After seven seasons with the Down East Wood Ducks, Kinston will welcome a new professional baseball team, the Down East Bird Dawgs, to Grainger Stadium as part of the Frontier League. The announcement was made during a press conference at the stadium on Tuesday, marking a new chapter for the city and its strong baseball tradition.

The Frontier League, a partner of Major League Baseball, will bring a professional team to Kinston starting in 2025. The move is seen as an opportunity for Kinston to continue its legacy of hosting professional baseball, which spans 75 years and has included teams affiliated with the Yankees, Braves, and Indians, among others.

Scott Alston, Director of Lenoir County Parks and Recreation, opened the event by thanking the community and local leaders for their support. “Grainger Stadium has long been a beacon of economic tourism for sporting events,” Alston said. “For the past 75 years, with teams such as the Blue Jays, Eagles, Wood Ducks, and Indians, we look forward to what the future may bring for Kinston and Lenoir County.”

Mayor Don Hardy also addressed the crowd, extending gratitude to the Wood Ducks organization for their contribution to the community. “Your presence has truly energized Kinston, creating unforgettable memories for fans and families and aspiring athletes,” Hardy said. “The impact you had on our community goes beyond the games on the field.”

The transition to the Frontier League comes as part of an effort to ensure that professional baseball remains in Kinston, despite the Wood Ducks’ departure. The Frontier League, a professional partner league of Major League Baseball, operates independently but works with all 30 Major League teams to showcase players and provide them with opportunities to advance in their careers.

Steve Tahsler, Commissioner of the Frontier League, shared his excitement about expanding into Kinston. “The Frontier League is professional baseball, and we are so excited to be having baseball in the Frontier League in Kinston, North Carolina, for 2025 and many years to come,” Tahsler said. He emphasized the League’s mission to provide opportunities for players and to be a long-term partner in the community.

One of the key factors in the decision to bring the Frontier League to Kinston was the community’s ongoing support for baseball. Tahsler noted that during his visits to the area, he was impressed by the pride the community takes in its baseball heritage. “Every person we spoke with, from the council to the mayor, to the parks department, had the same sense of pride in the Kinston area to be able to have a professional baseball team,” Tahsler said. “It’s one of the smallest markets to have professional baseball, and that’s a cornerstone of pride for the community.”

Grainger Stadium, which was built in 1949 and has been modernized over the years, remains a key asset for Kinston’s baseball future. Tahsler praised the stadium, stating that it fits well with other historic facilities in the Frontier League. “Grainger Stadium has a tremendous benefit of being a historic 1949 facility that’s been modernized without losing its historic character,” Tahsler said. “It’s a great fit for our league.”

The new team’s ownership group will be led by local businessman Cam McRae, who has played a pivotal role in maintaining baseball in Kinston. Bill Ellis, Chairman of the Grainger Stadium Commission, credited McRae for his continued efforts to keep baseball alive in the community. “Baseball would not have been here, and it would not be here now, if it wasn’t for Cam McRae,” Ellis said.

The Frontier League has a strong track record of developing players who go on to play in Major League Baseball. According to Tahsler, six players from the league made their Major League debuts in 2024, and the Frontier League is committed to providing more players with the opportunity to advance to the majors.

Looking ahead, Kinston and Lenoir County officials expressed optimism about the economic and community impact of the new team. Linda Rouse Sutton, Chairwoman of the Lenoir County Commissioners, emphasized the importance of baseball in the region. “Kinston has a proud tradition and lasting legacy of baseball in our community,” Sutton said. “We look forward to the continued positive impact that this stadium and our new baseball team will have on the region.”

As the city prepares for the next chapter of professional baseball, Tahsler concluded the event with a sense of optimism. “Welcome to the Frontier League,” he said. “We are so excited to be here. This is going to be a great partnership for years to come.”