Gastonia Professional Baseball Team Unveils Name And Logo

GASTONIA, NC – There is a new professional baseball team in the greater Charlotte region. The Gastonia Honey Hunters. 

The long awaited reveal happening on Wednesday during a Zoom news conference. 

“It’s a fun name. It’s a fun mascot. But it still has that, you know, we’re working hard over here. If you come over here you’ve got to bring it,” explained Honey Hunters owner Brandon Bellamy. 

Bellamy says “Honey Hunters” reached him on a personal level. 

“Fearless, determined, resilient. That’s what I get from the citizens. This is like my love letter to them,” said Bellamy. 

Bellamy, who’s the only African American owner of a professional baseball team in the country says the name also has ties to slavery. 

“Hunters”  pays homage to Ransom Hunter, the first freed slave to own property in Gaston County. Hunter was self taught and a successful businessman. 

One of Hunter’s quotes stuck with Bellamy. 

““Always strive to be better, but never forget where you came from.” And I just thought, that personally aligned with me. It was a personal thing,” said Bellamy.

The new stadium and mixed use development called “FUSE” will be a major boost to the Gastonia economy. 

“The total transformation is amazing, not just for the economy, but for just the spirit of Gastonia,” said Steve D’Avria, the head of the Gaston Business Association. 

He says Gastonia has momentum with a new team, stadium, restaurants and retail development. 

“We were down on our luck for many decades for various reasons and purposes, but not anymore. And this has been something that’s been a true starter,” said D’Avria.

The Gastonia Honey Hunters are expected to begin play in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball this spring.