"People here are very familiar with Wood Ducks," said Howell, who spent the past five seasons as the Texas Rangers senior director of media sales. "Twenty-four hours after hatching they jump right out of their nests, ready to take on the world with a can-do spirit. And they have the sharpest claws, so there's a little fight and spunkiness to them as well. I think that's on par with the players in High-A -- they're still beginning their career and life as professional baseball players, and they're ready to take on the world, too, making progress toward their ultimate goal of playing Major League Baseball."
Grainger Stadium first hosted Carolina League Baseball in 1956, and did so consistently until the Kinston Indians departed for Zebulon, North Carolina, following the 2011 season (that team is now the Carolina Mudcats). Throughout the stadium's long professional history, all of the teams playing there included "Kinston" in the team name. The Down East Wood Ducks represent a clear break from that tradition.
"Our purpose is not to ignore Kinston; it's to pull people in," said Howell. "We want more and more people to feel included, to think 'This is my team now.' And we want those people to come to Kinston, to stay in its hotels and eat in its restaurants. We want to be a part of a weekend in Kinston, which has become a destination and not just a place to pass through."
He continued, "And when you think 'Down East,' you think of the beach and a fun, family environment. That's what goes on with us at a baseball game. So there's a lot of connection there to the Down East tradition."
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