Catawba Legend Ready to Watch Grandson in Super Bowl

Jerry Maye, 83, reflects on his baseball career at Catawba and looks forward to seeing his grandson Drake Maye lead the New England Patriots in the big game.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 3:23pm

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Jerry Maye, an 83-year-old former baseball player for Catawba College, is eagerly anticipating watching his grandson, Drake Maye, quarterback the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl. Maye had a successful college baseball career at Catawba in the 1960s, setting several records, and went on to play minor league baseball before starting a career at Procter & Gamble. Now, he's proud to see his grandson Drake, the son of his son Mark Maye, who was also a star athlete, reach the pinnacle of the NFL.

Why it matters

This story highlights the multi-generational athletic legacy of the Maye family, with Jerry Maye's baseball success at Catawba leading to his grandson Drake's rise to the Super Bowl as the Patriots' starting quarterback. It showcases the enduring impact of Catawba's sports programs and the way they can shape the lives of student-athletes over decades.

The details

Jerry Maye pitched for the Catawba Indians from 1962-65, winning 27 games and setting a program record with 318 strikeouts that stood for nearly 50 years. He had a brief minor league career with the Minnesota Twins organization before taking a job at Procter & Gamble, where he worked for 32 years. Maye's son Mark was a standout quarterback at the University of North Carolina in the 1980s, and Mark's son Drake is now leading the Patriots to the Super Bowl in just his second NFL season after being a high draft pick.

  • Jerry Maye played baseball at Catawba College from 1962-65.
  • Maye pitched in the minor leagues for the Minnesota Twins organization in 1965 and 1966.
  • Maye worked at Procter & Gamble for 32 years after his baseball career ended.
  • Maye's son Mark was the starting quarterback for UNC in 1986 and 1987.
  • Drake Maye, Jerry's grandson, is leading the New England Patriots in the 2026 Super Bowl.

The players

Jerry Maye

An 83-year-old former baseball player who had a successful career at Catawba College in the 1960s, setting several program records.

Drake Maye

Jerry Maye's grandson, who is the starting quarterback for the New England Patriots and leading them to the Super Bowl in just his second NFL season.

Mark Maye

Jerry Maye's son, who was a standout quarterback at the University of North Carolina in the 1980s.

Roy Williams

The former head basketball coach at the University of North Carolina, who gave a scholarship to Jerry Maye's grandson Luke Maye.

Jim Gantt

The long-time head baseball coach at Catawba College, who maintains the program's ties to its history and past greats like Jerry Maye.

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What they’re saying

“My whole life has worked out wonderfully. Everything good that ever happened to me, it all goes back to Catawba.”

— Jerry Maye

“People tell me that's a record that will last. Baseball has changed. Expectations of a starting pitcher have changed. Pitch six innings now, and you've done an outstanding job.”

— Jerry Maye

“Everyone talks about how tough the New York media can be, but Boston is right behind them.”

— Jerry Maye

What’s next

The Super Bowl between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks will take place on February 8, 2026 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

The takeaway

This story showcases the enduring legacy of Catawba College's athletics programs and the way they can shape the lives of student-athletes over generations. The Maye family's multi-generational athletic success, from Jerry Maye's baseball career to his grandson Drake's rise to the Super Bowl, is a testament to the power of sports to bring families together and create lasting memories.