Seven Zookeepers, One All-Star Stage

ASHEBORO N.C.— The Asheboro Zookeepers will be well represented at the 2026 Coastal Plain League All-Star Game after seven players earned selections to this year’s roster, tying with the High Point-Thomasville Hi Toms for the most All-Star selections in the CPL West Division. Ben Shepherd, Cameron Austin, Daniel Stephens, Brady McGuire, Josh Martinez, Carlos Gomez and Takuma Sato will all head down to Florence, S.C. to compete against the CPL East Division roster on July 6-7.

The seven selections reflect the Zookeepers’ success during the first half of the season and the depth of talent throughout the roster. Asheboro is represented by four position players and three pitchers, showcasing the balanced lineup and pitching staff that have helped the club compete among the CPL West Division’s top teams.

Hitting

Austin, the outfielder from the University of South Carolina Aiken, has been one of Asheboro’s most consistent offensive threats, entering the break batting .346 with 22 RBIs and 3 home runs. Austin has consistently provided timely hitting, driving in key runs while supplying power in the lineup. Whether driving in clutch extra-base hits or igniting rallies, Austin has established himself as one of the Zookeepers’ most dependable bats.

Stephens, a University of North Carolina Pembroke standout, has put together one of the most productive offensive seasons in the CPL. While spending much of the summer among the league’s RBI leaders, Stephens has also showcased his versatility by making an impact at both shortstop and center field. Whether anchoring the infield or patrolling the outfield, he has combined defensive reliability with power and consistency at the plate. Stephens has delivered in countless clutch situations, making him one of the driving forces behind Asheboro’s offensive success.

McGuire has been a steady presence for the Zookeepers, producing quality at-bats throughout the season. The third baseman from Seton Hill University has the ability to consistently get on base, drive the ball into the gaps and come through in key moments which has made him an integral part of Asheboro’s lineup. McGuire’s balanced offensive approach has helped provide stability from the top to the bottom of the batting order.

Martinez has been a dependable contributor behind the plate and in the batter’s box for Asheboro. In addition to managing the Zookeeper’s pitching staff and throwing out base-runners, Martinez has delivered timely hits and run-producing at-bats throughout the first half of the season. His leadership, consistency and two-way impact have made him a valuable piece of Asheboro’s success and earned him a place on the CPL West All-Star Roster.

Together, Austin, Stephens, McGuire and Martinez have anchored one of the CPL’s most productive lineups, consistently delivering in key moments and providing the offensive spark for the Zookeepers throughout the first half of the season.

“These guys have put up insane video game numbers,” head coach Jamey May said. “That itself says a lot about them and what kind of hitters they are.”

Pitching

Shepherd from the University of South Carolina Aiken has emerged as one of the CPL’s top pitchers this season. The right-hander has consistently given the Zookeepers quality starts, keeping opposing lineups in check with his command and ability to work deep into games. Shepherd has posted a 3.79 ERA with 13 strikeouts and eight walks across 19 innings pitched in the first half of the season. Shepher’s dominant performances earned him CPL Pitcher of the Night honors and established him as one of Asheboro’s most dependable arms so far.

Union University’s Sato has become one of the Zookeepers’ most valuable bullpen pieces, providing length and stability in a variety of situations. Whether entering in the middle of the innings or bridging the gap to the back end of the bullpen, Sato has consistently delivered quality outings while helping preserve leads and keep Asheboro within striking distance. His ability to throw multiple innings has made him an invaluable asset throughout the season so far.

Gomez has anchored the back end of the Zookeepers’ bullpen as the teams primary closer. Time and time again, the Campbellsville University right-hander has been called upon to protect late leads, using his composure and ability to generate swing-and-miss pitches to finish games. His consistency in high-pressure situations has made him one of the CPL’s most reliable late-inning relievers while recording five saves.

While each has excelled in a different role, Shepherd, Sato and Gomez have anchored the Zookeepers’ pitching staff throughout the first half of the season. From quality starts and long relief appearances to locking down games in the ninth inning, the trio has provided stability on the mound and played a key role in Asheboro’s success.

“The three pitchers that made it have been studs on the mound,” May said. “We have a great team.”

Impact

Earning seven All-Star selections is a testament to the depth and balance of the Zookeepers’ roster. Asheboro’s representatives have made an impact in every facet of the game, from producing timely offense and providing defensive versatility to anchoring the pitching staff in both starting and relief roles. The recognition reflects the consistent contributions each player has made throughout the first half of the Coastal Plain League season.

“These guys have worked hard all summer,” May said. “To have seven guys representing goes to show how good of a team we are and what our potential is for the future.”

While the selections recognize individual achievements, they also reflect the collective success of the Zookeepers throughout the first half of the season. Each honoree has helped shaped the team’s identity, whether by delivering timely hits, making key defensive plays or providing critical innings on the mound.

“The guys love each other, they’re a fun team to coach,” May said. “Hopefully they can take that momentum with seven All-Stars into the playoffs this year.”

The seven All-Star selections reflect the impact Asheboro has made during the first half of the Coastal Plain League season. As the Zookeepers continue their push through the remainder of the summer, Shepherd, Austin, Stephens, McGuire, Martinez, Gomez and Sato will have the opportunity to represent both the organization and their teammates among the league’s top talent.

Following the All-Star break, the Zookeepers will return their focus to the second half of the season, looking to build on the performances that earned seven players league-wide recognition. With contributions coming from every part of the roster, Asheboro will aim to carry that momentum into the final stretch of the regular season.