DURHAM, N.C. – The Coastal Plain League (CPL) will celebrate a major milestone in 2026 as it enters its 30th season.

“Thirty seasons is a milestone we are incredibly proud of, but what makes it truly special is everything that has been built along the way,” said CPL Commissioner Chip Allen. “From six teams in eastern North Carolina to 15 franchises across four states, the CPL has always been committed to developing elite talent and creating memories for millions of fans and their families.”

Starting in 1997 with just six teams in eastern North Carolina, the CPL has grown into one of the premier summer collegiate leagues in the country with 15 teams across four states (Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia). It has become known for developing future professional talent while creating a family-friendly atmosphere at its stadiums. The league has seen over 1,800 alumni drafted and 207 of them go on to become Major Leaguers, including such names as Justin Verlander (Wilson), Ryan Zimmerman (Peninsula), and Alec Bohm (Wilmington). It’s even had two alums play in the National Football League (NFL), highlighted by Russell Wilson (Gastonia), who led the Seattle Seahawks to two Super Bowls, winning it all in 2014.

The league has also seen several of its coaches go on to secure jobs in pro and college. Former Petersburg Generals player Don Kelly became the first CPL alum to be the manager of a Major League team when he was named the skipper of the Pittsburgh Pirates in . Others in the Majors include St. Louis Cardinals pitching coach Dusty Blake (Asheboro/Gastonia) and J.T. Maguire (Forest City), who is the Outfield and Baserunning coach for the Cleveland Guardians. At the collegiate level, head coaches such as Scott Forbes (North Carolina/Wilmington), Chris Pollard (Virginia/Rocky Mount, Durham), Cliff Godwin (East Carolina/Wilmington), and Randy Hood (UNC Wilmington/Raleigh, Durham) all had coaching stints in the CPL.

The league has also been recognized for its innovation and push to be fun and engaging. It’s where the Savannah Bananas and Cosmic Baseball (via the Tri-City Chili Peppers) got their start. The CPL also was once partners with Minor League Baseball Umpire Development for its umpires, which led to a list of professional umpires getting their start in the league before advancing. To date, there have been at least 12 former CPL umpires to make their debut in Major League Baseball.

And the league was the first in collegiate summer baseball to have a female umpire (Greta Langhenry) work its games, as well as the first female head coach (Kianna Jones, Macon Bacon). Last year, the league welcomed Alexia Jorge, its first female player. Jorge returns to the Holly Springs Salamanders in 2026 as an assistant coach before the inaugural season of the Women’s Pro Baseball League (WPBL) begins in August. A catcher, she was drafted with the 20th pick by San Francisco. And this summer, the CPL has once again proven to be a trailblazer as its newest team, the Zebulon Devil Dogz, will feature an Australian twist throughout its operation, including a roster that consists primarily of college players with Australian roots.

“Innovation is at the core of who we are, and we believe there is no more innovative league in the country,” continued Allen. “From giving birth to the Savannah Bananas and Cosmic Baseball to breaking barriers with the first female umpire and head coach across summer ball, and adding our first female player last year, we continue to set the standard. As we celebrate 30 seasons, we are not just looking back at a remarkable history, we are looking forward to the next chapter with as much excitement and passion as ever!”

The Coastal Plain League and its clubs will be celebrating its 30 seasons throughout the upcoming summer. In addition to unveiling a special 30th logo, other highlights include looking back at key moments across its history via its social platforms and recognizing a 30th Anniversary Team at the end of this season. The CPL has thus far seen over 17,000 players from schools across the United States, Canada, and several other countries; as well as welcomed 11.5 million fans to its stadiums. As it turns 30, it will look to add to those numbers with another chapter of memorable baseball and family-friendly summer fun.

About Coastal Plain League:
The Coastal Plain League is the nation’s premier and most innovative summer collegiate baseball league. The CPL is currently comprised of 15 franchises playing in Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. To date, the CPL has had over 1,800 alumni drafted, and 207 alums make their Major League debut. Most notable alumni include Justin Verlander, Ryan Zimmerman, Mark Reynolds, Kevin Youkilis, Chris Taylor, Alec Bohm, Jake Cave, Chas McCormick and NFL Super Bowl champion Russell Wilson. For more information on the Coastal Plain League, please visit the league website at www.coastalplain.com, and be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok @CPLBaseball.

About Capitol Broadcasting Company:
Capitol Broadcasting Company, Inc. is a diversified communications company which owns and/or operates WRAL-TV, WRAZ-TV, WRAL-FM, WRAL-HD2, WNGT-CD, WCMC-FM, WCMC-HD1, WDNC-AM, WCMC-HD2, WCMC-HD3, WCLY-AM, WCMC-HD4, Microspace, WRAL Digital and Wolfpack Sports Properties (a joint venture with Learfield) in Raleigh, NC; WILM-TV, WILT-LD and Sunrise Broadcasting in Wilmington, NC; The Durham Bulls Baseball Club, Bull City Hospitality and Coastal Plain League in Durham, NC; The Holly Springs Salamanders in Holly Springs, NC; the American Underground startup hub in Durham, NC; and real estate interests including the American Tobacco Historic District in Durham, NC, and Rocky Mount Mills in Rocky Mount, NC.Fo