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Of the Minor League Baseball “classifications,” North Carolina currently hosts Single-A and Triple-A teams. And with 1o Minor League Baseball ballparks across our state, you have plenty of opportunities to experience America’s pastime.
1 Asheville Tourists
1 Asheville Tourists
High-A affiliate of the Houston AstrosSee on map
The Tourists play in historic McCormick Field, which was built directly into the side of a mountain and features stunning views from the stands and a 42-foot wall in right-center field (one of the highest in pro baseball). Asheville is a four-time “Beer City USA” winner, and the Tourists accommodate locals and visitors with dozens of different brews. McCormick Field is also completely ADA-accessible.
2 Carolina Mudcats
2 Carolina Mudcats
Single-A affiliate of the Milwaukee BrewersSee on mapHailing from Zebulon’s Five County Stadium, about 30 miles east of downtown Raleigh, this team has one of the most popular names, logos and mascots (Muddy the Mudcat) in the entire league. The Sky Lounge features a club-style setting and is a great place to catch all or part of a game.
3 Charlotte Knights
3 Charlotte Knights
Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago White SoxSee on mapSituated in bustling Uptown Charlotte, Truist Field is the Knights' home and one of the most-visited venues in all of Minor League Baseball, in part because of its spectacular views. Popular theme nights include Thirsty Thursdays, featuring discounted draft beer, and Friday Night Fireworks, which light up the Uptown skyline. Pregame at Paper Mill Pub, which recently opened in the stadium. Pro tip: You don't need a ticket to hang out here, but fans headed to the game can enter the stadium from the pub.
4 Down East Wood Ducks
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4 Down East Wood Ducks
Single-A affiliate of the Texas RangersSee on mapAfter playing their inaugural season in 2017, the Wood Ducks brought Minor League Baseball back to Kinston after a five-year hiatus. Look for innovation and creativity on the field and off. Promotions include Win and Wine Down Wednesdays, where wine is half off and your ticket gets you free entry to the following Wednesday's game if the Wood Ducks win.
5 Durham Bulls
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5 Durham Bulls
Triple-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay RaysSee on mapIn many ways, the Durham Bulls define all that’s good about Minor League Baseball. The team has played in Durham Bulls Athletic Park since 1995. Every night, the team plays a welcome video that features clips from the 1988 hit movie Bull Durham (it was filmed at the team’s previous ballpark). The ballpark features an iconic 20-foot bull above the left-field wall, where it invites players to "Hit Bull Win Steak." Don't forget to cheer for resident batdog Ripken.
6 Fayetteville Woodpeckers
6 Fayetteville Woodpeckers
Single-A affiliate of the Houston AstrosSee on mapAfter spending their first two seasons as the Buies Creek Astros, the Woodpeckers were introduced in 2018 after a “Name the Team” contest, and they play in Segra Stadium, which opened in 2019. With Fayetteville also being home to Fort Liberty, the world’s largest military installation, the Woodpeckers’ name and colors pay homage to those who serve.
7 Greensboro Grasshoppers
7 Greensboro Grasshoppers
High-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh PiratesSee on mapWhile several Minor League teams have dogs who take plate umpires' spare balls and more, the Greensboro Grasshoppers have historically taken barking at the park to another level. They currently have a black Labrador who is a big part of the stadium experience: Willie Mae Mays retrieves bats, takes balls to the ump and participates in in-game skits. The Grasshoppers play in downtown Greensboro’s First National Bank Field.
8 Hickory Crawdads
8 Hickory Crawdads
High-A affiliate of the Texas RangersSee on mapThe Hickory Crawdads are one of the most popular brands in baseball, thanks to a great logo and two fun mascots: Conrad the Crawdad and Candy the Crawdad, who were happily married on the field in 2018. Weekly promotions include $1 hot dogs on Tuesdays (bonus: Bring your dog to the game for just $1), Thirsty Thursdays, Fireworks Fridays and Super Saturdays filled with post-game concerts, celebrity appearances and great giveaways.
9 Kannapolis Cannon Ballers
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9 Kannapolis Cannon Ballers
Single-A affiliate of the Chicago White SoxSee on mapRenamed the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers (previously the Kannapolis Intimidators) after the 2019 season, the new team name pays homage to Kannapolis’ mill history, adventurous spirit and the family that gave rise to the city. Along with a fresh name, logo, jerseys and mascot (his name is Boomer), the Cannon Ballers play in the new Atrium Health Ballpark.
10 Winston-Salem Dash
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10 Winston-Salem Dash
High-A affiliate of the Chicago White SoxSee on mapSporting a new logo in 2020, the Dash call downtown Winston-Salem’s Truist Stadium home, with amenities such as the Flow Club that features an all-inclusive ticket including great seats, food, beverages (beer, wine and more) and parking. The mascot Bolt makes his rounds, entertaining fans.
For even more fun on the diamond, check out some other teams playing in independent leagues across our state:
- Asheboro ZooKeepers (Coastal Plain League)
- Boone Bigfoots (Coastal Plain League)
- Burlington Sock Puppets (Appalachian League)
- Forest City Owls (Coastal Plain League)
- Gastonia Honey Hunters (Atlantic League)
- Greenville Yard Gnomes – new in 2024! (Coastal Plain League)
- Holly Springs Salamanders (Coastal Plain League)
- High Point Rockers (Atlantic League)
- High Point-Thomasville HiToms (Coastal Plain League)
- Morehead City Marlins (Coastal Plain League)
- Wilmington Sharks (Coastal Plain League)
- Wilson Tobs (Coastal Plain League)
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