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Credit: Honey Hunters Baseball | Gastonia Honey Hunters Team Logo
After years of planning, the bases are loaded for the newest professional baseball team in the Charlotte area. The Gastonia Honey Hunters are ready to hit the field after many years of planning and construction in their new home at FUSE Ballpark in Gastonia, North Carolina.
In July of 2020, Brandon Bellamy a local real estate entrepreneur in the Gastonia became the majority owner of the Gastonia Honey Hunters, a baseball club of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB).
In October 2019 the city of Gastonia broke ground on a new multi-purpose sports complex inside the The Franklin Urban Sports and Entertainment (FUSE) District. The $26 million, 5,000-seat multi-use sports and entertainment facility will be the home to the Gastonia Honey Hunters as well as have the ability host year-round sports and a variety of other events.
On January 13, 2021 Following a comprehensive discovery process, including extensive research, in-market focus groups, one-on-one interviews, discussions with City and league leadership, and an incredible turnout of submissions and voting by fans on the club’s website and social media pages, Gastonia Professional Baseball narrowed down 5 potential names of the new ALPB Team.
"Honey Hunters was chosen to reflect the shared traits between the City of Gastonia and those of the world’s most fearless animal: fearless, determined, and resilient,” said Team Owner, Brandon Bellamy. “From Day One, I was inspired by Gastonia’s embodiment of these attributes, particularly as they relate to their unwavering commitment to ‘continuous improvement,’ or as we like to say, the ‘hunt for honey,’ which is something we can all relate to.”
The ballpark which took 18-months to construct after a design period of only 8-10 months. On April 15, 2021 the ribbon was finally cut and the ballpark was officially opened for business. The excitement was palpable in the outfield of FUSE Ballpark during the ribbon cutting ceremony. “We are excited to have a great place that our community can be proud of,” said Gastonia’s Mayor Walker E. Reid, III. “The opening of the FUSE Ballpark is a milestone for our City and will provide the Gastonia community with exceptional entertainment and best-in-class baseball for years to come.”
“It’s a great day to be fearless, resilient, and determined in the City of Gastonia,” said Team Owner, Brandon Bellamy. “As we open the gates of this beautiful ballpark, or as we call it, Honey Hunters Country, we look forward to seeing you here for world-class baseball, sporting events, festivals, concerts, and other family-friendly entertainment."
The Gastonia Honey Hunters officially kick off their inaugural season on Thursday May 27, 2021. The Honey Hunters will take on the Lancaster Barnstormers (PA) during Opening Day with first pitch set for 6:50PM.
