ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The UNC Asheville baseball program is mourning the death of former pitcher Philip Mullinax, a Flat Rock native who died last week after a long battle with cancer.
Mullinax pitched for the Bulldogs for two seasons, 1989 and 1990, after transferring from Montreat-Anderson College. He served as the team’s closer during both years and played a key role in helping a young program find early success.
He finished his UNC Asheville career with eight saves, a school record at the time. Mullinax posted a 6-5 record with a 3.88 ERA, striking out 62 batters in 72 innings. He recorded four saves in each of his two seasons with the Bulldogs.
In 1989, Asheville closed the season on an eight-game winning streak, with Mullinax recording three saves during that stretch. In 1990, the Bulldogs set a school record 10-game winning streak, during which Mullinax earned two saves and two wins.
He is remembered fondly by former teammates, including Hall of Fame pitcher Marc Rosenbalm.
“As a fellow sidewinder, Mully and I immediately bonded during our playing days,” Rosenbalm said. “He was instrumental in helping me develop a changeup, which gave me a weapon against my Achilles’ heel — left-handed hitters. In addition to being a great friend and teammate, Mully was a wonderful person and devoted family man. He will be dearly missed by all his Bulldog brothers.”
Derek Helton, who played with Mullinax at Montreat-Anderson and UNC Asheville, also shared memories of his former teammate. The two transferred to Asheville together.
“Philip was an awesome teammate and friend,” Helton said. “He was the same on and off the field. He was highly competitive, yet highly supportive of everyone. He worked hard to be the best he could be on the mound and pushed others to be better through his commitment and competitiveness. Philip was crafty and calculating. He studied opposing hitters to help us as hitters. He is going to be missed.”
Mike Shildt, a UNC Asheville Athletics Hall of Fame member and former Major League Baseball manager, also played with Mullinax.
“Mully was a terrific teammate and fierce competitor with a heart of gold,” Shildt said. “It was a privilege to know him. He lived a life of high value and integrity. We lost a Bulldog brother, but heaven gained an angel.”