For over 25 years, summer nights in Edenton have belonged to the Edenton Steamers, and their 2025 season kicks off in May!
In fact, one of the most beloved traditions in Edenton is when the community gathers on a summer night at Historic Hicks Field to cheer on their hometown team.
The Steamers, and the stadium at Historic Hicks Field where they play, are as authentically and historically Edenton as anything in town.
Originally built in 1939, Hicks Field is the oldest remaining wooden grandstand in North Carolina and a landmark on the National Register of Historic Places.
It has been named one of the best summer collegiate baseball venues in America.
Over its history, Hicks Field has played host to numerous teams including minor league affiliates, high school teams, and since 1998, the Edenton Steamers.
The Steamers belong to the Old North State League and have brought home five cup championships to the town of Edenton.
Players from up and down the coast come to the Steamers to get their first chance at extensive playing time with wooden bats.
More than 110 former Steamers players have been drafted by Major League Baseball teams, with 21 of them making it all the way to the Major Leagues.
So, when you come to a Steamers game, you are witnessing the next generation of professional baseball players developing their skills in their first wooden bat league.
This season, the Steamers welcome a new general manager, a new head coach, and a new alternate identity as the Rocky Hock Gnats on Monday nights, yet fans can still expect the same exhilarating entertainment and competitive baseball as they cheer on the Steamers this summer!
Their new General Manager, Lauren Baker, is a native of Bertie County who played softball through high school and college and won many awards.
She was named to the World Series All-Tournament team in 2022, and she was also the recipient of the National Deb Thompson Award, which is the highest award given to a college softball player by the NCCAA.
Ms. Baker completed her B.S. degree in Sports Management and Business from CIU. She then served as the Graduate Assistant Softball Coach for Chowan University in 2023-24 where she earned her master’s degree in organizational leadership.
Alongside Lauren, the Steamers are welcoming Hunter Hackley as the new head coach this season.
With experience as the head coach for the Fayetteville Coyotes and the New Bern Southpaws, where he led the team to the playoffs last year, Mr. Hackley is excited to join the Steamers.
A Steamers game represents baseball at its absolute best.
Just like past seasons, fans can expect a thrilling night out at the ballgame, complete with ballpark hotdogs, buttery popcorn, cold drinks, and lots of entertainment, with special nightly promotions for affordable, family-friendly fun!
The Edenton Steamers season will be officially underway on May 29th when the gates at Hicks Field will open and fans of all ages will fill the stadium to watch baseball dreams unfold as the Edenton Steamers take on the Greenbrier Knights.
There will even be a post-game fireworks show!
With talented players, dedicated coaches, and passionate fans, the team is poised for success this summer.
So, whether you’re a local or just visiting northeastern North Carolina this summer, we invite you to join us in Edenton to cheer on the Steamers.
There’s just something magical about watching a game live at the stadium, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the ballpark.
Why not plan a ball game as part of your trip to Edenton?
You can book one of our nearby B&Bs, grab your glove, put on your cap, and come out to support the Edenton Steamers as they chase victory and glory on the baseball diamond.
Whether you’re a seasoned baseball fan or just looking for a fun night out with friends and family, a trip to the ballpark to watch the Edenton Steamers play is sure to be a memorable experience!
