Ben says farewell DEWD to Grainger Stadium
This is an excerpt from the latest edition of the Ben's Biz Beat Newsletter, bringing Minor League Baseball business and culture news to your inbox each and every Thursday. Check out the full newsletter HERE. The following ballpark road trip recap is presented by Wyndham, proud sponsor of Minor League
This is an excerpt from the latest edition of the Ben's Biz Beat Newsletter, bringing Minor League Baseball business and culture news to your inbox each and every Thursday. Check out the full newsletter HERE.
The following ballpark road trip recap is presented by Wyndham, proud sponsor of Minor League Ballpark Guides. Plan your road trip today, and check out the Down East Wood Ducks Ballpark Guide HERE.
Grainger Stadium opened in 1949 and now stands as Minor League Baseball’s ninth-oldest ballpark. The first time I visited was in 2011, a farewell season. Following that campaign, the Carolina League’s Kinston Indians relocated to Zebulon, N.C., and, as part of a series of moves, became the Carolina Mudcats.
There was still more Minor League Baseball to come at Grainger Stadium, as 2017’s contraction of the California League and corresponding expansion of the Carolina League resulted in the formation of the Down East Wood Ducks (Single-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers). The Down East geographical signifier references a specific area of the North Carolina coast near Kinston and is also utilized as a catchall phrase for the portion of the state that is “down east” of Raleigh.
The Wood Ducks were owned by the Rangers until earlier this season, when they were purchased by Diamond Baseball Holdings (DBH). Their acquisition by DBH was followed by the announcement that the team will move to Spartanburg, S.C., in 2025 and begin a new era as the Hub City Spartanburgers. The Spartanburgers will play in the High-A South Atlantic League, with the Rangers’ current High-A affiliate, the Hickory Crawdads, moving to the Carolina League.
Putting aside the endless machinations and maneuverings that are part and parcel of the Minor League Baseball landscape, the end result is this: The Wood Ducks are in the homestretch of their “Fowl Well” season, Grainger Stadium’s last as host of an affiliated team. It’s 75 years old and would need a lot of work (and therefore a lot of money) to meet current facility standards. Kinston has a population of approximately 20,000 people and is one of Minor League Baseball’s smallest markets.
This is why I made sure to visit Grainger Stadium this season, as the first stop of a (mostly) North Carolina road trip on July 26. I wanted to say goodbye to a charming place, a paragon of smalltown baseball and venerable representative of a bygone era.
Grainger is a renowned surname in the Kinston area. Grainger Stadium is located on East Grainger Avenue, in a location that had previously been home to Grainger High School. The ballpark is named specifically for one Jesse Willis Grainger, a major donor to its construction. The area adjacent to it on its third-base side is quiet and residential, making for a strange juxtaposition.
Grainger Stadium’s layout is straightforward, as one would expect from a ballpark that opened during Truman’s second term. A covered grandstand, with the concourse running behind it, gives way to metal bleachers down the baselines.
A newer (2018) addition is the right-field pavilion. I was in attendance for a gray and slightly rain-delayed doubleheader that began at 5 p.m, so here’s a picture of the pavilion in more vibrant times.
The arrival of the Wood Ducks in 2017 precipitated a wave of duck-themed signage and logos around the ballpark -- including on the water tower overlooking left field -- as well as the liberal use of the acronym “DEWD” in the team’s marketing materials.
And speaking of DEWD, that’s the name of the mascot as well. (In the below photo, I’m on the right.)
Duck facts abound throughout the ballpark -- did you know that baby ducks eat unassisted as soon as they are born? -- and the bathrooms are appropriately labeled.
Friday’s evening game was a twinbill in more ways than one, with the Wood Ducks taking on the Fayetteville Woodpeckers (because both ducks and woodpeckers have bills, you see). I talked to longtime fans and members of the front office as I wandered about; the overall mood was bittersweet, with ballpark regulars trying to savor what remains while wondering what the future holds. (Given North Carolina’s robust baseball scene, it seems plausible that a summer-collegiate or independent team would view Grainger Stadium as an appealing location.)
Mike Grady, a special needs fan, is the heart and soul of Grainger Stadium. He’s at every game, sitting down the third-base line, going after foul balls and giving them to kids. He gives the umps and opposing team a hard time while fervently rooting for the Wood Ducks.
“I love it,” he said. “It feels like home to me.”
Doug and Anne Barnes have been Grainger Stadium regulars for decades. Anne remembers going to games as a child, when the team that played there was the Kinston Eagles (1962-81). Doug spoke fondly of the Indians era (1990-2011), rooting for the likes of Jim Thome, CC Sabathia and Manny Ramirez.
“There’s going to be a void. We’ve been doing this for so many years,” he said.
Donald Speight saw his first game at Grainger Stadium in 1958 (!) and he went on to play amateur games there as well. He remembers rooting for the dynamic pitching duo for the 1962 Eagles, Steve Blass and Frank Bork, and remembers seeing local standout Jim Ray Hart as he was making a name for himself prior to signing with the San Francisco Giants.
“It’s a sad day for Kinston,” he said, of the Wood Ducks’ imminent departure. “A sad, sad day.”
Navigating a final season is obviously tough from an operational standpoint, as regards both employee retention and fan apathy. General manager Jon Clemmons and AGM Janell Fitch, both North Carolina natives, are doing an admirable job navigating the situation (stay tuned for an interview with Clemmons on an upcoming episode of “The Show Before the Show” podcast). Even amid the uncertainty, there is plenty to celebrate.
In addition to “Fowl-well” season giveaways, ballpark displays and recognitions of longtime employees, the team is also celebrating its connection to the reigning World Champions. The Texas Rangers’ World Series trophy will be on display Sept. 6, the Wood Ducks’ antepenultimate regular-season home game. July 12’s giveaway, meanwhile, had a nice ring to it.
There is now just one month to go in the Wood Ducks’ regular season and 16 home games remain. Check out a game, DEWD. You’ll be glad you did.
As always, thank you for reading. Get in touch anytime. All of my road trip itineraries can be found HERE.
Benjamin Hill is a reporter for MiLB.com and writes Ben's Biz Blog. Follow Ben on Twitter @bensbiz.
Barons win 7-2 against Biscuits in Game 1 in Championship Series
The Birmingham Barons pounded out 15 hits in a 7-2 win over the Montgomery Biscuits in Game 1 of the Southern League Championship Series before 1,707 at Montgomery Riverwalk Stadium on Sunday afternoon. The Barons scored in the top of the first inning and never trailed in the win. In
Barons Win Northern Division Playoffs
The Birmingham Barons win 6-3 over the Tennessee Smokies before 2,825 at Regions Field on Friday night. The Barons will advance to the Southern League Championship Game in Montgomery on Sunday afternoon. The game was tied at 3-3 going into the bottom of the eighth inning when the Barons broke
Barons pound out 14 hits in 12-5 win over Tennessee in Game 2 to even series at 1-1
The Birmingham Barons pounded 14 hits in a 12-5 win over Tennessee before 3,664 at Regions Field in Game 2 of the Southern League Division Series on Thursday night. The Barons evened the series at 1-1 and will play Game 3 on Friday at Regions Field. Terrell Tatum led the
Smokies take down Barons 3-1 in Game 1 at Tennessee
The Birmingham Barons lost 3-1 to the Tennessee Smokies before 3,129 at Smokies Stadium on Tuesday night. The Barons had eight hits in the game but left 11 runners on base and could only get a home run by third baseman Nick Podkul. Starting pitcher Juan Carela took the loss,
Barons win 5-0 over Tennessee in final game of regular season
The Birmingham Barons won 5-0 over the Tennessee Smokies before 6,632 at Smokies Stadium in the final game of the regular season. The Barons pounded out 14 hits, along with two home runs by DJ Gladney. LHP Garrett Schoenle pitched 3.0 innings and has been one of the best pitchers
Barons pitching dominates in 4-1 win against Pensacola on Thursday night
Outfielder Terrell Tatum has two hits and an RBI in Birmingham Barons 4-1 win before 3,137 at Regions Field on Thursday night. The Barons took an early lead and pitching dominated much of the night. Starting pitcher Juan Carela (2-3, 3.58) pitched 5.0 innings, giving up only four hits, one
Tatum steals home for Barons 3-2 against Biloxi on Saturday night
Terrell Tatum stole home in the bottom of the ninth inning to give the Birmingham Barons the 3-2 win before 5,580 at Regions Field on Saturday night. Relief pitcher Zach Franklin (1-0, 0.00) gets the win in relief. With the win tonight, the Barons are now 9-2 against Biloxi this
Barons Pound Out 13 Hits in 8-2 Win against Shuckers on Wednesday Night
The Birmingham Barons pound out 13 hits and get the 8-2 win over the Biloxi Shuckers before 1,996 at Regions Field on Wednesday night. With the win, the Barons improved to 8-0 over Biloxi this season. Starting pitcher Tyler Schweitzer (4-4, 4.34) goes six innings, giving up only three hits,
Gonzalez Hits Two Home Runs in Barons 6-5 Win over Biloxi on Thursday Night
Jacob Gonzalez blasts two home runs as the Birmingham Barons win 6-5 over the Biloxi Shuckers before 2,401 at Regions Field on Tuesday Night. Gonzalez's first home run tied the game at 5-5, while his second home run gave the Barons the 6-5 win. Gonzalez went 2-for-3 with two home
Jairo Iriarte Goes Six Shutout Innings and Barons Get 4-1 Win against Tennessee on Sunday
Jairo Iriarte threw his best game of the season in the 4-1 win against the Tennessee Smokies before 2,453 at Regions Field on Sunday afternoon. Iriarte (4-7, 3.76) pitched 6.0 innings giving up only four hits, no earned runs, and a walk with five strikeouts. Getting his fourth win, Iriarte
Veras and Matthews Home Runs Lead Barons to 7-2 Win over Tennessee on Saturday Night
Wilfred Veras and Jason Matthews hit two-run home runs each as the Birmingham Barons won 7-2 over the Tennessee Smokies before 3,486 at Regions Field on Saturday night. Five Barons pitchers only gave up one earned run in the win. Winning pitcher Jordan Mikel (4-1, 4.29) pitched 2.1 innings, giving
Barons Shutout Smokies 1-0 on Wednesday Night
The Birmingham Barons used four pitchers to shut out the Tennessee Smokies 1-0 before 2,170 at Regions Field on Wednesday night. The game lasted one hour and 49 minutes, our fastest nine-inning game this season. The Barons have won five straight games, the last three at Rocket City and the
Tatum's Late Home Run Gives Barons 4-3 Win on Tuesday Night
By Jeff Allison With the game tied at 3-3, Terrell Tatum hit a solo home run to give the Birmingham Barons the 4-3 win over the Tennessee Smokies before 2,383 at Regions Field on Tuesday night. Tatum hit his fifth home run of the season to give the Barons the
Tatum's 2-run Home Run Leads the Barons to a 4-1 Win over Rocket City on Sunday
By Jeff Allison Terrell Tatum hit a 2-run home run to lead the Barons to a 4-1 win over Rocket City before 4,103 at Toyota Field on Sunday afternoon. Mario Camilletti hit a solo home run with four Barons pitchers to get the big road win and take the series
Barons Win Big 9-5 over Rocket City on Saturday Night
By Jeff Allison Wilfred Veras had three hits and an RBI to lead the Birmingham Barons to a 9-5 win over the Rocket City Trash Pandas before 6,841 at Toyota Field on Saturday night. Eight of the nine Barons hitters had at least one hit in the win. In the
Gladney and Veras Hit Home Runs to Lead Barons to a 6-4 Win at Rocket City Friday Night
By Jeff Allison Wilfred Veras and DJ Gladney hit home runs to lead the Barons to a 6-4 win against the Rocket City Trash Pandas before 5,296 on Friday night at Toyota Field. The Barons pounded out 11 hits on the night, led by Adam Hackenberg going 3-for-4 with a
Barons Comeback Falls Short 7-5 at Rocket City on Thursday Night
By Jeff Allison Barons comeback fall short as the Rocket City Trash Pandas win 7-5 over the Birmingham Barons before 2,950 at Toyota Field on Thursday night. After trailing 7-0 after seven innings, the Barons scored five runs in the final two innings but came up short in the loss.
Barons Lose 7-5 at Rocket City on Wednesday Night
Adam Hackenberg had five hits, but the Birmingham Barons lost to the Rocket City Trash Pandas 7-5 before 3,356 at Toyota Field on Wednesday night. The Barons held a 5-3 lead midway through the game, but the Barons bullpen gave up four runs in the final three innings for a
Barons Pound Out 14 Hits in 7-1 Win at Rocket City Tuesday Night
By Jeff Allison Matt Hogan had three hits and two RBIs to lead the Birmingham Barons to a 7-1 win over the Rocket City Trash Pandas in front of 4,416 at Toyota Field on Tuesday night. Wilfred Veras added two hits and two RBIs as the Barons snapped their six-game
Turner's 3-run Home Run leads Barons to 5-2 Win vs Smokies
By Jeff Allison Michael Turner's three-run home run in the top of the first inning led the Birmingham Barons to a 5-2 win against the Tennessee Smokies before 3,144 at Smokies Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Turner smashed a three-run home run in the top of the first inning, and the
Barons Get 3-0 Shutout Against Smokies on Saturday Night
By Jeff Allison Alsander Womack had two hits and an RBI to lead the Birmingham Barons to a 3-0 win over the Tennessee Smokies before 6,250 at Smokies Stadium on Saturday night. The Barons used four pitchers to shut out Tennessee in the win. Starting pitcher Noah Schultz pitched 3.1
Barons Get 3-1 Road Win at Tennessee
Coming off of a no-hitter in his last game, Jairo Iriarte pitched four no-hit innings and no earned runs as the Birmingham Barons won 3-1 to the Tennessee Smokies in the first game of the doubleheader. Iriarte pitched four innings, giving up only no hits, no earned runs, and four
Barons Get 3-1 Win Against Lookouts in Game 2 of Doubleheader
Michael Turner's RBI triple jump-started the Baron's offense as Birmingham defeated the Chattanooga Lookouts 3-1 before 4,359 in Game 2 of the Saturday doubleheader. The Barons scored two more runs with a Shawn Goosenberg RBI single and a Jacob Burke RBI single. Starting pitcher LHP Noah Schultz (0-2, 2.01) pitched
Barons Get Walk-off Walk with No-Hitter in the 1-0 Win Against Lookouts
Jairo Iriarte and Garrett Schoenle had a combined no-hitter as the Birmingham Barons won 1-0 over the Chattanooga Lookouts at Regions Field on Saturday afternoon. With the seven-inning game tied at 0-0 in the bottom of the seventh inning, Matt Hogan walked with the bases loaded, and Jacob Burke scored
Tatum Leads Barons to 7-4 Road Win at Braves on Friday night
Terrell Tatum had three hits with two RBIs to lead the Birmingham Barons to a 7-4 win over the Mississippi Braves before 2.547 at Trustmark Park on Friday night. Starting pitcher LHP Garrett Schoenle pitched 3.0 innings, giving up only one hit, no earned runs, and two walks with four