FAYETTEVILLE — Sally league contenders are snapping at the heels of the Cape Fear Crocs. Fayetteville's rookie ball team is in first place. Friday, the Crocs bared their teeth at home against the Charleston River Dogs.

Fans braved what was more like football weather to see what could be the hottest team in single-A baseball. The crocs started the season with an eight-game road trip and won all eight games. That streak continued before an excited crowd, as the team went on to a 6-0 victory.

With all of the bells and whistles available, even a drop-in visit from the Army's Freefall Team, baseball was underway in Fayetteville. Several thousand fans braved the cold and wind, but refused to let the cold weather dampen their spirits.

Fans old and young turned out for the game. The older folks enjoyed watching the young people play ball, while one young fan celebrated her birthday. She even had her name called out on the loudspeaker.

That didn't go over too well, but another announcement did. The team owner, 25-year-old Greg Padgett asked his long-time girlfriend to marry him. She said yes.

There's been talk around town that the Crocs will be leaving at the end of the season. Their contract with the Montreal Expos is up at the end of the year. Team management says there's no way they're leaving. They expect at least two more years, if not longer.