Wilson Welcomes Warbirds to New Ballpark

Carolina League team brings professional baseball back to Wilson for first time since 1991.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 12:53pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball game at Wilson Ballpark, with the field and players broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of bright blue, red, and yellow.The vibrant, modern design of Wilson Ballpark promises an immersive game day experience for fans, even as the Warbirds work to find their offensive rhythm.Wilson Today

After decades without a true Carolina League club, the city of Wilson is welcoming the new Warbirds team to play at the recently constructed Wilson Ballpark, touted as the most modern stadium in the state. While the surrounding area is still under construction, the interior of the stadium is ready for the Warbirds' home opener on Tuesday. The cozy and snug ballpark offers fans a unique game experience with various viewing angles and amenities, though the team's slow offensive start has dampened plans for a fireworks display due to a regional drought.

Why it matters

The return of professional baseball to Wilson marks an exciting new chapter for the community, which last hosted a Carolina League team in 1968. Fans can look forward to seeing future MLB talent on the Warbirds roster, much like they did with past Wilson teams that featured stars like Rod Carew and Tony Perez. The modern Wilson Ballpark aims to provide an engaging and memorable game day experience for fans.

The details

The Wilson Warbirds are the city's first true Carolina League team since the Wilson Tobs played their final season in 1968. The new Wilson Ballpark, described as the most modern stadium in North Carolina, features a concourse that encircles the field, grass berms down the lines, a 'knothole' viewing area in right field, and a bar beyond the left-field fence. However, the team's slow offensive start, with the Warbirds ranking last in the league in batting average, runs scored, and hits, has led to the cancellation of planned fireworks displays for the home opener and possibly other early-season games due to a regional drought.

  • The Wilson Tobs played their final Carolina League season in 1968.
  • An independent Carolina League team, the Wilson Pennants, played in 1973.
  • Another independent Carolina League team, the Rocky Mount Pines, called Fleming Stadium home for part of the 1980 season.
  • The Warbirds will play their home opener on Tuesday, April 15, 2026.
  • Fireworks displays planned for the home opener and possibly Friday and Saturday games have been canceled due to a regional drought.

The players

Eddy Morgan

Manager of the Wilson Warbirds.

Jadyn Fielder

Warbirds outfielder and grandson of former Detroit Tigers star Cecil Fielder and son of former Milwaukee Brewers star Prince Fielder.

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What they’re saying

“There's going to be four or five future major leaguers on the roster.”

— Eddy Morgan, Warbirds Manager

“Pointed to the 325-foot power alleys with excitement during the team's media day session.”

— Jadyn Fielder, Warbirds Outfielder

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The return of professional baseball to Wilson with the Warbirds playing in the modern Wilson Ballpark represents an exciting new era for the community, though the team's early offensive struggles have led to the cancellation of planned fireworks displays.