Minor league baseball could be returning to the Wilmington area.
According to a statement Wednesday from the city of Leland, REV Entertainment and the Texas Rangers have expressed interest in working with Leland and Brunswick County to develop a sports and entertainment venue in the city.
More:Check out the history of minor league baseball in Wilmington
“We look forward to learning more about their interests and potential partnerships,” the city said.
REV Entertainment, along with the county and city, plan to hold a press conference in the coming weeks to provide more details about the potential development and minor league baseball.
When did this happen?
According to email records obtained by Star News, REV Entertainment first expressed interest in Leland as a possible site for the stadium in the summer of 2022.
Records show that representatives of REV Entertainment and the Rangers, Major League Baseball’s organization, were in Leland the week before Christmas to hold information sessions with elected officials and employees from Leland, Brunswick County and surrounding municipalities.
What’s coming up?
REV Entertainment proposed the site to be built on the 1,400+ acre property along US 17 next to Brunswick Forest, part of the proposed Jackie Creek development. According to city staff email records, the Texas group is proposing a “miniature version” of Globe Light Park.
Current plans have a potential stadium about one-tenth the size of the 40,000-seat Arlington, Texas development.
Why else?
The Rangers’ current nearest franchise is in Kinston. Down East Wood Ducks They play at Grainger Stadium, which was built in 1949 and is one of the oldest active ballparks in minor league baseball. The Rangers could move the Wood Ducks to Leland.
Wilmington was a frequent stop in the minors in the last century.
UNCW’s Brooks Field hosted the Port City Roosters for two seasons in the mid-1990s, and the Wilmington Waves’ lone campaign was in 2001. The Roosters were an affiliate of the Seattle Mariners and the Tides were part of the Los Angeles Dodgers organization.
Primary cover:Can Wilmington Support Minor League Baseball?
And long before Brooks Field was built, the Wilmington Pirates competed for 11 seasons from 1928-1950.
New Hanover County is currently home to the Wilmington Sharks, who play in the Coastal Plains League summer college wood-bat baseball. That team plays at Buck Hardy Field off Carolina Beach Road from late May to early August.
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