Who are the Warbirds?
Professional baseball returns to Wilson, North Carolina for the first time since 1991. The Wilson Warbirds' identity stems from a fusion of classic charm, spirited attitude, and the whimsical essence of Wilson, North Carolina.
Why the Warbirds Name?
Drawing inspiration from vintage aircraft, the name conjures images of authentic, majestic military planes and the patronage of the iconic whirligigs crafted by Vollis Simpson, a WWII Army Air Corps veteran who created moving memories inspired by flight and freedom. During his time in isolation on a South Pacific island of Saipan, Simpson re-purposed an old B-29 aircraft engine to help power a makeshift washing machine to help his and other soldiers' uniforms stay clean.
Where are the Warbirds?
The Wilson Warbirds will be located in the heart of downtown Wilson, North Carolina. Being just a short walk from the historic Whirligig Park, a five-minute drive from Barton College and the newly developed YMCA of Wilson. The Warbirds brand-new ballpark will be located right in the middle of the development and exciting expansion of the downtown area. The Warbirds are excited to play a major role in bringing an authentic, yet historic outlook to Wilson, North Carolina.
“Warbirds are retired military aircraft that have been restored, largely by civilian owners, almost always after the military has retired the model... Thousands of them are kept in flying condition, part of a commitment by aviation historians to keep the planes flying and not just part of a static display.”
--Plane and Pilot Magazine
Wilson Warbirds is a fusion of charm, attitude, and Wilson's whimsical essence. Inspired by vintage aircraft, the name conjures images of authentic, majestic military planes iconic to American history.
The Warbirds narrative connects to Wilson native Vollis Simpson, a WWII pilot-turned-artist whose Whirligig sculptures – several stories tall and powered by the wind – tower in Whirligig Park, located directly behind left field in the new Wilson downtown stadium.
Designed to symbolize historical significance and unmatched speed, the logo celebrates community passions for baseball, aviation, and Americana.
Warbird restoration is a reverential process that parallels the active revitalization of Historic Downtown Wilson and echoes a commitment to preserving cultural legacy while embracing innovation.
The Wilson Warbirds brand identity spreads the community’s wings through heritage and vision, welcoming all to the airshow and soaring to its rightful rank as the town’s team.