WS Chronicle

The Winston-Salem Dash made an announcement on Tuesday two days before the first game of the 2018 regular season at BB&T Ballpark today, Thursday, April 12.

The Dash announced that nine-time NBA All-Star and two-time Olympic Gold Medalist Chris Paul will become part of the team’s ownership group. Born in Winston-Salem, Paul graduated from West Forsyth High School in nearby Clemmons and attended Wake Forest University. He is a lifelong baseball fan and has followed the Dash closely during his career.

C.J. Johnson, president of the Winston-Salem Dash, spoke to media earlier in the day at BB&T Ballpark and revealed that a new owner with strong roots in the community had joined the Dash family. A brief video then played on the centerfield videoboard with Chris Paul expressing his excitement regarding his involvement with his hometown team.

Regarding his new ownership with the Winston-Salem Dash, Paul said, “I am excited to have the opportunity to become involved with a successful organization that has a positive impact on the community. What could be more fun than being part owner of a Minor League baseball team in your hometown?”

Following the video, Johnson was joined by long-time Dash Chairman and Managing Partner Billy Prim and Chris Paul’s parents, Charles and Robin Paul.

“We are thrilled to welcome Chris Paul into the Winston-Salem Dash ownership group,” said Prim. “He has used his incredible success on the basketball court as a platform to create the CP3 Foundation, and has done amazing work in our community. Our organizational goals of providing affordable family entertainment align perfectly with the objectives of the CP3 Foundation.”

Paul’s basketball accomplishments include being named North Carolina Mr. Basketball while at West Forsyth High School, All-American while at Wake Forest, four-time All-NBA First Team and seven-time All-NBA Defensive First Team.

Paul has served as the president of the NBA Players Association since 2013. Chris and his wife, Jada, are committed to philanthropy and have hosted numerous events through the CP3 Foundation to benefit programs in Louisiana affected by Hurricane Katrina as well as charities in Winston-Salem.

Today at 7 p.m., the Dash will play the Carolina Mudcats, a Milwaukee Brewers affiliate.
Additional information, Dash merchandise and tickets are available at www.wsdash.com.