Updated April 24 2017
The year was 1997 and the Coastal Plain League (CPL), as we know it today, got things started. In 2017, the vision of Jerry Pettit’s league is continuing to grow on the national level at a very high pace. Twenty years later, the Florence RedWolves are still thriving and are chasing after more success on and off the field. The 2017 season marks the twentieth year of the RedWolves being in business in Florence.
The RedWolves organization originated in 1997 and were established in Raleigh, North Carolina. Their first season in the CPL brought a lot of energy to the stadium, along with a Pettit Cup Championship. In 1998 however, the RedWolves relocated to what has been their home for the last 20 years, the beautiful and embracing, Florence, South Carolina.
“To see how well our city leaders and our community has supported us over the last two decades is nothing short of spectacular,” RedWolves General Manager Barbara Osborne said. “When you take a step back and look at the number of sport teams the Florence area has had, continuously and effectively, the Florence RedWolves have held their mainstay.”
Ownership of the organization changed hands in 2002 when Kevin and Donna Barth purchased the franchise. “When we bought the team, we knew of all the obstacles that were going to present themselves,” owner Kevin Barth said. “What a milestone! This will be my family’s 17th year with the club and the RedWolves’ 20th season in Florence, and hopefully will be the one that brings the Pettit Cup Championship home to us. We are so proud of the fact that the RedWolves are still going strong in Florence after this many years!”
After being so incredibly close to bringing home the title in 2014 against the Peninsula Pilots and making the playoffs in 2015, Florence is hungry for postseason play, and their shot at the Pettit Cup. During the 2016 season Stadium Journey and Scout.com named the Florence RedWolves the third best team in the nation in stadium atmosphere and fan experience.
Newly appointed head coach Travis Graves commented, “I think it is a great honor for the RedWolves to be celebrating 20 years in the Coastal Plain League.” He continued to say, “They have been an important part of the community in Florence and have provided great baseball with a lot of talented players over the years. I’m very humbled to take the reins this summer, and do my best to bring the Petit Cup to Florence and celebrate a championship on their 20th anniversary.”
The RedWolves have been supported by the City of Florence, County of Florence, community sponsors, host families, fans, along with Dr. Carter and Murray Hartzler and the entire Francis Marion University staff. “Without the help of these wonderful people, the RedWolves wouldn’t be the organization that they are today,” Barth said.
In recent years, the RedWolves have taken large strides to ensure their responsibility of giving back to its supportive community. By auctioning off specialty jerseys, donating a portion of each night’s concession stand sales to charities, tickets and merchandise, the RedWolves proudly raised and donated over $26,000 for 43 local area charities and nonprofit groups in 2016.
Osborne stated, “Success is not always measured by wins and losses. We are proud of what our organization has done for the community and our local charities. It is very important to us that we give back to the community that has done so much for us and our players.” She continued to say, “We could not do what we do without the support of our community. That is why we are, and have been, so committed to returning the support.”
With the twenty years that have quickly passed by, the RedWolves are celebrating their 2017 season and are unveiling their 20th Season Anniversary commemorative logo.
The Florence RedWolves get their 2017 campaign underway May 30th, traveling to take on the Wilmington Sharks before returning home the following night, Wednesday, May 31st, to battle the Lexington County Blowfish. It will be our Home Opening Night and Magnet Schedule Giveaway, where the first 750 fans will receive a RedWolves magnet schedule courtesy of Carolina’s Hospital Systems. Buy Tickets by clicking HERE.
On Saturday, June 3rd, the Florence RedWolves will be presenting Grand Opening Night as they take on the Martinsville Mustangs. It will also be First Responders Night at Sparrow Stadium. All First Responders will be admitted FREE into the park, part of the RedWolves’ appreciation for their sacrifices made on a daily basis. Additionally, June 3rd is the first game of the 2017 All You Can Eat Four Game Ticket Package Presented by Mandy Simpson State Farm. AYCE Ticket Packages can be bought online at Florenceredwolves.com (Click Here) or by calling the RedWolves’ box office at 843-629-0700.
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The Coastal Plain League is the nation’s premier summer collegiate baseball league. Celebrating its 22nd season in 2018, the CPL features 16 teams playing in Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. The CPL has had over 1,450 alumni drafted and 111 of those – including 2011 AL MVP and Cy Young winner Justin Verlander – make their Major League debut; while another notable alum – Russell Wilson – won Super Bowl XLVIII. For more information on the Coastal Plain League, please visit the league website at www.coastalplain.com and follow us via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat @CPLBaseball..Contact:Audie Wise
Phone:(843)-629-0700