Yogi Berra, legendary baseball player and manager for the New York Yankees, once said, “Love is the most important thing in the world, but baseball is pretty good too.” And in North Carolina there is much to love as the state is home to 10 minor league baseball teams along with five teams representing the independent leagues – Appalachian, Atlantic and Coastal Plain.
“North Carolina has a nice mix of historic parks and modern parks,” says Wit Tuttlell, executive director of Visit NC. “Each has its own unique story. The Durham Bulls, for example, that’s something you won’t find anywhere else. The parks are on a smaller scale and that makes the players more approachable and the fans that much closer to the fun of the game. It’s major league fun at minor league prices.”
Take Me Out to The Baseball Game
Visit North Carolina’s minor league parks where each ballpark is as different as their mascot name; where food, fun, community and the love of the game come together as pieces of a perfectly fit puzzle, once again confirming why many still believe baseball is America’s national pastime.
Durham Bulls
Triple-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays
Bull Durham, released in 1988 and the No. 1 sports movie of all time according to Sports Illustrated, left a forever mark on the history of minor league baseball and the city of Durham. The team has played in the Durham Bulls Athletic Park since 1995, and the ballpark still features the famous 20-foot bull above the left-field wall – loved by movie-goers and baseball fans alike – and continues to challenge players to “Hit Bull – Win Steak.” And for the outdoor and baseball fans, the park offers campout packages where fans can pitch a tent for two nights in the outfield.
Asheville Tourists
High-A affiliate of the Houston Astros
The Asheville Tourists make their home in the beautiful Historic McCormick Field, where fans can find themselves not only getting caught up in the thrill of the game, but also in the breathtaking mountain views, as well as the deep history of the ballpark. One of the oldest ballparks, McCormick Field was built in 1924 on a hillside and has welcomed greats such as Lou Gehrig, Babe Ruth and Ty Cobb. The scoreboard is located in the 42-foot wall in right centerfield, making it the highest wall in professional baseball.
See more: Discover 9 Reasons to Visit Wilson, North Carolina
Hickory Crawdads
High-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers
At LP Frans Stadium, the Hickory Crawdads wow fans with special celebrity appearances, postgame concerts and promotions such as pregame events where they recognize members of the community. For just a dollar extra, your dog can come along! And a fun fact about their beloved mascots – Conrad and Candy Crawdad tied the knot in 2018 on the field at the stadium. The happy couple are always out and about during the games entertaining the fans with high-fives and posing for photos.
Winston-Salem Dash
High-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox
Truist Stadium sits in the heart of downtown Winston-Salem and is home to the Winston-Salem Dash. Stop by concessions for several new and unique food items coming for the 2023 season. When the Dash are on the road, Truist Stadium opens its facilities to host a variety of non-gameday events, like proms, corporate events, weddings, and more, in addition to hosting several home games for the Carolina Disco Turkeys, an All-American Amateur Baseball Association team.
See more: Visit This Museum to Celebrate America’s Favorite Pastime
Down East Wood Ducks
Single-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers
The Down East Wood Ducks made their debut at Grainger Stadium in 2017, bringing back minor league baseball to the fans of Kinston after a five-year absence. The stadium itself dates back to 1949. During Farm and Agriculture Appreciation Weekend in 2023, the Down East Wood Ducks will play as the Kinston Collard Greens to honor the deep history of farming and agriculture in Eastern North Carolina and recognize the importance of what the collard green crops meant for survival for so many during the Great Depression.
Charlotte Knights
Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox
Recognized as the most visited of all minor league ballparks, Truist Field is located in uptown Charlotte and is where the Charlotte Knights have played since 2014. Mascot Homer the Dragon is popular among the Knights’ fans, and he has his own story adventure and printable coloring pages on the Knights website for kids to enjoy. Friday night fireworks are an ongoing tradition, and fans can enjoy other themes throughout the season. Other community events such as Light the Knights Festival make Truist Field a fun venue year round.
See more: 9 Reasons to Visit Stanly County This Spring
Fayetteville Woodpeckers
Single-A affiliate of the Houston Astros
From rocking chairs to picnic style or regular stadium seating, the new Segra Stadium offers baseball fans all these choices and much more. Fans can snack on homegrown North Carolina peanuts or try the Philly Cheesesteak Nachos at Sherwood’s Steaks, named in memory of Fayetteville native and World War II hero Sgt. Sherwood Hallman. Other unique concessions in the stadium are Cooperstown Cantina, Healy’s Grill, Bagwell’s Burgers and Bowley’s BBQ. Segra Stadium is a modern year-round venue hosting weddings, concerts, festivals, and corporate or charity events.
Carolina Mudcats
Single-A affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers
The Carolina Mudcats play in Zebulon’s Five County Stadium, located just outside of Raleigh. The Mudcats are considered a favorite team in the league, and it is easy to see why their mascot, Muddy, is also popular among the fans. Muddy likes to give fans high-fives, ride the stadium four-wheeler around the field and shoot free T-shirts out into the crowd.
Kannapolis Cannon Ballers
Single-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox
Atrium Health Ballpark features a Kids Zone and walking track winding through the park. On non-game days, the ballpark opens to the community as a public park. The team was formerly known as the Kannapolis Intimidators, but the team’s new name pays special tribute to the history of Kannapolis. The name is meant to highlight the circus-like atmosphere of the games while paying homage to the Cannon Family that were founders of Kannapolis.
See more: Why You Should Visit Greenville in the Summer
Greensboro Grasshoppers
High-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates
The Greensboro Grasshoppers play in First National Bank Field in downtown Greensboro. Fans enjoy Guilford the Mascot, as well as the team’s two canine mascots, Willie Mae Mayes and Little Jackie Robinson, both black Labradors. Willie Mae Mayes serves as bat girl, retrieving bats and delivering balls to the umpires, and Little Jackie Robinson is part of the front office staff and serves as a greeter.
North Carolina is home to many baseball teams that each offer their own specialties and draws. Find one of the state’s many teams playing in a local game near you. Minor League: Atlantic League: Coastal Plain League: Appalachian League:Take Me Out to a Ball Game
–Tathel Miller
Missing a bunch of Coastal Plain League teams on the list at the end of the article.
You left out the Forest City Owls in the Coastal Plains League. Great place to visit!