Blue Ridge League announces summer collegiate team coming to Greenwood's Legion Field

GREENWOOD, S.C. — For decades, summer nights at Legion Field meant professional baseball in the Lakelands.

From the crack of the bat during the Greenwood Braves era to the later years of the Greenwood Pirates, the ballpark stood as one of South Carolina’s most beloved baseball homes.

Now, a new local baseball team is coming to town.

The Blue Ridge League this week has announced the addition of a new expansion franchise at historic Legion Field beginning with the 2026 season and a multi-year facility agreement with Greenwood County. The yet-to-be-named Greenwood club will compete as a full member of the Blue Ridge League, bringing high-level collegiate wood-bat baseball back to one of the Carolinas’ most storied venues.

After it opened, Legion Field quickly became a crown jewel of South Carolina baseball. As home of the affiliated Greenwood Braves (1968–1979) and later the Greenwood Pirates (1981–1983), the stadium hosted generations of future Major League legends.

Among the notable players and coaches who passed through Greenwood during its MiLB days are:

• Dale Murphy – Two-time National League MVP

• Bruce "Eggs" Benedict – All-Star catcher for the Atlanta Braves

• Glenn Hubbard – Gold Glove-winning infielder and later a Braves coach

• Dusty Baker - All-Star player and legendary MLB manager

• Brett Butler - All-Star player

• Brian Snitker - former Braves manager

• Hoyt Wilhelm - managed in Greenwood after his Hall of Fame playing career 

• Bip Roberts - two-time All-Star

• Rick Renteria - former MLB manager

For many in Greenwood, Legion Field, located at the Greenwood County Recreation Complex, wasn’t just a stop on the minor league map, it was where future stars first took shape, and where the community gathered nightly under the lights.

“We have tremendous respect for what Legion Field represents,” said Blue Ridge League Chairman Greg Sullivan. “The Braves and Pirates years created lifelong baseball memories here. There also is a long history of semi pro ball, college ball, great Legion baseball and a continued strong local Legion baseball presence. Our goal is to honor all the history while being a part of building the next great chapter of baseball in Greenwood.”

The new Blue Ridge League franchise will feature top collegiate players from NCAA Division I and small-college programs from the region and across the country. Competing in a wood-bat environment designed to mirror professional baseball, players will develop at a high level while fans enjoy an authentic, energetic game experience.

The Blue Ridge League has emerged as one of the Southeast’s premier summer collegiate circuits, featuring clubs across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia — including the nationally recognized Carolina Disco Turkeys. 

At Legion Field, that means summer nights under the lights once again. Families in the stands, kids chasing foul balls, and a new generation discovering the same magic that filled the ballpark during the Braves and Pirates years.

The Greenwood team’s official name, branding, and front office leadership will be announced soon. Season ticket information and community partnership opportunities will also be released in the coming weeks.

For updates, visit www.blueridgeleague.com.