Mitchell earns pair of nominations for Hot Stove Dinner

Polk County senior Junie Mitchell has been named a finalist for catcher of the year and scholar of the year for the third annual Blue Ridge Hot Stove League Dinner.

Mitchell will be among the nominees at the Hot Stove Dinner on Saturday in Morganton, where award winners will be announced.

The Hot Stove League Dinner recognizes top baseball and softball players and scholars. Originating in Charlotte more than a decade ago, the Hot Stove League expanded in 2024 to the Blue Ridge area, with counties including Alexander, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Cleveland, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Watauga, Wilkes and Yancey.

Mitchell hit .438 last season for Polk County while playing both third base and catcher.