News Summary
After a hiatus of 70 years, the Joanna Hornets have rejoined the baseball scene by entering the Southern Shores Baseball League. With an ambitious schedule of 30 games for their upcoming season, the Hornets aim to provide collegiate players a platform to showcase their talent. Though they faced tough competition in their initial games, the team’s revival has reignited local community spirit. Under the mentorship of head coach Lindsey Stribble, the Hornets hope to improve and create excitement around summer baseball once again in Joanna.
Joanna, SC – After a remarkable 70-year hiatus, the Joanna Hornets are revitalizing their baseball program by joining the Southern Shores Baseball League. The league provides collegiate baseball players from NCAA Division I, II, III, NAIA, and NJCAA an opportunity to compete during the summer. The Hornets, representing North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia, have announced a full schedule of games for the 2025 season, playing a total of 30 games from May 25 to August 1, 2025.
The Hornets kicked off their season on May 31, 2025, with a game against the East Coast Iron Horses, resulting in a challenging 12-1 loss. This loss was followed by another defeat against the Tar Heel Kings, where the Hornets fell short with a score of 4-2. As of June 3, 2025, the Hornets hold an 0-3 record, having faced tough competition in their opening games. Their home opener was held at Newberry High School against the Carolina Yankees, where they lost by a score of 9-4.
During the home opener, both teams began competitively, with the score tied at 1-1 after the first inning. The Yankees surged ahead with two runs in the second inning. As the game progressed, they extended their lead to 9-1 by the end of the fifth inning. Despite a late rally where the Hornets managed to score three runs in the bottom of the sixth and eighth innings, they left several runners stranded and could not capitalize on further opportunities. Standout performances included Brady Davenport, Owen Pridgen, and Jaedon Goodwin, each achieving multiple hits during the game. Notably, Pridgen excelled at the plate, finishing three for four, while Hayden Lake also left an impression with two runs scored and a significant single in the first inning.
The Hornets will continue their season with their next game against Klutch Collegiate on June 5, 2025. They are set to face Klutch Collegiate again for their second home game on June 10, 2025. Until the completion of their new stadium in 2026, all home games will be held at Newberry High School.
Under the guidance of head coach Lindsey Stribble, who also leads Mid-Carolina High School’s baseball team, the Hornets’ players will benefit from his experience as they strive for improvement throughout the season. The Southern Shores Baseball League aims to foster talent and provide athletes with the opportunity to build their skills in a competitive environment, and the Hornets’ return marks a significant moment in the team’s history.
Originally established in the mid-20th century, the Joanna Hornets have a rich local history that resonates with longtime fans. After decades without a presence in summer baseball, the team’s revival has garnered public interest and excitement within the community. The Hornets’ officials have expressed enthusiasm about re-establishing the team and supporting local baseball players while providing an engaging summer sport that residents can rally behind.
The Joanna Hornets’ participation in the Southern Shores Baseball League signifies not just the return of a beloved local institution but also an opportunity for young athletes to showcase their talents and foster a communal spirit around the love of baseball. As the season unfolds, fans and families in Joanna can look forward to witnessing the promising potential of their team in the coming months.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Chapin-Newberry American Legion Baseball Team Launches Season
Additional Resources
- The Newberry Observer: Joanna Hornets Back in Action
- Wikipedia: Joanna, South Carolina
- Newark Advocate: Utica Redskins Baseball
- Google Search: Joanna Hornets
- GoLaurens: Joanna Stadium Project
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Baseball
- The Newberry Observer: American Legion Summer Baseball
- Google News: Joanna Hornets Baseball
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