

“As great of a player as Chris Combs was, his contribution to NC State baseball goes well beyond statistics and accolades, and far beyond wins and losses,” said Avent. “He represents the best in human spirit, the best of what it means to wear an NC State baseball jersey, and it’s only fitting his number should be honored for everyone who steps into our ballpark to see.”

Combs has been a visible part of the program since his diagnosis, and NC State played in an ALS benefit game against Boston College at Fenway Park back in 2017. Former BC player Pete Frates also fought ALS until his death in December. He was just 34.

If you’d like to help the fight against ALS, you can do so via the Team Chris Combs website.