The Wilson Tobs (summer collegiate; Coastal Plain League) have been sold to Richard Holland and Greg Suire, the owners of the Thomasville HiToms in the same circuit; James Wolfe is the new GM of the team.
All familiar names, to be sure. Wolfe was formerly the general manager of the Forest City Owls (summer collegiate; Coastal Plain League), launching the team several years ago. Holland is a native of West Caldwell, N.J. and has been the chief executive officer of the HiToms since 2000. Entering his 12th season as HiToms president, Suire has overseen the growth of the HiToms from a singular entity in the Coastal Plain League to an organization sponsoring amateur squads from the American Legion level to middle school. Instrumental in the 2006 refurbishment of historic Finch Field, Suire has also pioneered the HiToms efforts to enhance youth baseball in the High Point/Thomasville community through the club’s spring youth baseball clinic, instructional camps and high school fall league.
One thing the new owners will not need to worry about: the ballpark. In Thomasville, the pair inherited a very limited Legion-style facility that they made over gradually, to the point to where it’s one of the nicest ballparks in summer-college ball. In Wilson, the Tobs play at Fleming Stadium, a WPA-era ballpark that has been renovated in recent years; the Carolina Mudcats (Class AA; Southern League) played there until Five County Stadium was open for business.
“Rick and I are thrilled at the prospect of leading the Tobs organization,” new Wilson Tobs President Greg Suire said. “The Tobs’ history, success and community focus were the driving forces behind our interest. I am honored and humbled by the opportunity to lead this franchise and I am especially thankful to the Turnage family for their confidence and faith.”
“Our preeminent goal is very simple: grow the sport of baseball in Wilson, Wilson County and the surrounding communities,” Suire said. “We intend to invest our franchise’s resources, facilities and focus on creating a flagship baseball institution in eastern North Carolina. From creating new baseball opportunities for youth players and young adults to hosting regional and national events at Fleming Stadium, our daily mission will be centered on building a network of player development for local high schools, area colleges and the Tobs. Our national pastime needs a driving force, and with the passion and commitment already present in the Wilson community, I feel very confident that our efforts will inspire thousands of young people to utilize baseball as one of their educational outposts.”
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