DURHAM, N.C. – The Coastal Plain League (CPL) announced this morning that Wilson Tobs General Manager Mike Bell has been named the 2025 CPL Executive of the Year, recognizing his strong leadership during a historic and emotionally charged season for the franchise.
“I’m honored to be chosen as the Executive of the Year in the CPL,” said Bell. “I have been part of this league for 15 seasons now and have enjoyed every one. I credit this award to my staff who made this year smooth and memorable.”
Now in his 15th year with the CPL, Bell led a 2025 campaign defined by growth, innovation, and deep community impact — all achieved amidst ongoing uncertainty regarding the long-term future of Wilson Tobs Baseball.
Under Bell’s leadership, the Tobs experienced a 25% increase in both corporate partnerships and ticket sales, generating over $320,000 in advertising and group sales. The club also recorded its highest attendance in 15 years, including three sellout crowds exceeding 2,500 fans. A major highlight was the debut of the Tobs’ first alter-ego brand, “TaterHogs,” which resonated with the local community by celebrating one of Wilson County’s most iconic agricultural products.
Working alongside a dedicated and tireless staff, Bell oversaw the coordination of 148 event days at Historic Fleming Stadium, spanning youth camps, travel tournaments, high school leagues, and the CPL season. The organization also executed a range of successful community-driven programs and themed events, including:
- BBQ Festival, featuring 15+ sanctioned pitmasters competing for top honors
- Home Run 4 Hunger, a campaign to collect food for local families in need
- Healthcare Heroes Appreciation & Pink Night, raising funds for women unable to afford treatment
- For the Love of the Game Night, a free experience for little leaguers and Miracle League players
“This nomination is not just about me,” Bell added. “It represents the tireless efforts of an incredible team behind the scenes — Drew MacKinnon, Griffin Meyers, Greg Suire, Rick Holland, Bryan Hill, Ted Bergquist, Barrett Rose, our game day staff, and our year-round interns. They all played an essential role in making 2025 such a landmark season.”
Among his many responsibilities, Bell played a key role in hiring and coordinating the coaching staff, which included Bergquist, as head coach and Hill as recruiting coordinator. The team responded with an outstanding 30-16 regular season, clinching the #2 seed in the CPL East Division. Facing the potential of the 2025 season being the franchise’s last in Wilson, the Tobs delivered a storybook ending, going 5-0 in the playoffs to win the club’s first-ever Petitt Cup CPL Championship.
Bell’s journey with the Tobs began as an intern in 2011. After serving four years on the summer staff, he was promoted to Assistant General Manager in 2016 and took over as General Manager in 2017. Throughout his tenure, Bell has instilled a culture of servant leadership — guided by the philosophy that “no one is better than anyone; everyone contributes and helps any way they can.” It’s a creed that leads him to do all he can for the community and fans. And should 2025 be the final year of the Tobs in Wilson, Bell can rest assured that his hard work helped to make it one that won’t be forgotten.
“The uncertainty of the future of our organization gave the extra push needed to have one of our best seasons,” said Bell. “To say this year was emotional is an understatement, but what a successful one it was. We were able to make lasting memories and give our fan base a championship season to forever remember.”
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 201 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