Gastonia Baseball Club

The Gastonia Baseball Club is a professional baseball team based in Gastonia, North Carolina. They play in the South Division of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, a "partner league" of Major League Baseball,[3][4] at CaroMont Health Park in Gastonia, North Carolina.

Gastonia Baseball Club
Information
LeagueAtlantic League of Professional Baseball (South Division)
LocationGastonia, North Carolina
BallparkCaroMont Health Park
Founded2024
OwnershipZawyer Sports and Entertainment[1]
ManagerMauro Gozzo[2]
General ManagerBrady Salisbury[2]
Websitewww.gastoniabaseballclub.com

History

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In November 2023, the Atlantic League terminated the membership of the Gastonia Honey Hunters, citing significant unpaid debts to the league, and announced the intent to field another team in Gastonia in 2024.[5][6] In February 2024, new owners were announced of a yet-to-be-named Atlantic League team to play at CaroMont Health Park.[1] The city and Zawyer Sports and Entertainment signed a 15-year stadium lease agreement.[7] The new team hired the general manager and manager of the Honey Hunters,[2][7] as well as other coaches.[7]

The Gastonia Baseball Club played their first game on April 25, 2024, a 3-2 loss to the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs.[8] Their first win came the next day against the same opponent, 7-3, allowing no hits through 7.1 innings.[9]

Name

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The Gastonia Baseball Club retained that name for the 2024 season while testing seven other possible permanent names on specific "What If?" dates.[6][10][11] The other names are Gastronauts, Bolognia, Galactic Dinos, Ghost Peppers, Zombees, Garden Gnomes, and Yarniaks.[11][12][13] In August 2024, the team asked fans to vote for one of the names by the end of the month.[11][12][13] The announcement of the team's name is set for October 16, 2024.[14][15] The "What If?" promotion was recognized with the Atlantic League's "Promotion of the Year" award.[15]

Roster

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Active roster Coaches/Other

Pitchers



 

Catchers

  • 28 Hidekel Gonzalez
  •  4 Dave Martinez

Infielders

Outfielders

  •  7 Eric De La Rosa
  • 12 Pedro Gonzalez
  • 30 Dean Miller
  •  9 Zach Racusin
  •  6 Chad Smith
  • 16 Josh Stowers
  • 17 Kevin Watson Jr.
 

Manager

Coaches


  Disabled list
‡ Inactive list
§ Suspended list

Roster updated July 6, 2024
Transactions

References

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  1. ^ a b Calkins, Mary (February 7, 2024). "Gastonia leaders reveal new pro baseball team amid Honey Hunters legal battle". WBTV. Retrieved May 20, 2024.
  2. ^ a b c Hughes, Joe L. II (April 24, 2024). "Here's what to know as the Gastonia Baseball Club begins the 2024 ALPB season". The Gaston Gazette. Retrieved May 20, 2024.
  3. ^ Reichard, Kevin (September 23, 2020). "Indy Atlantic League designated MLB Partner League". Ballpark Digest. August Publishing. Retrieved May 20, 2024.
  4. ^ Reichard, Kevin (September 24, 2020). "American Association, Frontier League now MLB Partner Leagues". Ballpark Digest. August Publishing. Retrieved May 20, 2024.
  5. ^ Fohner, Kara (November 22, 2023). "More trouble for Gastonia's Honey Hunters". The Gaston Gazette. Archived from the original on November 22, 2023. Retrieved May 20, 2024.
  6. ^ a b Fohner, Kara (April 18, 2024). "Are you ready for some baseball? Gastonia team owners talk about a fresh start". The Gaston Gazette. Archived from the original on April 19, 2024. Retrieved May 20, 2024.
  7. ^ a b c Ellis, Kevin (February 8, 2024). "Gastonia gets a new baseball team and a promise to pay old debts". Business North Carolina. Retrieved May 20, 2024.
  8. ^ "Gastonia Drops Season Opener 3-2". Gastonia Baseball Club. April 26, 2024. Retrieved May 20, 2024.
  9. ^ "Secures First Win as Gastonia Baseball Club". Gastonia Baseball Club. April 27, 2024. Retrieved May 20, 2024.
  10. ^ Ablon, Matthew; Richards, Destiny; Harris, Myles (April 23, 2024). "Gastonia's new baseball team has a temporary name for this season. What about in 2025?". WCNC-TV. Retrieved May 20, 2024.
  11. ^ a b c Krieger, Dan (August 26, 2024). "Weekly Sports League and Franchise Report". OurSports Central. Retrieved September 11, 2024.
  12. ^ a b Brierton, James (August 20, 2024). "The time has arrived: Now is the time to vote on a new Gastonia Baseball Club name". WCNC-TV. Retrieved September 11, 2024.
  13. ^ a b "Vote: Fans given opportunity to permanently name Gastonia Baseball Club". WBTV. August 21, 2024. Retrieved September 11, 2024.
  14. ^ Coats, Doug (September 23, 2024). "Gastonia Baseball Club to announce permanent name in October". WJZY. Retrieved September 26, 2024 – via AOL.
  15. ^ a b Woodhouse, Arri (September 30, 2024). "Gastonia Baseball Club awarded 2024 'Promotion of the Year'". Queen City News. Retrieved October 5, 2024.
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