In November 2023, the Atlantic League terminated the membership of the
Gastonia Honey Hunters, citing significant unpaid debts to the league, and announced the intent to field another team in Gastonia in 2024.[5][6] In February 2024, new owners were announced of a yet-to-be-named Atlantic League team to play at CaroMont Health Park.[1] The city and Zawyer Sports and Entertainment signed a 15-year stadium lease agreement.[7] The new team hired the general manager and manager of the Honey Hunters,[2][7] as well as other coaches.[7]
The Gastonia Baseball Club played their first game on April 25, 2024, a 3-2 loss to the
Southern Maryland Blue Crabs.[8] Their first win came the next day against the same opponent, 7-3, allowing no hits through 7.1 innings.[9]
Name
The Gastonia Baseball Club will retain that name for the 2024 season while testing eight possible permanent names on specific dates.[6][10] Among the names are Gastronauts,[11] Bolognia,[12] Galactic Dinos,[13] and Ghost Peppers.[14]