FAYETTEVILLE BASEBALL HISTORY IN HONOR
OF WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC 2026
Spring means Baseball and Fayetteville, North Carolina, has a storied baseball history, having served as a birthplace for legends and a training ground for modern stars. While some were born in the city, others are famously linked to it through their professional beginnings.
Home Grown Stars
Chris Cammack
Fayetteville High basketball and baseball athlete choosing to pursue baseball. NC State Wolfpack Hall of Fame. Drafted by Washington Senators and Baltimore Orioles. Fayetteville businessman for many years. He made a positive impact on everyone he met.
Harold Ingle
Another Fayetteville High basketball and baseball athlete choosing to pursue baseball. Drafted by the San Francisco Giants. Fayetteville businessman for many years. Ingle and Cammack both enjoyed the same 'joie de vivre' and he shared that with everyone he met.
Archibald "Moonlight" Graham
Born in Fayetteville in 1876, Graham is immortalized in the book and film Field of Dreams. Although he only appeared in one Major League game, his legacy as a hometown hero remains strong.
Calvin "Cal" Koonce
A Fayetteville native who became a relief pitcher for the 1969 "Miracle Mets" World Series championship team.
Gavin Williams
A current MLB pitcher for the Cleveland Guardians and a former standout at Cape Fear High School.
Austin Warren
A Terry Sanford High School alum who has pitched in the Major Leagues for the Los Angeles Angels.
D.J. Herz
Another local product currently rising through the ranks of professional baseball, currently with the Washington Nationals.
Jim Bibby
Although not born here, he played for Fayetteville State University’s baseball program. He went on to win a World Series with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1979 and threw the first no-hitter in Texas Rangers history.
Famous Baseball Players with Historic Fayetteville Ties
Babe Ruth
Perhaps the most famous name associated with the city. Ruth hit his first professional home run in Fayetteville on March 7, 1914, while playing for the Baltimore Orioles. It was also here that he officially received his legendary nickname, “Babe”.
Jim Thorpe
The legendary multi-sport athlete played professional baseball for the Fayetteville Highlanders in 1910.
MLB Stars
Played in Fayetteville’s minor league systems:
(such as the Generals, Crocs, or SwampDogs) before their big-league debuts.
Cliff Lee
2008 Cy Young Award winner.
Brandon Phillips
Three-time All-Star and four-time Gold Glove winner.
Milton Bradle
12-season MLB veteran and All-Star.
Mark Reynolds
Known for his significant home run power over a 13-season career.
Gabe Kapler
Outfielder and former MLB manager
