New Year, New Ownership in Wilkes County!

The Wilkes County Moonshiners Have New Owners!

There are a lot of changes coming in summer collegiate baseball in Wilkes County in 2025! The Wilkes County Moonshiners are taking a big step forward. Literally. The “4 Wards” leading the excitement will be Daniel and Drew Ward, along with their wives, Charlene and Lindsay. If these names sound familiar around the diamond, it could be because this family has been tied to organized baseball in Wilkes County for over 50 years! The love of the game is evident if you are around them for any length of time at all…

“The new ownership team will be directing the day to day operations and you can expect exciting baseball action and family entertainment with championship service to our fans and partners” said Daniel Ward, adding “we are excited about the opportunity to take summer collegiate baseball to the next level while becoming woven into the fabric of the local community. We look to form strong relationships with local businesses, churches and community organizations and we are confident in our ability to deliver a top shelf organization with whom you will be a proud partner!”

Daniel Ward will serve as Executive Director for the Moonshiners. His involvement with organized baseball in Wilkes County began as an eight year old at the old Optimist Park in North Wilkesboro. He has enjoyed being a “student of the game” since that time, with many memories associated with the great game of baseball. “The relationships that I have formed through this game are priceless,” states Ward, “and I am still adding to them.” His baseball connections have been made as a player, coach, collector and fan of America’s pastime.

Retired as a teacher, coach and administrator, the “old” Coach Ward still works in Real Estate and operates Mountain to Ocean Promotion while staying involved in church and community activities and trying to keep up with two grandsons!

Charlene Ward will serve as Director of Merchandising & Fan Gear. She has attended more baseball games and probably knows more about the game than most wives and moms. She will not challenge anyone on that but she knows the effort and support it takes for successful baseball programs to exist and she is a big reason that this baseball family has enjoyed success around the diamond. Charlene has retired as a career Exceptional Children’s Teacher and at that she was exceptional. She continues to consult on a non official basis and she will always be an impact player for our children and young adults. She has also been working in Real Estate since her time in education. Charlene is a “reality therapist” that has a knack for keeping a group on task and organized, therefore valued by this ownership team!

Drew Ward will return as Head Coach and will also serve as Director of Baseball Operations. Coach Ward brings a baseball resume showing success as a player and coach that are invaluable to the management of a baseball organization. He is entering his 14th season as the head baseball coach at local West Wilkes High School and 15th season on the high school diamond overall. He also teaches Physical Conditioning. Drew is a veteran of the Body Armor State Games, leading Region 7 to the gold medal in 2023. He is also active in the youth sports arena, coaching in baseball and basketball recreational leagues while also serving as a coach in the NWNC Elite organization. Drew is a 2010 graduate of Guilford College, starting four years on the diamond for the Quakers. Prior to Guilford, he competed at West Wilkes High School under the guidance of Daniel Ward.

Lindsay Ward will join the Moonshiners organization as the Director of Food and Beverage, bringing a long background in athletics and service, along with a degree in Nutrition. She is currently an Educational Diagnostician with Wilkes County Schools. Lindsay taught in the Exceptional Children’s program at West Wilkes from 2012-2022, while also coaching cross country and track for eleven years. She was a 4-year member of the Western Carolina University cross country and track teams, winning four SOCON championships. Prior to WCU, Lindsay graduated from Wilkes Central, where she was a 2-time state champion in cross county/track. She is also a veteran of the ballpark as a fan, coach’s wife and players’ mom.

“We are truly excited about continuing and expanding on our involvement with the Wilkes County Moonshiners! Our local community has been a huge part of our lives and the local athletics community has led us to many great relationships and experiences. We feel that Wilkes County is deserving of a great college-level baseball experience and know that the people of Wilkes will support and partner with us to lead us to unknown heights. It is a privilege to be a part of this organization, league, and baseball community.”

Lindsay and Drew live in North Wilkesboro with their two sons, Clayton (9) and Canaan (6). Both boys are active in baseball, basketball, football, and wrestling. They are pumped for the opportunity to be around these athletes and the ballpark on an even greater level in 2025 and beyond!

As part of the Old North State League, the Wilkes County Moonshiners are one of six teams in the Mountain Region with 24 teams statewide. The Shiners will have 24 home games, beginning May 24th. Regular season games are scheduled through July 19th, followed by the playoffs.

Join the Moonshiners for all the fun & excitement this season!
Host family and hospitality opportunities available!
Tickets & Moonshiner Merch available soon!
Sponsorship options available!