ZEBULON, N.C. – After receiving nearly 3,000 submissions and over 900 unique names for the Zebulon “Name Your Team Contest”, the five finalists have been revealed. Fans can vote for their favorite name now through the end of day on December 1, at coastalplain.com/ZebulonTop5.

The five finalists for Zebulon’s new Coastal Plain League franchise are:

Zebulon Bushrangers
Zebulon Croc Hunters
Zebulon Devil Dogs
Zebulon Iron Horses
Zebulon Thunder Roos

“The outpouring of creativity from baseball fans across the Triangle and the Aussie twist added through our partnership with Ozball has made this naming process truly unique,” said CPL Commissioner Chip Allen. “These finalists reflect the perfect mix of local history, international flavor, and the fun, high-energy identity that defines the Coastal Plain League.”

Unlike any team created before, the latest CPL club that will call Zebulon home will also feature a fun twist. Through a long-term partnership with Australia’s Ozball, an organization that creates pathways by connecting Aussie athletes with U.S. colleges and professional opportunities, Aussie-born players and coaches will take the field in Zebulon each summer.

Embracing the Australian ties, two of the finalists — Bushrangers and Croc Hunters — draw directly from the “Land Down Under.” Bushrangers were daring outback bandits known for their grit, independence, and larger-than-life legend. Similarly, Croc Hunters pays homage to Australia’s fearless wildlife adventurers — most famously the late Steve Irwin — evoking courage, quick reflexes, and a bold, competitive spirit.

Iron Horses honors Zebulon’s deep railroad heritage. The Raleigh and Pamlico Sound Railroad, whose early 1900’s expansion helped create the town, inspired the nickname. As a classic term for powerful train engines, Iron Horses symbolizes strength, momentum, and unrelenting drive.

Two names — Devil Dogs and Thunder Roos — blend Zebulon’s local identity with Australian inspiration. Devil Dogs connects the fierce temperament of Tasmania’s native devils with the local legacy of Devil Dog Dungarees, reflecting Zebulon’s textile history and a personality built on toughness and character. Thunder Roos merges the iconic kangaroo with the power of a southern storm, suggesting explosive energy, thunderous hits, and a lively, electric atmosphere at the stadium.

The winning name will be unveiled on a later date once a logo has been created. The fan whose submission leads to the team’s new name will a VIP Prize Package, including tickets to the inaugural game, team merchandise, and the honor of throwing out the first pitch on Opening Night 2026.

<strong>About Coastal Plain League:</strong>
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 204 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.

<strong>About Capitol Broadcasting Company:</strong>
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.