The Joanna Project Revives a South Carolina Baseball Treasure

Photo Courtesy of Zach Beeson

In a small, unincorporated mill town in South Carolina, a long-forgotten ballpark is getting a second life—and with it, a community is finding renewed purpose.

The Joanna Project, led by Michael Reef Snyder, is restoring a historic textile-era stadium in Joanna, SC, with plans to bring baseball back by May 2026. What was once an abandoned field with overgrown bleachers is quickly transforming into a nostalgic yet functional ballpark that blends history, community pride, and the modern collegiate summer game.

From Textile Town to Baseball Revival

Joanna, a town of roughly 1,200 residents, was built entirely around a textile mill in the early 20th century. Like many mill towns across the Carolinas, baseball played a central role in daily life. Workers didn’t just clock in—they competed.

“In the 1920s, a mill worker might make $50 a week,” Snyder explained. “But if they played baseball, they could make $250. It was a serious competition.”

That competitive spirit led to the creation of powerhouse textile teams, including the Joanna Hornets, who reportedly won more than a dozen championships over several decades. The ballpark itself dates back to at least 1950 in its current concrete form, replacing an earlier wooden grandstand that hosted games as far back as the 1910s.

Among the notable figures to take the field? Hall of Fame manager Tommy Lasorda, who pitched in Joanna during the 1947 season.

Photo Courtesy of Zach Beeson

A Ballpark Hidden in Plain Sight

For years, the stadium sat quietly behind a local school—its 1,500-seat concrete grandstand slowly being reclaimed by nature. Bushes grew through the bleachers, and the field was reduced to little more than a patch of grass.

But the structure itself remained sound.

“That was everything,” Snyder said. “If those bleachers weren’t in good shape, this project probably wouldn't happen.”

After years of research, community meetings, and inspections, Snyder and his team secured the site and launched a nonprofit effort to restore it—not just as a ballpark, but as a catalyst for local revitalization.

Building for the Future, Honoring the Past

The renovation is being completed in phases, with an emphasis on preserving the park’s historic character.

Phase I includes:

• A rebuilt playing field

• New above-ground dugouts designed with a vintage aesthetic

• Updated fencing, netting, and lighting

• Fresh paint and structural improvements

Capacity will settle around 1,300 fans after modifications to improve sightlines.

Future plans (Phase II) aim to add:

• Permanent concession stands and restrooms

• Locker rooms

• A textile baseball museum highlighting the region’s unique history

The museum will feature archival photos, uniforms, and even recorded interviews with former players—some of whom are now in their 90s.

Photo Courtesy of Zach Beeson

The Return of the Joanna Hornets

Baseball is officially coming back to Joanna with the revival of the Joanna Hornets, a collegiate summer team that carries the historic name of the original textile-era club.

The Hornets will compete in the newly formed Blue Ridge League, joining creatively branded teams like the Carolina Disco Turkeys, Greenwood Flying Monkeys, and Marion Hungry Mothers. The league emphasizes fan experience just as much as player development—something Snyder sees as essential.

“We didn’t want games at 10 a.m. on a Tuesday at a high school field,” he said. “We want a true ballpark atmosphere—night games, promotions, and a place where the community can gather.”

Despite the town’s small size, the location draws from a regional population of over 100,000 within a 30-mile radius, making it a viable destination for fans and ballpark chasers alike.

More Than Baseball

What makes the Joanna Project especially unique is its long-term mission. Once the stadium is fully operational, all proceeds will go back into the community through the nonprofit. Plans include funding home improvement projects, local initiatives, and community grants—turning the ballpark into an engine for broader revitalization.

“This isn’t just about rebuilding a stadium,” Snyder said. “It’s about rebuilding a community.”

Photo Courtesy of the Joanna Project

A Hidden Gem Worth Discovering

For ballpark enthusiasts, the Joanna Project represents something increasingly rare: an authentic restoration of a historic venue with deep local roots.

From its textile league origins to its modern revival, the stadium offers a glimpse into a forgotten chapter of baseball history—one where small towns, mill workers, and semi-pro stars created a vibrant, competitive scene across the South.

The season play begins this year on May 22 to kick off Memorial Day Weekend and runs through July 26. The Hornets schedule has not been released as of this writing. 

With its preserved concrete grandstand, deep historical roots, and commitment to community impact, Joanna is poised to become a compelling destination for fans seeking unique baseball experiences.

For more information on the project or to contribute, visit thejoannaproject.org or follow the Joanna Project and Joanna Hornets on social media.

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Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com