The Launch of the Greenwood Flying Monkeys in the Blue Ridge League

Courtesy of the Greenwood Flying Monkeys

The Blue Ridge League, an exciting new collegiate summer league based in Virginia and the Carolinas, has recently unveiled the Greenwood Flying Monkeys. This team is not just a fresh addition; it embodies the spirit of the town of Greenwood, South Carolina, often referred to as the “Emerald City.” With a whimsical connection to The Wizard of Oz, the Flying Monkeys are set to take the field at the storied Legion Stadium.

Courtesy of the Greenwood Flying Monkeys

Team Identity and Branding

The team's branding resonates with nostalgic elements, drawing inspiration from the iconic book The Wonderful Wizard of Oz rather than the well-known film adaptation. Greg Sullivan, the league chairman, emphasized this distinction when he stated, “We’re reimagining the Flying Monkeys from the original book, not the movie.” The branding reflects a sense of history and whimsy, allowing creativity to flourish while rooting itself in the town's heritage.

The design, created by Evan Johnson Designs, features a smiling, winged monkey holding a baseball bat, cleverly incorporating its tail and feet. The color palette—composed of rich dark green, mint, and vintage cream—gives off a classic yet playful vibe, echoing Greenwood’s reputation and the whimsical essence of its new mascot.

Courtesy of the City of Wilmington, NC

Historical Context of Legion Stadium

Home games for the Flying Monkeys will be held at Legion Stadium, a venue steeped in baseball history. This stadium has been a vital part of Greenwood’s sports culture, previously hosting teams like the Greenwood Braves and Pirates. The return of summer baseball to this historic site is seen as a significant step in revitalizing community engagement with the sport.

“Greenwood has always had a strong baseball tradition,” Sullivan remarked. The Flying Monkeys aim to strengthen this tradition further, offering an innovative and unforgettable team identity that resonates with both locals and visitors alike.

The facility serves as a versatile venue for performances, exhibitions, athletic events, and various activities, accommodating about 6,000 seats in total, with the grandstand seating 3,500 (including 500 with seat backs, while the remainder consists of aluminum benches) and the visitor side offering an additional 2,500 seats on aluminum benches.

There are 40 handicapped seating options available, along with approximately 4 acres of paved parking. It features fully equipped concessions in the grandstand, an artificial turf main field, home and visitor field houses, and a press box complete with a public address system.

Courtesy of the Blue Ridge League

Structure of the Blue Ridge League

The Blue Ridge League consists of a mix of six established teams, which include the Carolina Disco Turkeys, Marion Hungry Mothers, Queen City Corndogs, Uwharrie Wampus Cats, Davie Crocketts, and Joanna Hornets. Anticipation builds as the league has introduced two additional teams, the Spartanburg County Peaches playing at Jim Everhart Field and the Greenwood Flying Monkeys. 

With a collegiate focus, the league operates as a summer wood-bat league featuring players from college programs nationwide. The upcoming season promises to be a captivating event, with the Flying Monkeys scheduled to play more than 20 home games from early June through late July.

Starting their inaugural season in May 2026, the League now features a total of eight teams. Season play will commence on May 22 this year, coinciding with Memorial Day Weekend, and will continue until July 26. The top two teams in the league standings will compete in a best-of-three championship series, which is set to conclude in late July. A complete release of team schedules is expected this spring.

NOTE: Prior to the launch of the “Blue Ridge League” for the 2026 season, two predecessor leagues operated under the Blue Ridge League name. The first Blue Ridge League existed from 1915 to 1918 and then again from 1920 to 1930, functioning as a Class D level league. It featured teams located in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. 

A second incarnation of the Blue Ridge League emerged from 1946 to 1950, also as a Class D minor league. This version was based in North Carolina and Virginia, featuring teams in mountain towns, several of which fall within our current league footprint.

Leadership and Future Developments

The Flying Monkeys have also appointed Payton Dawkins as their first head coach. A Columbia-area native and former player at Columbia International University, Dawkins played a vital role in the program's 2021 NCCAA national championship victory. He brings a wealth of experience as he prepares to lead the new team into an exciting inaugural season.

Fans can look forward to further announcements regarding player signings, detailed schedules, and merchandise availability in the coming months, adding to the anticipation surrounding this new chapter for Greenwood and the Blue Ridge League.

Courtesy of the Greenwood Flying Monkeys

The Greenwood Flying Monkeys are not just a baseball team; they symbolize a creative, community-oriented initiative that invokes the charm of a beloved childhood classic while embracing Greenwood’s rich history and future potential in the world of baseball.