Carolina Mudcats
Encyclopedia
The Carolina Mudcats are a minor league baseball
team based in the eastern suburbs of Raleigh, North Carolina
. The team, which plays in the Carolina League
, are the Single-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians
major-league club beginning in 2012.
. During the 1960s the team moved several times, finally settling in Columbus, Georgia
, in 1969. The club's arrival in Columbus marked the beginning of a period of relative stability. For the next two decades the team played its home games in Columbus' historic Golden Park
as an affiliate of the Houston Astros
. Following the 1988 season, new owner Steve Bryant held a contest among season-ticket holders to rename the team. As a result, in 1989 the team became known as the Columbus Mudcats. In 1991, Bryant moved the club to North Carolina
and renamed it the Carolina Mudcats. That move coincidentally allowed the team to retain its logo unchanged - a large C encircling a catfish.
Today, the Mudcats play in Five County Stadium
in Zebulon, North Carolina
. Built in 1991 and renovated in 1999, the park seats 6,500 fans. The park is located in Wake County
, but it is near Nash
, Johnston
, Franklin
and Wilson
counties, hence the ballpark's name. In 2010, the Mudcats are celebrating their 20th year in Wake County. The Mudcats have claimed two Southern League championships since moving to North Carolina, the first in 1995 and the second in 2003 and have seen four different MLB teams play at Five County Stadium. The Mudcats received the Bob Freitas Award in 1996 for excellence in minor league baseball.
The AA affiliation will end following the 2011 season as the Reds will move their affiliate team to Pensacola, Florida
, for the 2012 season, where they will be known as the Pensacola Blue Wahoos
. The team will become the new Class A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians, as the team moves to the Carolina League
, taking the place of the Kinston Indians
.
in Albuquerque, New Mexico
, and partially due to the Pacific Coast League
's reputation as a hitter-friendly league.) Some of the players who the Marlins have brought up directly from Carolina include Dontrelle Willis
, Miguel Cabrera
, Jason Vargas
, Scott Olsen
, Logan Kensing
(who was brought up directly from Class A Jupiter
the previous year), Chris Resop
, Josh Johnson, Yorman Bazardo
, Jeremy Hermida
, Chris Volstad
, and Robert Andino
.
Minor league baseball
Minor league baseball is a hierarchy of professional baseball leagues in the Americas that compete at levels below Major League Baseball and provide opportunities for player development. All of the minor leagues are operated as independent businesses...
team based in the eastern suburbs of Raleigh, North Carolina
Raleigh, North Carolina
Raleigh is the capital and the second largest city in the state of North Carolina as well as the seat of Wake County. Raleigh is known as the "City of Oaks" for its many oak trees. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city's 2010 population was 403,892, over an area of , making Raleigh...
. The team, which plays in the Carolina League
Carolina League
The Carolina League is a minor league baseball affiliation which operates in the South Atlantic Coast of the United States. Before 2002, it was classified as a "High A" league, indicating its status as a Class A league with the highest level of competition within that classification, and the fifth...
, are the Single-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians
Cleveland Indians
The Cleveland Indians are a professional baseball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Since , they have played in Progressive Field. The team's spring training facility is in Goodyear, Arizona...
major-league club beginning in 2012.
History
The Mudcats' origins date back to 1959, when the Chicago White Sox' Southern Association/Southern League affiliate began play in Charleston, South CarolinaCharleston, South Carolina
Charleston is the second largest city in the U.S. state of South Carolina. It was made the county seat of Charleston County in 1901 when Charleston County was founded. The city's original name was Charles Towne in 1670, and it moved to its present location from a location on the west bank of the...
. During the 1960s the team moved several times, finally settling in Columbus, Georgia
Columbus, Georgia
Columbus is a city in and the county seat of Muscogee County, Georgia, United States, with which it is consolidated. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 189,885. It is the principal city of the Columbus, Georgia metropolitan area, which, in 2009, had an estimated population of 292,795...
, in 1969. The club's arrival in Columbus marked the beginning of a period of relative stability. For the next two decades the team played its home games in Columbus' historic Golden Park
Golden Park
Golden Park is a 5,000-seat baseball-only stadium in Columbus, Georgia, United States, that opened in 1926. Located on the Chattahoochee River in Downtown Columbus, it currently is not home to any professional baseball team...
as an affiliate of the Houston Astros
Houston Astros
The Houston Astros are a Major League Baseball team located in Houston, Texas. They are a member of the National League Central division. The Astros are expected to join the American League West division in 2013. Since , they have played their home games at Minute Maid Park, known as Enron Field...
. Following the 1988 season, new owner Steve Bryant held a contest among season-ticket holders to rename the team. As a result, in 1989 the team became known as the Columbus Mudcats. In 1991, Bryant moved the club to North Carolina
North Carolina
North Carolina is a state located in the southeastern United States. The state borders South Carolina and Georgia to the south, Tennessee to the west and Virginia to the north. North Carolina contains 100 counties. Its capital is Raleigh, and its largest city is Charlotte...
and renamed it the Carolina Mudcats. That move coincidentally allowed the team to retain its logo unchanged - a large C encircling a catfish.
Today, the Mudcats play in Five County Stadium
Five County Stadium
-External links:*...
in Zebulon, North Carolina
Zebulon, North Carolina
Zebulon is the eastern-most town in Wake County, North Carolina, United States. In 2008, the population was estimated to be 4,732. Zebulon is part of the Research Triangle metropolitan region...
. Built in 1991 and renovated in 1999, the park seats 6,500 fans. The park is located in Wake County
Wake County, North Carolina
Wake County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. As of the 2010 census, the population was 900,993 making it North Carolina's second most populated county...
, but it is near Nash
Nash County, North Carolina
Nash County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. It is part of the Rocky Mount, North Carolina, Metropolitan Statistical Area. As of 2000, the population was 87,420. Its county seat is Nashville.- History :...
, Johnston
Johnston County, North Carolina
-Major highways:* Interstate 40* Interstate 95* U.S. Highway 70* U.S. Highway 301* U.S. Highway 701-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 121,965 people, 46,595 households, and 33,688 families residing in the county. The population density was 154 people per square mile . There were...
, Franklin
Franklin County, North Carolina
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 47,260 people, 17,843 households, and 12,882 families residing in the county. The population density was 96 people per square mile . There were 20,364 housing units at an average density of 41 per square mile...
and Wilson
Wilson County, North Carolina
-Demographics:As of the census of 2006, there 73,814 people, 28,613 households, and 19,771 families residing in the county. The population density was 199 people per square mile . There were 30,729 housing units at an average density of 83 per square mile...
counties, hence the ballpark's name. In 2010, the Mudcats are celebrating their 20th year in Wake County. The Mudcats have claimed two Southern League championships since moving to North Carolina, the first in 1995 and the second in 2003 and have seen four different MLB teams play at Five County Stadium. The Mudcats received the Bob Freitas Award in 1996 for excellence in minor league baseball.
The AA affiliation will end following the 2011 season as the Reds will move their affiliate team to Pensacola, Florida
Pensacola, Florida
Pensacola is the westernmost city in the Florida Panhandle and the county seat of Escambia County, Florida, United States of America. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 56,255 and as of 2009, the estimated population was 53,752...
, for the 2012 season, where they will be known as the Pensacola Blue Wahoos
Pensacola Blue Wahoos
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos are a minor league baseball team to be based in Pensacola, Florida. The Blue Wahoos will play in the Southern League and will be the Class Double-A affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds Major League Baseball team....
. The team will become the new Class A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians, as the team moves to the Carolina League
Carolina League
The Carolina League is a minor league baseball affiliation which operates in the South Atlantic Coast of the United States. Before 2002, it was classified as a "High A" league, indicating its status as a Class A league with the highest level of competition within that classification, and the fifth...
, taking the place of the Kinston Indians
Kinston Indians
The Kinston Indians were a minor league baseball team of the Carolina League , and the High-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians. They were located in Kinston, North Carolina, and were named for their parent club...
.
Straight to the Majors
During their years as an affiliate of the Florida Marlins, the Marlins had elected to bring many of their top prospects up to the major leagues directly from Carolina. (This is partially due to the geographic proximity of the Mudcats compared to the Marlins' former Class AAA clubAlbuquerque Isotopes
The Albuquerque Isotopes are a minor league baseball team based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The team, which plays in the Pacific Coast League, is the Triple-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers...
in Albuquerque, New Mexico
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Albuquerque is the largest city in the state of New Mexico, United States. It is the county seat of Bernalillo County and is situated in the central part of the state, straddling the Rio Grande. The city population was 545,852 as of the 2010 Census and ranks as the 32nd-largest city in the U.S. As...
, and partially due to the Pacific Coast League
Pacific Coast League
The Pacific Coast League is a minor-league baseball league operating in the Western, Midwestern and Southeastern United States. Along with the International League and the Mexican League, it is one of three leagues playing at the Triple-A level, which is one step below Major League Baseball.The...
's reputation as a hitter-friendly league.) Some of the players who the Marlins have brought up directly from Carolina include Dontrelle Willis
Dontrelle Willis
Dontrelle Wayne Willis , nicknamed "The D-Train", is an American professional baseball pitcher. Willis is notable for his success during his first few years in the league and for his unconventional pitching style, which includes a high leg kick and exaggerated twisting away from the batter...
, Miguel Cabrera
Miguel Cabrera
José Miguel Cabrera Torres nicknamed "Miggy", is a Venezuelan professional baseball first baseman with the Detroit Tigers of Major League Baseball. He bats and throws right-handed....
, Jason Vargas
Jason Vargas
Jason Matthew Vargas is a Major League Baseball starting pitcher for the Seattle Mariners. He has played parts of two seasons in the major leagues with the Florida Marlins, part of one season in the major leagues with the New York Mets and the last two seasons with the Seattle Mariners.-College...
, Scott Olsen
Scott Olsen
Scott Matthew Olsen is a Major League Baseball starting pitcher who is a free agent.-Early life:Olsen was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan...
, Logan Kensing
Logan Kensing
Logan French Kensing is an American professional baseball pitcher for the New York Yankees of Major League Baseball.-Florida Marlins:...
(who was brought up directly from Class A Jupiter
Jupiter Hammerheads
The Jupiter Hammerheads are a minor league baseball team based in Jupiter, Florida, named for the hammerhead shark.The team, which plays in the Florida State League, is the Class A Advanced affiliate of the Miami Marlins major-league club....
the previous year), Chris Resop
Chris Resop
Christopher Paul Resop is a Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates.-Florida Marlins:Resop was drafted by the Florida Marlins in the 4th round of the 2001 Major League Baseball Draft....
, Josh Johnson, Yorman Bazardo
Yorman Bazardo
Yorman Osorio Bazardo is a right-handed Major League Baseball pitcher who is currently a free agent.-Florida Marlins:...
, Jeremy Hermida
Jeremy Hermida
Jeremy Ryan Hermida is an outfielder in Major League Baseball for the San Diego Padres. He bats left-handed and throws right-handed.-Early career:...
, Chris Volstad
Chris Volstad
Christopher Kenneth Volstad is a right-handed pitcher for the Miami Marlins. He is 6 foot 8 inches and 225 pounds, and is a 2005 graduate of Palm Beach Gardens High School....
, and Robert Andino
Robert Andino
Robert Lazaro Andino is a Major League Baseball infielder for the Baltimore Orioles. Prior to joining the Orioles in 2009, he spent parts of four seasons with the Florida Marlins from 2005 through 2008...
.
Current roster
Former Mudcats
Many Mudcats have reached the majors. These are some of the players that have gone on to be successful:- Bronson ArroyoBronson ArroyoBronson Anthony Arroyo , is a Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds and an aspiring musician. He has previously played for the Pittsburgh Pirates between 2000 and 2002 and Boston Red Sox from 2003 to 2005...
(1998) - Daniel BaroneDaniel Barone (baseball)Daniel Edward Barone is a Major League Baseball pitcher in the Oakland Athletics organization. Barone attended Sonoma State University, an NCAA Division II school in Rohnert Park, California...
(2007) - Kris BensonKris BensonKristin James Benson is a former Major League Baseball starting pitcher. Benson pitched for the Pittsburgh Pirates from to , New York Mets from to , Baltimore Orioles in to , Texas Rangers in , and Arizona Diamondbacks in ....
(1997) - Miguel CabreraMiguel CabreraJosé Miguel Cabrera Torres nicknamed "Miggy", is a Venezuelan professional baseball first baseman with the Detroit Tigers of Major League Baseball. He bats and throws right-handed....
(2003) - Ken CaminitiKen CaminitiKenneth Gene Caminiti was an American third baseman in Major League Baseball and the 1996 National League Most Valuable Player. He was born in Hanford, California, and attended San Jose State University...
(1987) - Brett CarrollBrett CarrollBrett Michael Carroll is an American professional baseball outfielder. After attending Middle Tennessee State University, he was selected in the 10th round of the 2004 Major League Baseball Draft and signed on June 21, 2004.-Career:On June 8, 2009, Carroll hit his first career home run against...
(2007) - Midre CummingsMidre CummingsMidre Almeric Cummings is a former Major League Baseball outfielder. Cummings played for the Pittsburgh Pirates , Philadelphia Phillies , Boston Red Sox , Minnesota Twins , Arizona Diamondbacks , Tampa Bay Devil Rays and Baltimore Orioles .Cummings was drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the 1st...
(1993) - Chone FigginsChone FigginsDesmond DeChone "Chone" Figgins is an American Major League Baseball third baseman for the Seattle Mariners. Figgins is a utility player, playing all positions except catcher, pitcher, and first base.-Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim:...
(2001) - Freddy GarcíaFreddy GarcíaFreddy Antonio García , nicknamed "The Chief", is a Venezuelan Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher who is currently a free agent...
(1997) - Harvey GarciaHarvey GarcíaHarvey Anderson García Ibarras is a Major League Baseball pitcher with the Washington Nationals.Garcia was signed as an amateur free agent by the Florida Marlins in 2000 and after pitching for their Dominican League team he was released in 2002 and signed with the Boston Red Sox...
(2007) - Jason KendallJason KendallJason Daniel Kendall is an American professional baseball catcher who is a free agent. He is the son of former catcher Fred Kendall, who played in the majors from 1969–1980.-High school:...
(1994, 1995) - Esteban LoaizaEsteban LoaizaEsteban Antonio Loaiza Veyna [lo-EYE-sa] is a former Major League Baseball pitcher...
(1993, 1994) - Juan PierreJuan PierreJuan D'Vaughn Pierre is an outfielder in Major League Baseball who is currently a free agent. He bats and throws left-handed....
(2000) - Aníbal SánchezAníbal SánchezAníbal Alejandro Sánchez, Jr. [a-NEE-bal] is a Major League Baseball right-handed starting pitcher with the Miami Marlins. He is listed as 6 feet tall and 180 pounds...
(2006) - Gaby SanchezGaby SanchezGabriel "Gaby" Sanchez is a Major League Baseball first baseman for the Miami Marlins. He bats and throws right-handed...
(2008) - Doug StrangeDoug StrangeJoseph Douglas Strange is a retired Major League Baseball infielder. He is an alumnus of North Carolina State University where he was a standout for the Wolfpack baseball program.Strange was born in Greenville, South Carolina...
(1998) - Ryan TuckerRyan TuckerRyan Tucker is a retired offensive tackle who played for the Cleveland Browns in the National Football League. He was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the fourth round of the 1997 NFL Draft...
(2008) - Juan UribeJuan UribeJuan C. Uribe Tena is a Dominican Republic professional baseball infielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers of Major League Baseball. He began his career in 1997 when he was signed to the Colorado Rockies, and played with the team until December 3, 2003 when he was traded to the Chicago White Sox...
(2001) - Andy Van SlykeAndy Van SlykeAndrew James Van Slyke is a retired Major League Baseball outfielder and former first base coach for the Detroit Tigers.-Career:...
(1993) - Rick Vanden Hurk (2007)
- Chris VolstadChris VolstadChristopher Kenneth Volstad is a right-handed pitcher for the Miami Marlins. He is 6 foot 8 inches and 225 pounds, and is a 2005 graduate of Palm Beach Gardens High School....
(2008) - Dontrelle WillisDontrelle WillisDontrelle Wayne Willis , nicknamed "The D-Train", is an American professional baseball pitcher. Willis is notable for his success during his first few years in the league and for his unconventional pitching style, which includes a high leg kick and exaggerated twisting away from the batter...
(2003) - Tim WakefieldTim WakefieldTimothy Stephen Wakefield is an American professional baseball pitcher. Wakefield began pitching with the Red Sox in 1995, making him the longest-serving player currently on the team. Wakefield is also the oldest current active player in the majors, and one of two active knuckleballers, the other...
(1991) - Craig Wilson (1998)