A new era of baseball is up at bat for Five County Stadium, the Coastal Plain League (CPL), Zebulon and Wake County.
With the Carolina Mudcats relocating to Wilson, a new CPL franchise with an international twist will call Zebulon home starting in May 2026. And fans will have the chance to make history by naming the team.
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According to a CPL press release, this new team will be formed through a partnership with Ozball, an Australian organization that creates pathways by connecting Australian athletes with U.S. colleges and professional opportunities, with players and coaches traveling to Zebulon each summer to compete in the CPL.
"This partnership brings an incredible mix of talent, culture and excitement to our community," said CPL Commissioner Chip Allen. "Fans in the Triangle will have a chance to watch elite players from Australia represent their country while becoming part of our local baseball family. The CPL prides itself on its innovation, and this partnership with Australia's Ozball will make for a truly one-of-a-kind experience."
This new team will compete in the CPL and will play its home games at Five County Stadium, which was recently approved to be leased under Wake County, the Town of Zebulon and Capitol Broadcasting Company, Inc. (CBC), WRAL's parent company.
CBC is also the owner of the CPL, multiple real estate properties in Durham and Rocky Mount, and the Triple-A Durham Bulls and Holly Springs Salamanders.
To honor the historic partnership and mark the start of this new team's journey, fans are invited to participate in the "Name Your Team" contest, which is an opportunity to shape the identity of Zebulon's newest summer ballclub, according to CPL.
You can submit name ideas starting Thursday at coastalplain.com/nameyourteam. Submit the team name idea, along with a brief explanation of its meaning or inspiration.
Submissions will be accepted until Nov. 21, after which finalists will be selected for a public vote. The winning name will be unveiled along with the team's colors, logo and branding.
This is a chance for fans to put their fingerprints on the future of baseball in Zebulon. Five County Stadium has been home to incredible memories for decades, and we're excited to continue that legacy by creating something that reflects the energy, pride and character of this community. This ballpark has always brought people together; now we're inviting the community to help us shape what the next generation of baseball in Zebulon will look and sound like.Chip Allen
The CPL has churned out unique brands including the Salamanders, Flamingos and Chili Peppers. The famous Savannah Bananas and Cosmic baseball were born out of the CPL.
Fans are encouraged to be creative and suggest names that are fun, exciting, family-friendly and may be inspired by the heritage, traditions, culture and quirks that make Eastern Wake County unique. It can also tie into the team's new Australian connection.
The winning fan will receive a VIP prize package, including tickets to the inaugural game, team merch and the honor of throwing the first pitch on Opening Night 2026.
