Scott Bankhead is a former Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher who had a ten-year big-league career. Bankhead made his major-league debut on May 25, 1986, with the Royals, after a swift rise through the minors. He finished his rookie season with an 8-9 record and a 4.61 ERA in 24 appearances (17 starts).
Shortly after, he was traded to the Seattle Mariners for the 1987 season, where he spent five seasons. His performance peaked in 1989: a 14-6 record with a 3.34 ERA as a full-time starter, during a season in which his team wasn’t particularly strong—but he was. Injuries (notably shoulder trouble) curtailed his workload thereafter.
In 1992 he shifted into a relief role with the Cincinnati Reds and rejuvenated his career, posting a 10-4 record with a 2.93 ERA in 54 games. He spent two seasons in relief with the Boston Red Sox (1993-94) and closed out his big-league time with the New York Yankees in 1995. Over his MLB career he appeared in 267 games (110 starts), amassed a 57-48 win-loss record and a 4.18 ERA with 614 strikeouts.
Bankhead was born in Raleigh and raised in Reidsville, North Carolina, where he starred at Reidsville High School. As as a senior, he struck out an astounding 176 batters in just 76 innings and posted a 0.37 earned-run average—earning high school national recognition. He chose to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) rather than sign immediately, and there he flourished. Over three years with the Tar Heels he compiled a 24-3 record, went 20-0 over his final two seasons, helped lead UNC to three straight ACC championships, and earned All-American honors twice. During the summers of 1982 and 1983 he pitched with the Wareham Gatemen of the Cape Cod League, where he developed a sharp slider and earned all-star recognition.
In 1984, Bankhead represented the United States as a member of the U.S. baseball team at the 1984 Summer Olympics (when baseball was a demonstration sport). He appeared in two games, logged 9⅔ innings and allowed a just a single earned run. That same year, he was selected 16th overall in the first round of the MLB Draft by the Kansas City Royals
Following his playing days, Bankhead returned to North Carolina and established the North Carolina Baseball Academy, providing training and mentorship to young players. His career has been recognized via induction into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame and the American Legion Hall of Fame.
Mark Your Calendar
(All Meetings at Croasdaile Country Club)
12/3/25 – Jack Marin, Duke and NBA Star
12/17/25 – Durham Sports Club’s Christmas Event
1/5/25 – NO MEETING (Croasdaile will be closed that week)