Wilson Warbirds

Lore & Background

The Wilson Warbirds were created after the Milwaukee Brewers decided to relocate their Single-A affiliate from Zebulon, North Carolina, where the Carolina Mudcats had played since 1991. In 2022, the Mudcats requested US$15 million from Wake County to renovate Five County Stadium, but the county only agreed to fund required expenses. On December 14, 2023, the town of Wilson announced a $280 million development project including a $70 million baseball stadium, later named Wilson Ballpark. The Brewers signed a memorandum of understanding with Wilson to relocate the Mudcats to the new stadium under a 25-year lease, citing the lack of funding from Wake County as a major reason for the move.

The team name 'Warbirds' was announced on November 22, 2024, at an air show attended by around 500 people, featuring three World War II–era warbird aircraft and a live band. The name honors the region's aviation history, as thousands of pilots trained there during World War II and Seymour Johnson Air Force Base is nearby. The long-time proposed name 'Wilson Whirligigs'—referencing outsider artist and former pilot Vollis Simpson—was changed after branding organizer Scott Starr visited Wilson and believed the name lacked nuance.

The Warbirds played their first game on April 3, 2026, against the Fayetteville Woodpeckers at Segra Stadium in Fayetteville, winning 2–0. Their inaugural home opener on April 14, 2026, at Wilson Ballpark was a sold-out 7–5 victory over the Hill City Howlers before a crowd of 3,700 people.

Reader's Guide

The Wilson Warbirds represent a significant relocation in Minor League Baseball, driven by municipal funding disputes and a community's investment in a new stadium. The team's creation highlights the economic pressures on minor-league franchises, as the Brewers moved from Zebulon to Wilson after Wake County declined to fund major renovations. The Warbirds' branding ties deeply to local history, including World War II aviation training and the legacy of whirligig artist Vollis Simpson. The team's first season in 2026 began with a road win and a sold-out home opener, establishing early fan support. The ownership structure also evolved, with the Brewers negotiating to sell their majority share to John Canning Jr., a long-time minority owner, while retaining a minority stake. The Warbirds' mascot, Wilt the Warbird, a red-tailed hawk, reflects the region's common raptor. The team's colors—navy, sage, antique white, bristol, and smalt—and jersey designs contribute to a distinct visual identity. As a Single-A affiliate, the Warbirds serve as a development stage for future Brewers prospects, with players like Eric Bitonti, Josh Knoth, and Braylon Payne attending the naming air show. The team's legacy will be shaped by its role in the Carolina League and its connection to Wilson's aviation heritage.

Did You Know?

• The Warbirds' name was announced at an air show on November 22, 2024, with around 500 attendees and three World War II–era aircraft.
• The team's long-time proposed name was 'Wilson Whirligigs,' after outsider artist and former pilot Vollis Simpson.
• The Warbirds' first game was a 2–0 victory over the Fayetteville Woodpeckers on April 3, 2026.
• The Milwaukee Brewers began negotiations to sell their majority share to John Canning Jr. just before the first Warbirds game.