Fleming Stadium – Wilson Tobs
- Gregory Koch
- 4 days ago
- 5 min read
Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43
Fleming Stadium 300 Stadium St SW Wilson, NC 27893
Year Opened: 1939
Capacity: 3,000
Where the Tobs are in Wilson
Historic Fleming Stadium has been home to baseball in Wilson, North Carolina since 1939. The stadium has hosted many teams in several different leagues over the years, with the affiliated Wilson Tobs playing there until 1973. "Tobs" was short for "Tobacconists' in homage to the local crop of North Carolina, although the team occasionally went by other names, such as the Bugs and Pennants.
After 1973, Fleming Stadium went without a full-time tenant until 1997, when a new team, also known as the Wilson Tobs, joined the Coastal Plain League, a summer collegiate league with teams in Virginia, the Carolinas, and Georgia. The team mostly draws players from the southeast United States, many of whom go on to play professionally.
The future of Tobs baseball in Wilson beyond 2025 is uncertain, as the Carolina Mudcats are relocating to a new stadium in Wilson from nearby Zebulon. It remains to be seen if Wilson can support both an affiliated minor league franchise and a summer collegiate franchise, although as they will not play at the same stadium, there is not necessarily a conflict. Ironically, the Mudcats briefly played at Fleming Stadium while their current home, Five County Stadium, was being built.
Food & Beverage 4
There are several different concession stands fans can choose from at Fleming Stadium. Behind home plate right by the entrance, a stand offers typical options such as burgers, hot dogs, and chicken tenders. Directly across from that, right by the ramp to the grandstand, the sweet shop offers ice cream, both hard-serve and Dippin' Dots. If you head up the right field foul line, there is a food truck with a more expansive and fancy selection, including a pulled pork sandwich, a fried chicken sandwich (buffalo sauce and ranch optional for an extra dollar) and freshly grilled burgers. You can smell the smoke from the grill throughout the stadium.
Prices are reasonable, with everything under $6 or so. On Tuesdays, hot dogs and peanuts are discounted to just $2 each. Both cash and credit card are accepted.
Atmosphere 4
Fleming Stadium is a simple ballpark typical of the pre-World War II era with a covered grandstand located behind home plate. The lower half of the grandstand is reserved chairbacks while the upper half is general admission bleachers. Overhead fans ensure the fans stay cool no matter how hot it is outside.
Despite the simple structure, the team has made some improvements to amenities over the years. Further down the lines, there are group and picnic areas with tables and overhead lights on strings, which can be a fun place to hang out on a summer's night.
As the Tobs are introduced and after each run they score, smoke billows from a smoke machine near the Wilson dugout. Depending on which way the wind is blowing, this can make the field slightly hazy for a little while, although you should still be able to see the action. The Tobs have between-inning contests on the field and these may be linked to the theme of the night (e.g. dogs get to participate in contests for Bark in the Park) or may just be the usual contests. The team mascot is a tobacco worm named Slugger who will interact with fans throughout the game.
Neighborhood 3
Fleming Stadium is situated in a residential neighborhood not too far away from I-95 and I-795 exits. There are a few retail shopping centers near the I-95 exit and a few great places to eat in town as well that should not be overlooked. Parker's Barbecue is wildly popular and has been in business for many years serving classic Carolina barbecue. Like many joints in the area, they are known for their long lines and may sell out of the popular foods before closing, so get there early if you want to eat there. Be warned they are a cash only business.
Fans 3
Fleming Stadium is not a large stadium, but the Tobs do draw good crowds most nights. While the games will seldom sell out, the fans in attendance are loud and passionate about their team. They cheer, clap, and even wave noisemakers to make the atmosphere even louder. They know a lot about their team and the players on the field and love cheering the Tobs on to victory. This is a community crowd, as is typical of these small town venues, but by no means are they quiet.
Access 2
Wilson is located about 10 minutes from both I-95 and I-795 as well as a short distance from US 264/I-587. It is in a residential neighborhood with parking available in a grass lot. Staff will helpfully direct you to a space when you get there. There is some street parking available down the left field line as well, but it was full before we arrived well before the game, so it is best to park in the grass lot like you are told. A lot of the street parking is in foul ball territory as well, while the grass lot generally avoids this and is closer.
Restrooms are available on the concourse behind the grandstand and are generally of a sufficient size for the small crowds. When in the grandstand itself, the first step up the stairs to the seats is a bit high up compared to the bottom of the grandstand, so be careful. After that you should be fine. The numbering scheme for reserved seats is also a bit weird as numbers do not repeat across rows like you would expect, so the seats in higher rows will number in the hundreds. It is still easy to find your seat if you pay attention, as they go sequentially.
Return on Investment 5
Tickets are just $9 for adults and $7 for kids 12 and under. When buying online, the general admission bleachers cost the same as the reserved chairbacks, so we recommend going for the latter. On Tuesdays, tickets are just $2 each. Concessions are very affordable as well - you can easily get a meal and drink for around $10. Parking is free. Overall, a Tobs game is an excellent value.
Extras 3
The North Carolina Baseball Museum is located down the third baseline of the ballpark and offers a collection of material that includes jerseys, photographs, equipment, and other memorabilia. The museum highlights some of the players from the state who are enshrined in Cooperstown including Catfish Hunter, Jim Perry, and Hoyt Wilhelm Admission is free with your game ticket.
There are free programs available at a tent by the entrance.
A team store is located behind home plate as well, selling Tobs merchandise.
Final Thoughts
Fleming Stadium is a historic, old-fashioned baseball stadium that is a fine place to spend a summer night watching the Wilson Tobs. With an old covered grandstand and a small-town community feel, this is baseball as it used to be played. While Fleming doesn't have all the amenities of more modern stadiums, it is still a great place to watch a game.
Comentarios