The anticipation is palpable as the Hope Mills Rockfish prepare to kick off their 2025 season. Opening day is set for Friday, May 30, when the Rockfish will host the Carolina Yankees from the Southeastern Baseball League. The game will commence at 6 p.m. at Hope Mills Parks and Recreation, located at 5766 Rockfish Rd, Hope Mills.

Fans can expect an evening full of excitement, with the first pitch heralding a season of thrilling baseball action. The Rockfish organization has put in significant effort to ensure the venue is in top shape, promising a fantastic experience for all attendees.

The Hope Mills Rockfish boast a talented roster of 30 collegiate players, many of whom hail from the surrounding area. This summer league team is focused on developing players and preparing them for the next level of their baseball careers. 

“This year our roster is heavily focused on local players; a mix of graduating seniors who have committed to play collegiately next year as well as local guys who have already gone on to college and are currently playing at their respective schools. Stephen Kriner, the 2024 Rockfish of the year, will be returning to play this summer which we are very excited about,” said Billy Stern, president of the Hope Mills Rockfish. 

To see the full roster of players, visit their website at https://tinyurl.com/yth42tza.

Leading the team is Head Coach Ryan Miller, a Gray’s Creek High School alum who played collegiately at West Virginia Tech. 

The Rockfish has organized a variety of special events throughout the summer, ensuring there's something enjoyable for everyone. Among the most notable evenings are Girl Scout Night on June 7, Military Mondays taking place on June 9, June 30, and July 7, and Scouts of America Night scheduled for June 20. These events promise to offer memorable experiences for all who attend.

These events are designed to engage the community and provide unique experiences for fans of all ages. Whether you're a scout, military personnel, or simply a baseball enthusiast, there's a special night just for you. To see the full schedule of home games, visit https://tinyurl.com/fnecndxm.

The Hope Mills Rockfish represent much more than a mere baseball team; they are an essential cornerstone of the local community. As an organization owned by veterans, the Rockfish place a high value on community involvement and make a concerted effort to actively participate in Hope Mills Youth Sports, as well as various other local programs and initiatives. Their commitment to fostering a sense of unity and support within the community underscores their dedication to making a positive impact beyond the baseball field.

The team’s commitment to the community is evident in their substantial investment in the pre-existing field behind the Hope Mills Parks and Recreation building, where they completed $100,000 worth of renovations prior to their inaugural season.

Local businesses have the opportunity to be a Rockfish sponsor in a number of areas, including a scoreboard sponsor, dugout sponsor, outfield banner sponsor, and more.  Businesses interested in learning more can visit https://tinyurl.com/mr25th5z.

Planning to attend a Hope Mills Rockfish game? Tickets are priced at $10 for adults, while children under the age of 10 can attend for free. Refreshments will be available for purchase at the concession stand during games, ensuring a complete and enjoyable experience for all attendees.  Tickets can be purchased at https://www.hopemillsrockfish.com/home. 

Hope Mills Parks and Recreation, provides a warm and inviting environment that is perfect for families. The atmosphere there is welcoming and designed to make everyone feel at home. 

“The best thing about playing at Hope Mills Parks & Rec is hard to pinpoint. We have a great location, being centrally located within the city. And really, Hope Mills is a baseball town. If you drive past the ballfields any night of the week during the rec-ball season, it is awesome to see so many youth teams playing.  

"Some people will tell you that with the rise in popularity of travel baseball that youth recreational baseball is dying, but not here,” concluded Stern.