Exciting new changes as the Old North State League kicks off 6th season

RAMSEUR, NORTH CAROLINA - With the weather heating up and summer almost here, the Old North State League has begun its 6th season along the East Coast with 20 teams vying for the chance to be named champion. The new season marks a myriad of changes for the league, as it promotes expanded streaming access and welcomes nine new teams alongside more opportunities for fans to learn about their local teams and players. 

The season, which began on May 25th, features over 500 total games, with each team playing 24 games against their divisional opponents. Although divisional play isn’t slated to start until tomorrow, fans can start learning more about their local teams by signing up for streaming access on Foul Pole Sports and getting to know their players through social media. The streaming service allows fans to have unrestricted access to each team across the league with video and commentary provided, as well as a replay feature if fans are unable to watch the games in real time. In addition, player information, such as social media handles, can be found on team websites underneath the ‘Roster’ function, giving fans the unique opportunity to become more familiar with the players that hope to lead their team to victory come August. 

A more pronounced social media presence isn’t the only way the Old North State League is growing, as one of the biggest stories coming into this season is the addition of new teams, which are part of a larger initiative to expand the league even more in 2025. Existing teams, such as the Wake Forest Fungo, Tarboro River Bandits, and the Edenton Steamers, migrated from other leagues along the coast to join the ONSL; others, like the New Bern Southpaws, Jacksonville Ospreys, Danville Dairy Daddies, and Burlington Sock Pups are new squads created with expansion in mind. Two teams also rebranded and relocated to new communities in Hope Mills and Wilkes County. Each of these teams will join divisions throughout the league as part of an effort to expand even further in years to come; growth is one of the cornerstones driving the success of the league, and these teams grow the reach of the league to new communities spread throughout North Carolina.

When asked about the growth of the league online and beyond, Eric Sibrizzi, Commissioner of the ONSL, had this to say:

"The ONSL is excited to welcome new and already existing fans to the league this summer!  We feel that fans have an opportunity to visit our teams and experience a unique and fun atmosphere at each park. If they can't make it to a game, we have increased our online presence by implementing live stream broadcasting and video feeds to each of our stadiums enhancing fan experience from their living rooms! The league also has several new ownership groups for existing teams as well as new teams and we are elated about their visions for their organizations.  With all the new changes, what remains the same is our focus on making the league player-centric. We look forward to the season and seeing all these enhancements come to fruition for the best player, fan, and team experience."

With all the new additions and changes to the league, this season is shaping up to be the best one yet! We hope to see fans, old and new, out at their local ballparks supporting the ONSL and being part of the growth that we are aiming for as a league. 

The Old North State League is a college summer wood bat league in North Carolina that features 20 teams not including Burlington and Danville. In 2025, the league plans to expand to 24 teams and has been vetting markets and requests in anticipation of announcing the newest additions. 

Photo Credits: Team Flo Photography