Atlantic League In, Coastal Plain League Out in Gastonia?

Gastonia (NC) leaders are leaning toward a new partnership that would bring a professional baseball franchise to the city, with the team playing in a new stadium just west of downtown and the ownership group also managing the multipurpose facility.  Read more here.

Editorial: Gastonia Wise to Explore Options for New Stadium’s Primary Baseball Tenant

The question now facing Gastonia (NC) city leaders as they move toward building a new multi-use stadium to serve as the anchor of the Franklin Urban Sports and Entertainment District, is whether the Gastonia Grizzlies (Summer Collegiate, Coastal Plain League) will be one of the primary tenants of the new facility or if a different baseball franchise will play that role.  Read more here.

Grizzlies Promote ‘Ticket Leprechaun’ to Assistant GM

The Gastonia Grizzlies (Summer Collegiate, Coastal Plain League) have announced the promotion of long-time employee, Jake Brewer, to Assistant General Manager.  Brewer, also known as the Ticket Leprechaun, is going into his 6th season with the organization.  Read more here.

Gastonia Officials Get a VR Look at Proposed New Ballpark

Gastonia (NC) Mayor Walker Reid donned a virtual reality headset this week to take a stroll through the proposed multi-use stadium that will anchor the FUSE District on the city’s western side.  Read more and view photos here.

Gastonia Locks Down Ballpark Design Deal with Pendulum

As expected, the Gastonia (NC) City Council has voted to hire Pendulum Studio of Kansas City (MO) to the design the multi-purpose baseball stadium and events complex to be built just west of downtown.  Read more here.

Gastonia Slated to Approve Pendulum as Ballpark Designer

Gastonia (NC) City Council members will vote on whether to approve a contract totaling $1.26 million for Pendulum Studio, a Kansas City (MO) design firm, to complete architectural and engineering work for a new ballpark.  Read more here.

Creating a ‘Ballpark of the Future’ in Gastonia

The first actual pitch may still be up to three years away, but Gastonia (NC) city leaders tossed out their plan to create a spark in the center city to business leaders Tuesday morning by building a sports stadium without mentioning the word baseball.  Read more here.

Update: Proposed Gastonia Ballpark

In October, the Gastonia (NC) City Council voted 7-0 to approve an initial $4 million to ignite FUSE (Franklin Urban Sports and Entertainment) — a multi-use redevelopment downtown anchored by an estimated $15 million ballpark for the Gastonia Grizzlies (Summer Collegiate, Coastal Plain League) — to purchase and begin demolition on four properties.  Architectural work will come next, with construction potentially beginning later this year.  Read more here.

New Gastonia Ballpark Plans On the Mound

Gastonia (NC) leaders have spent more than two years crafting a plan for a new entertainment and sports district just west of downtown, which could be anchored by a multi-purpose baseball stadium.  Now they are finally on the mound and firing their first formal pitch to residents.  Read more here.

Gastonia Grizzlies Extend Lease, Continue Work on New Ballpark Plan

The Gastonia Grizzlies (Summer Collegiate, Coastal Plain League) will be staying at Sims Legion Park for the next two years. Wednesday, the team announced it had signed a lease to stay put through at least the 2017 season, which team owners hope will be their last as they continue work on a plan for new downtown ballpark.  Read more here.

Coastal Plain League Franchise to Replace Departing Savannah Sand Gnats

A summer collegiate Coastal Plain League franchise will take up residence at Grayson Stadium when the Savannah Sand Gnats (Single-A, South Atlantic League) depart for a new ballpark in Columbia (SC) after the 2015 season.  The team will be owned by Jesse Cole and Fans First Entertainment, who will continue to own the Gastonia Grizzlies and manage the Martinsville Mustangs in the CPL.  Read more here.  Watch news reports here and here.

Over 4,000 Fans Per Night Hand Grizzlies First-Ever Back-to-Back Sellouts

PRESS RELEASE – The Gastonia Grizzlies have sold out back to back games for the first time in franchise history.

Grizzlies Unveil World’s Largest Tickets

PRESS RELEASE – The Gastonia Grizzlies Baseball Team is proud to unveil the World’s Largest Tickets for the 2015 season. After introducing the “Tuxedo Uniforms” in 2014 the Grizzlies are back with another outrageous promotion.

Grizzlies Expand Full-Time Front Office Staff to Seven

The summer collegiate Gastonia Grizzlies (Coastal Plain League) have announced three additions to its front-office team.  With seven full-time staff members, the Grizzlies now have the largest staff in the circuit.  Read more here.

Cole Purchases Gastonia Grizzlies

PRESS RELEASE – The Gastonia Grizzlies are pleased to announce that Jesse Cole has agreed to terms with Ken Silver to purchase the baseball club. Cole has served as the Managing Partner/General Manager of the Grizzlies since 2008.

A Possible New Ballpark for Gastonia Grizzlies, Pumpkin Beer Fest on Deck

Gastonia (NC) leaders are exploring building a downtown baseball stadium that could replace Sims Legion Park and become the new home of the summer collegiate Gastonia Grizzlies (Coastal Plain League).  Kansas City-based Pendulum has been recruited to help in this process.  Read more here.  Meanwhile, the Grizzlies are preparing to hold their 2nd annual Pumpkin Beef Fest.  Get more information and tickets here.

Cole Named CPL’s 2014 Executive of the Year

PRESS RELEASE – The Coastal Plain League has announced Jesse Cole as the 2014 CPL Executive of the Year. Cole is the Managing Partner for the Gastonia Grizzlies and Forest City Owls, while also serving as President of Team Cole and Associates – the management firm that operates the Martinsville Mustangs.

Grizzlies Unveil Tuxedo Uniforms

PRESS RELEASE – Summer collegiate baseball teams will open their seasons around the country this weekend, but one team has taken the formality of Opening Day to a whole new level!

Grizzlies Announce 2013 Promotional Schedule

PRESS RELEASE – The Gastonia Grizzlies Baseball Club (photo courtesy of Encaptured & Co.) announced today the promotional schedule for the 2013 season. The schedule is highlighted by Dig to China Night on July 19th. The Grizzlies are teaming up with Creative Travel in Belmont, to bury a certificate in the infield dirt for a free trip to China! The lucky fan that “Digs to China” will then board a direct

Team Cole & Associates Finalize Deal to Manage Mustangs

PRESS RELEASE – The City of Martinsville announced that Team Cole and Associates will take over operations of the Martinsville Mustangs for the 2013 season.

Operator of Grizzlies and Owls Could Run Mustangs Too

Gastonia (NC)-based Team Cole & Associates is negotiating to manage the summer collegiate Martinsville Mustangs (Coastal Plain League) on behalf of the city of Martinsville (VA), which has continued to subsidize the team to keep it afloat.  A proposed contract is scheduled to come before the city council on Tuesday.  The firm operates the CPL’s successful Gastonia Grizzlies and Forest City Owls.  Read more here.

Gastonia Grizzlies Named 2012 Coastal Plain League Organization of the Year

PRESS RELEASE – The Coastal Plain League announced today that the Gastonia Grizzlies have been selected as the 2012 CPL Organization of the Year.

Gastonia Grizzlies Unveil New Slashing Logo

PRESS RELEASE – The Gastonia Grizzlies wanted something simple, unique and edgy in their new logo, and they believe they found it. The college summer-league baseball team on Thursday unveiled the new emblem, which features a gray claw mark as the background behind the word “Grizzlies” in a fresh typeface with the same gold and black colors.

Grizzlies Announce 2012 Promo Schedule

PRESS RELEASE – The Gastonia Grizzlies Baseball Club announced today the promotional schedule for the 2012 season. The schedule is highlighted by Jimmy Buffett Night on May 31st and Hot Dog Heaven on July 18th. Jimmy Buffett Night will feature live performances from the Tsunami Wave Riders and Blind Manifest, and an appearance from the Parrotheads. Hot Dog Heaven

Grizzlies Let Fans Choose New Food Item

PRESS RELEASE – The Gastonia Grizzlies announced today that they will let the fans choose the outrageous food item for the 2012 season.  The Grizzlies have been known for their unique food items including the Krispy Kreme Donut Burger, Donut Dog and the Garbage Can Nachos.

Grizzlies Hire Director of Fun

PRESS RELEASE – The Gastonia Grizzlies Baseball Club announced today the hiring of Emily McDonald as the Director of Fun. The Director of Fun is a new position for the Grizzlies.

Grizzlies Win Best Promo Award at Summer Ball Conference

PRESS RELEASE – The Gastonia Grizzlies “Great Community Give Back Game” has been named the Best Promotion in all of college summer baseball at the 3nd Annual Summer Ball Conference.

Grizzlies Managing Partner Starts Sports Consulting Business

Jesse Cole, 27, managing partner for the summer collegiate Gastonia Grizzlies (Central Plain League), has launched Team Cole & Associates, a sports consulting business with an initial focus on advising clients in the summer collegiate baseball arena.  Read more here.

Grizzlies Announce 2011 Promotions

PRESS RELEASE – The Gastonia Grizzlies Baseball Club announced the promotional schedule today for their 10th anniversary season.  The schedule is highlighted by Las Vegas Night on June 2nd, Jersey Shore Night on July 23rd and the “Great Community Give Back Game” with Dig for the Diamond on July 31st.  The “Great Community Give Back game” will be the first of its kind for

Grizzlies Sell Out Box Seats

PRESS RELEASE – For the first time in the Grizzlies ten year history all box seats have sold out for the entire season. The 184 box seats located behind home plate are the only chair back seats in Sims Legion Park, besides the seating in the newly renovated Miller Lite Beer Garden.

Sims Park Gets Makeover

Sims Legion Park, home of the summer collegiate Coastal Plain League’s Gastonia (NC) Grizzlies, is currently undergoing renovations that include a new concourse and beer garden.  We assume the old beer garden’s popular beer pong and corn hole game areas will survive.  Read more here.  View photos of ballpark in action here.

Grizzlies to Host Third Annual Beer Fest

PRESS RELEASE – The Gastonia Grizzlies baseball club announced today that they will be holding the Third Annual Ballpark Beer Fest at Sims Legion Park on May 14, 2011.  The Grizzlies will be again working in conjunction with the Gaston County Jaycees and will be hosting the event at the ballpark under the lights from 6:00-10:00 p.m.

Canseco, Home Run Derby Coming to Gastonia

PRESS RELEASE – Former American League MVP, Jose Canseco will hitting in the first annual ASP Nation Home Run Derby at Sims Legion Park on March 19th. Jeff Hall of East Coast Athletics and the Gastonia Grizzlies have teamed up to host the event which will give fans the opportunity to participate in the derby with the finalists hitting after Jose Canseco.

Voice of Grizzlies Signs Two-Year Deal

PRESS RELEASE – The Gastonia Grizzlies baseball team announced today the signing of Brian Rushing to a two year deal with the Grizzlies. Rushing the “Voice of the Grizzlies” will continue his role as PA Announcer and emcee for the 2011 and 2012 seasons.

Grizzlies Offer Regis Philbin Job

PRESS RELEASE – The Gastonia Grizzlies baseball team announced today the formal offering of a job to Regis Philbin (pictured left, courtesy of “Live with Regis and Kelly”), the host of “Live with Regis and Kelly.” The position would be as the on-field emcee for all Grizzlies games during the 2011 season.

‘Midnight Madness Game’ Returns to Gastonia in 2011

PRESS RELEASE – The Gastonia Grizzlies announced today the release of their 2011 schedule.  The schedule is highlighted by the June 24th “Midnight Madness Game” against the Forest City Owls and the June 30th game against Team USA.

Grizzlies Launch New Website

PRESS RELEASE – The Gastonia Grizzlies announced today the launch of their new website.  Moonray Web Design of Gastonia has teamed up with the Grizzlies to form the new layout of www.gastoniagrizzlies.com. 

Grizzlies Announce 2010 Promotions

PRESS RELEASE – The Gastonia Grizzlies announced their 2010 Promotional Schedule today.  The schedule is highlighted by Aaron’s Dig for the TV, Midnight Madness, Team USA, four fireworks shows and the first ever Pregnant Night. 

‘Midnight Madness’ Highlights Grizzlies’ 2010 Schedule

PRESS RELEASE – The Gastonia Grizzlies announced today the release of their 2010 schedule.  The schedule is highlighted by the July 9th “Midnight Madness Game” against the Forest City Owls with first pitch at 12:00 AM.   The game will feature a pregame party, play catch with the Grizzlies, and Grizzlies Home Run Derby.  The Grizzlies plan to have discounts for fans wearing pajamas and big prizes for fans that stay past midnight. 

Grizzlies Host Inaugural Summer Ball Conference

As we reported in September, the inaugural Summer Ball Conference will be held in Gastonia, North Carolina on November 8-10.  The Gastonia Grizzlies from the Coastal Plain League was the franchise selected to host this first-ever Winter Meetings-style event for the summer collegiate baseball industry.  Indeed the Grizzlies are a worthy host.  Their BBiz Summer Collegiate Top 50 attendance ranking jumped from #34 (1,172 per game) in 2008 to #16 (1,637 per game) in 2009. Read more here.