Gastonia Honey Hunters

The Gastonia Honey Hunters are a professional baseball team based in Gastonia, North Carolina. They are anticipated to begin play in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, a "partner league" of Major League Baseball,[1][2] upon completion of the FUSE District Stadium in 2021.

Gastonia Honey Hunters
Team logo Cap insignia
Information
LeagueAtlantic League of Professional Baseball (Liberty Division)
LocationGastonia, North Carolina
BallparkFUSE District Stadium
Year founded2020
ColorsBlack, gold, orange, white
       
OwnershipBrandon Bellamy
ManagementVelocity Companies
Websitegohoneyhunters.com

History

In 2019 the Atlantic League announced it was considering a new franchise in Gastonia.[3] Work officially began in November 2019, for the new ballpark in Gastonia.[4] In July 2020, the league announced the addition of a new franchise in Gastonia beginning in 2021; it will be the league's second team based in North Carolina.[5] Brandon Bellamy was announced as the team's owner.[6]

On August 15, 2020, a "Name the Team" contest was launched.[7] On October 8, 2020, the names were narrowed down to Fire Ants, Hogzillas, Honey Hunters, Hotshots, and Uppercuts.[8]

On January 13, 2021, the Honey Hunters name, logo and colors were announced. "Honey Hunters" refers to the toughness of a honey badger (Mellivora capensis) and the ability to seek out positive things in hard times. The moniker also alludes to Ransom Hunter, the first freed slave to own property in Gaston County, of which Gastonia is the county seat.[9]

References
  1. "Indy Atlantic League designated MLB Partner League". Ballpark Digest. August Publishing. September 23, 2020. Retrieved October 2, 2020.
  2. "American Association, Frontier League now MLB Partner Leagues". Ballpark Digest. August Publishing. September 24, 2020. Retrieved October 2, 2020.
  3. Barrett, Michael (August 21, 2019). "Gastonia advances plan to lure pro-baseball franchise". The Gaston Gazette. Retrieved August 16, 2020.
  4. Reichard, Kevin (December 3, 2019). "Downtown Gastonia Ballpark Project Underway". Ballpark Digest. August Publications. Retrieved August 16, 2020.
  5. Del Priore, Jerry (July 28, 2020). "Atlantic League of Professional Baseball Expands to City of Gastonia, NC". AtlanticLeague.com (Press release).
  6. Cooper, J. J. (July 28, 2020). "Brandon Bellamy Set To Become Only Black Majority Owner In Professional Baseball". Baseball America.
  7. "Contest to name Gastonia's new pro baseball team begins". The Gaston Gazette. August 16, 2020. Retrieved August 16, 2020.
  8. Gilstrap, Samantha (October 8, 2020). "Gastonia Professional Baseball Narrows Down Team Name Finalists". WCCB. Retrieved October 11, 2020.
  9. Reichard, Kevin (January 13, 2021). "New for 2021: Gastonia Honey Hunters". Ballpark Digest. August Publications. Retrieved January 13, 2021.
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