Our Story
Welcome to the official home of the Greenville Yard Gnomes, a proud member of the Coastal Plain League. The Yard Gnomes came to life in 2024, our team brings a unique blend of legendary lore, fierce passion and baseball tradition to the heart of Greenville, North Carolina. With deep roots in the community and the spirit of “Pirate Nation” guiding us, we’re here to make our mark on the diamond and in the hearts of fans.
The Yard Gnomes are not just another baseball team—they’re a tribute to a hidden chapter of pirate history and the guardians of treasure buried deep beneath the streets of Greenville. For centuries, gnomes have kept watch over the region’s legendary riches, and now, they’ve emerged to bring their fierce, valiant spirit to Guy Smith Stadium.
Our team’s owner, Jerry Petitt, is also the founder of the Coastal Plain League itself. Nearly 30 years ago, Petitt saw the potential to bring a premier baseball league to the southeastern U.S. and he succeeded. Today, with his family by his side as team owners, the Yard Gnomes carry that same pioneering spirit.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan of the region’s baseball history or new to the magic of the Yard Gnomes, we invite you to join us for the unforgettable experience that is Yard Gnome baseball!
The Symbol of the Yard Gnomes
Our logo is more than just a design—it’s a living symbol of Greenville’s vibrant identity. The golden hues of our uniform and hat pay homage to the East Carolina Pirates, a beloved part of our community, while the green evokes the official color of Greenville itself.
Incorporating a wooden bat that forms the shape of North Carolina, our insignia is proudly marked with the iconic skull and crossbones where Greenville stands. And, as a tribute to our region’s baseball heritage, our font echoes the legendary Greenville Greenies, who captured the hearts of fans from 1928 to 1951.
The Coastal Plain League
Celebrating its 28th season in 2024, the CPL currently features 15 teams across Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. The CPL is a collegiate summer league, featuring top-notched college players from across the nation.With a 48-game league schedule (running from late-May to early-August), annual Pro Scout Day and All-Star Game and championship playoffs system, the Coastal Plain League prides itself in returning players to their respective schools as better, well-rounded individuals who can instantly help their program succeed on and off the field; as well as be successful at the next level of baseball.
Guy Smith Stadium
The stadium is dedicated to Guy Vernon Smith in recognition of his love and commitment to the game of baseball and the city of Greenville. Guy Smith Stadium was built by the Works Project Administration for $50,000 in 1939. Mr. Smith (1881-1956) was President of the local Coastal Plain League Greenville Greenies, a minor league professional baseball team. He was actively involved in the stadium project from its inception and he is given credit for rescuing baseball for Greenville when it appeared it might be lost. Mr. Smith was “Mr. Baseball” of Greenville!
In 2022, the baseball field at Guy Smith Stadium was officially named Ronald “RV” Vincent Field for the long-time JH Rose High School baseball coach who is the all-time winningest coach in North Carolina high school baseball history.
Photo courtesy East Carolina University.