Fans bid farewell to the Down East Wood Ducks in Kinston

KINSTON, N.C. (WITN) - A beloved baseball team in the east played their hearts out Sunday afternoon during their final home game in North Carolina.

Baseball fans of all ages packed the stands at Grainger Stadium in Kinston one last time to cheer on the Down East Wood Ducks.

The match-up had fans reflecting on their favorite game-day moments.

“One time I came with my mom, and we went into the store and I got a bat. I think I got it signed,” said Colton Winstead.

To thank all of the loyal fans for their support over the last seven seasons, the Wood Ducks hosted Fan Appreciation Day, where they served one-dollar hot dogs and handed out free raffle tickets.

Al Lilley has been coming to games at Grainger Stadium for years, but he said this past season stuck out to him.

“It looked like they were about to lose the other night, 5-2, but they came back and won,” said Lilley. “I’ve watched them win 15 and lose 3, I’m looking to end it 16 and 3.”

Retired usher Stan Sullivan said Grainger Stadium is more than just a ballpark to the community. It’s a place where many happy memories are made.

“You come here to work because you can give something back,” said Sullivan. “I get to see all the baseball that anybody could want to see in a year’s time, I get to make new friends almost every night, and those friends tell other friends, so it’s been a wonderful experience for me.”

Although spirits were high at the stadium, the Wood Ducks fell to the Augusta GreenJackets with a score of 4-1.

The Wood Ducks will not be going far. Next season, the team will be based out of Spartanburg, South Carolina and be called the Hub City Spartanburgers.