Team pays tribute to underground treasure protectors of ‘Pirate Nation’ with nods to ECU & city’s history
It’s ‘Gnome Sweet Gnome’ for Greenville, North Carolina’s newest baseball team, as the Greenville Yard Gnomes will embark on their inaugural season in the Coastal Plain League. Fans will have their first chance to root, root, root for the Gnome Team on Friday, May 24 against the Tri-City Chili Peppers at Guy Smith Stadium.
According to legend, for centuries gnomes have lived underground, guarding buried treasure and nearby plant life. In the heart of Greenville, NC, where the spirit of “Pirate Nation” pulses through every street, a hidden chapter in pirate lore has been unearthed. Beyond the waving flags and symbols of skulls and crossbones lies a secret realm guarded by a tribe of valiant, bearded guardians. After protecting this loot beneath the earth for centuries, these mythical beings are now poised to emerge and make their home amidst the fervor of Guy Smith Stadium.
“In the magical realm of baseball, where tradition meets imagination, the Greenville Yard Gnomes are not just a team; they’re now a living legend,” said Yard Gnomes General Manager, Michael Villafana. “Our commitment to blending the rich history of baseball in Greenville with the enchantment of the Yard Gnomes is a testament to our passion for the game and the community.”
“The Coastal Plain League believes in the power of baseball to bring communities together. The Greenville Yard Gnomes embody this belief, and we look forward to welcoming them officially into the league at the end of May,” commented Chip Allen, Commissioner of the Coastal Plain League.
The team’s insignia is a tapestry woven with threads of Greenville’s vibrant identity. The golden hues of their uniform and hat pay homage to the revered ECU Pirates, while the green echoes the official green of the City of Greenville. The wooden bat, gracefully cradled, takes the form of North Carolina, with skull and crossbones marking the very spot where Greenville, NC proudly stands. As a nod to the cherished legacy of baseball in the region, the Yard Gnomes’ font mirrors that of the legendary Greenville Greenies, who graced the diamond from 1928 to 1951.
The Yard Gnomes were brought to life by Brian Begley, a New Jersey-based artist, who has been widely recognized for his ability to blend historical and contextual elements with a
clean, simple style. Begley has worked with the Durham Bulls, Harlem Globetrotters, Orlando Magic, and Carolina Hurricanes, among others.
Prepare to witness history unfold as the Greenville Yard Gnomes step onto the field, blending fantasy and tradition into a tapestry that captures the imagination of fans and honors the rich legacy of baseball in the Pirate City. For ticket information go to www.yardgnomesbaseball.com.
About Coastal Plain League:
The Coastal Plain League is the nation’s premier summer collegiate baseball league. The CPL is currently comprised of 15 franchises playing in Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. To date, the CPL has had nearly 1,750 alumni drafted and 185 alums make their Major League debut. Most notable alumni include Justin Verlander, Ryan Zimmerman, Mark Reynolds, Kevin Youkilis, Chris Taylor, Alec Bohm, Jake Cave, Chas McCormick and NFL Super Bowl champion Russell Wilson. For more information on the Coastal Plain League, please visit the league website at www.coastalplain.com, and be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok @CPLBaseball.
Thanks to DBBC’s Patrick Kinas for this CapCom story and graphic.
