It’s hard to believe the Wilson Warbirds’ inaugural season has already ended! Now that the team has wrapped up its final home week, we’re looking back at memorable firsts, exciting moments, and fun facts that made the first season of baseball at Wilson Ballpark one to remember.
Many Wilson residents were anxiously awaiting the return of professional baseball in their hometown, so when the moment finally arrived, they showed up in a big way. After officially opening its gates to the public during a March 28th ribbon-cutting, more than 4,000 fans packed the ballpark for its April 14 home opener against the Lynchburg Hillcats. The sold-out crowd had plenty to cheer about as Wilson came away with a 7-5 victory! Former MLB All-Star Prince Fielder added to the excitement by throwing a ceremonial first pitch to his son, Jadyn Fielder, while local leaders joined fans in celebrating the historic occasion. Then, in a moment that officially got the inaugural season underway, Tyler Renz took the mound and threw the first official pitch in Wilson Ballpark history.
The firsts just kept coming! Yannic Walther hit the first home run in the new stadium, sending a two-strike breaking ball over the left-field fence in the third inning. Tyler Renz became the first pitcher to earn a win at Wilson Ballpark after throwing five scoreless innings, while Handelfry Encarnacion became the first Warbird to earn Carolina League Player of the Week honors after hitting home runs in three straight games, including a walk-off in the 10th inning. Jose Anderson later added a walk-off grand slam, and the Warbirds followed it with back-to-back walk-off victories in June.
Wilson fans also got plenty of reasons to celebrate beyond the box score! The ballpark hosted its first post-game fireworks show on May 15, and became the setting for its first marriage proposal on July 30. The Warbirds lost that game to the Fredericksburg Nationals, but the night still ended with fireworks and, most importantly, a “yes!” This season has also given families new ways to enjoy the ballpark, including the debut of WCTDA’s Warbirds Family Film Series, with additional screenings planned for this fall.
The numbers tell quite a story, too. The Warbirds finished their inaugural season in Wilson with a 64-60 overall record and a 38-28 record at home. They earned 33 comeback wins and 13 walk-off victories, including an 11-inning, 5-4 walk-off win over the Columbia Fireflies in August. The team also reached a season-high 10 games over .500 in August, and the final home weekend delivered another memorable moment when Trey Ebel hit his first professional home run on August 30.
The inaugural season has also marked a historic return. Wilson hadn’t had full-season professional baseball since the Wilson Pennants played in 1973, bringing professional baseball back to the community more than 50 years later. Even the Warbirds’ aviation-inspired identity has a historic hometown connection, paying tribute to the area’s World War II aviation history and local legend Vollis Simpson, a WWII veteran who later became famous for his kinetic sculptures.
From the first pitch to the first home run, from walk-off wins and fireworks to a very memorable proposal, the Warbirds have given Wilson a season full of new traditions and unforgettable moments. Along the way, fans have come to Wilson from near and far to experience a game at Wilson Ballpark while discovering everything else our community has to offer. As we look back on the inaugural season, we’re grateful for everyone who came through the gates, cheered from the stands, and helped make this first season so special. Here’s to the first chapter of Wilson Warbirds baseball and all the memories still to come!