Get Ready to Cheer on the Moonshiners!

Get Ready to Cheer on the Moonshiners!

College baseball is coming to Wilkesboro, and we couldn’t be more excited! The sharp sound of a ball hitting a bat, the smell of popcorn and the bright sunshine lighting everything up makes an evening at Patriot Park one of the highlights of the summer.

This year we’re excited to welcome the Moonshiners to Wilkesboro, the newest team in the Old North State League.

What is Summer College Baseball?

The Old North State League and others like it throughout the United States provide college baseball players the opportunity to continue working on their skills even after the college playing season has ended. An almost three-month long season, from the end of May through July, gives athletes time to get in more at bats, practice fielding or work on the craft of pitching and get in front of scouts while competing against other talented players.
 

It's also a great way to bring talented players to our area, giving local kids in the middle of rec-league baseball an opportunity to see some of the best in the sport compete right in our own backyard.
 

Who are the Moonshiners?

General Manager Eli Stone and Head Coach Drew Ward make up the face of the Wilkes County Moonshiners.
 

Coach Ward is currently in his 13th season as head coach of West Wilkes High School, and has won five conference championships. A native of Wilkes County, Ward, his wife and his two young sons live within sight of Patriot Park, home to the Wilkes County Moonshiners.
 

Stone is also a native of Wilkes County, having graduated from West Wilkes before heading to Appalachian State, where he received a bachelor’s degree in public relations with a minor in sport science. Stone is excited to be working in his hometown doing a job where he gets to be involved in athletics and also give back to the community.
 

Playing at the Newly Renovated Patriot Field

The Wilkes County Moonshiners will make their home at Patriot Park on the site of the North Wilkesboro VFW post. The entire facility is undergoing a renovation, with new bathrooms, concession stand, press box and playing surface. “We’ve had so much support from the league and local businesses sponsoring this team,” says Stone. “There’s a lot of excitement surrounding the Moonshiners, and it’s evident from the backing as we get everything ready for our home opener on June 2.”

Giving Back to the Community

The benefits of Wilkes County Moonshiners extend far beyond providing entertainment on summer evenings. Stone is busy working with the league and community organizations to raise awareness and funds for important causes.

American Heart Association Appreciation Night is scheduled for June 8. The Moonshiners have teamed up with the Kids Heart Challenge that takes place at Wilkes County elementary schools in the spring. Any kid who registers and raises $50 for the AHA will receive a voucher for two free tickets to the June 8 baseball game.

Alzheimer’s Association Night on June 12 provides a chance to raise awareness of this disease and help with research, as part of ticket sales go to the organization.

Other fun nights include Teacher Appreciation June 21 and Military Appreciation June 28.

Make plans to come out and cheer on the Moonshiners this summer!