News Summary
The Joanna Hornets, a college summer baseball team, has returned to play after a 50-year break. Competing in the Southern Shores Baseball League, the team is making strides in local sports, hosting games at Newberry High School and engaging the community. With a diverse roster from several regional colleges, the Hornets have garnered strong fan support and are planning for future growth including a new home field by 2026.
Joanna, SC — After a 50-year hiatus, the Joanna Hornets college summer baseball team has officially resumed competition, marking a significant milestone in local sports history. Wearing the Joanna name and colors for the first time in decades, the team has quickly made an impact in the regional baseball scene by competing across three states and hosting home games at Newberry High School.
Michael Riefsnyder, the general manager of the Joanna Hornets, has expressed pride in the team’s early success, highlighting the commitment and enthusiasm displayed by players and coaches as they work to rebuild the program. The Hornets, competing in the Southern Shores Baseball League, allow NCAA and other collegiate players to participate in summer baseball, fostering a competitive atmosphere.
Head Coach Stuart Lake brings a wealth of experience to the team, having previously coached at the collegiate level with notable positions at Charleston Southern, South Carolina, and Mississippi as a Division 1 head coach. He is supported by coaches Lindsey Stribble and Ronnie Bannister, who add valuable insights and expertise to the program.
The roster for the Hornets features players from a variety of local regions, including Newberry County, Laurens County, Spartanburg, and Lexington. Notable institutions represented on the team include Newberry College, Erskine College, Lander University, USC-Sumter, USC-Union, College of Charleston, and The Citadel. This diverse player base enriches the team’s dynamic and reflects the community’s commitment to fostering local athletic talent.
In terms of community support, the Joanna Hornets have exceeded expectations by attracting around 100 fans per home game. This strong turnout reflects a revitalized interest in local baseball, fostering connections within the community as fans rally around the team. The season commenced on May 31, and while the Hornets faced challenges with three initial losses, they quickly recovered, achieving their first win on June 10 against Klutch Collegiate, with a final score of 9-3. Just a day later, the team celebrated a remarkable 12-6 victory over the Tar Heel Kings.
Looking ahead, the Joanna Hornets have an ambitious schedule ahead of them, aiming to play a total of 30 games from May 25 to August 1, 2023. As fans remain optimistic about their prospects, the Hornets are also making plans for their future home field. By 2026, the team intends to move to Joanna Stadium, which is currently undergoing renovations to meet the needs of the players and the community.
The Joanna Project, aimed at supporting the baseball team and enhancing local facilities, is welcoming donations. Contributions can be sent to PO Box 35, Joanna, SC 29351, or interested parties can reach out by calling 803-220-6014.
As the Joanna Hornets continue their summer season, the commitment of the players, coaches, and community sets a positive tone for the future of baseball in the area. With early successes and a vision for growth, the Hornets are poised to make a lasting impact both on the field and in the hearts of their fans.
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Additional Resources
- Newberry Observer: Joanna Hornets Performing Well
- Wikipedia: Baseball
- Newberry Observer: Joanna Hornets Back in Action
- Google Search: Joanna Hornets baseball
- Newark Advocate: Utica Redskins Beat Licking Heights Hornets
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Baseball
- Newberry Observer: Joanna Hornets Earn Their First Win
- Google News: Joanna Hornets
Author: STAFF HERE NEWBERRY
The NEWBERRY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewberry.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Newberry, Newberry County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Newberry Opera House performances, Newberry Arts Fest, and the Newberry County Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Newberry County Chamber of Commerce and the Newberry Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and agriculture that power the local economy such as Amick Farms and Newberry Mills. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
