Wilmington Blue Rocks History

Minor League Baseball fans in the Wilmington area have had plenty to cheer about since 1993. That year, the Wilmington Blue Rocks (named after the blue granite readily found in the area) joined the Northern Division of the Carolina League, where they’ve stayed ever since. The team was affiliated with the Kansas City Royals from day one, and that partnership remained in place through the 2004 campaign.

The Blue Rocks switched their Major League affiliation following the 2004 season, and were partnered with the Boston Red Sox between 2005 and 2006. When that partnership ended, the Royals again took over, and have been Wilmington’s parent club ever since.

The club enjoyed success early in its existence and in the decade that followed. After winning a division title in its inaugural season, Wilmington won a Carolina League championship in 1994 and again in 1996, 1998 and 1999. The team claimed the division in 1995, 2001 and 2004, but has failed to do so in the years since.

Notable alumni

Angel Berroa
Carlos Beltran
Clay Buchholz
Johnny Damon
Jacoby Ellsbury
Zack Greinke
Eric Hosmer
Jon Lieber
Anibal Sanchez
Mike Sweeney