Nine-time NBA All-Star Chris Paul has joined the ownership ranks of the Winston-Salem Dash (High A; Carolina League), giving the group a high-profile name with local ties. Currently a member of the Houston Rockets, Paul was born in Winston-Salem, 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 Dash, spoke to media on Tuesday 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. He 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.