———- A Wilson tradition since 1908, Tobs baseball is synonymous both regionally and statewide with our national pastime. Continuously growing the sport in eastern North Carolina over the last 26 years, the modern-day Tobs have successfully rejuvenated Wilson’s baseball prominence by attracting nationally acclaimed amateur players (Coastal Plain League), conference championship tournaments, scholastic events, spring college tournaments and community outreach programs.

———-Historically speaking, the high-amateur baseball model championed by the Tobs has proven to be the ‘glory years’ for Historic Fleming Stadium. Enduring two pro-team defections in 1952 and 1968, professional baseball in Wilson has been ‘missing in action’ for 55 years while the Tobs amateur brand has thrived across four decades.

———-From the Tobs perspective, Fleming Stadium’s rejuvenation is a direct result of the community buy-in from sponsors, host families, ticket holders, the NC Baseball Museum, the City of Wilson, Wilson County Tourism, the Wilson Chamber of Commerce and the eastern North Carolina baseball community.

Let us remember that the ‘concept’ of a downtown baseball stadium is only a relevant discussion because of the vast success of the modern-day Tobs. Playing a quarter of a century as a high-amateur franchise (most consecutive seasons in Tobs history), the CPL Tobs rejuvenated baseball in Wilson and even saved Historic Fleming Stadium. Emboldened by the people of Wilson, the benefactors and visionaries of the NC Baseball Museum, the tourism and business community and the investment of the Turnage and Holland/Suire family, the Tobs are Wilson’s team. Admiring the prowess of MLB MVP Justin Verlander, the talent surge of New York Yankees first-round pick Trey Sweeney and the grit of Barton College alum Collins Cuthrell, Wilsonians have embraced the amateur game.

———-So with consistent energy generated from the modern-day Tobs, does a new downtown ballpark really need a professional team to succeed? Great question, and thankfully we have two test cases in our state for guidance. If Wilson’s pro baseball advocates believe that locating a pro team in a new downtown stadium is a recipe for success and instant residential ballpark development, they need to visit High Point and Gastonia, NC. Replacing CPL teams in favor of Minor League franchises in the last three years to spearhead downtown ballparks has resulted in both cities experiencing less than projected attendance and minimal ancillary development.

———-From our professional knowledge, stadiums succeed because of the emotional attachment the home team evokes amongst its fan base. If you really know Wilson Tobs baseball, you understand that part of the team’s magic lies in its cultural significance, its DNA and its ability to unite the community. From Pink Night celebrating breast cancer survivors, the Home Run 4 Hunger Program that stocks local food pantries, to community incentive reading programs in Wilson County and surrounding schools, the Wilson Tobs have roots, a history, and a clear purpose.

———-The Tobs call to action is simple, invest in the brand that has stood the test of time and build a new ballpark for Wilson’s hometown team, “We Are Wilson.”