Jesse Cole, the energetic and trailblazing owner of the Gastonia Grizzlies, is preparing to expand his unique brand of baseball entertainment to Savannah, Georgia. Cole, known for his yellow tuxedo, relentless enthusiasm, and innovative approach to the game, is reportedly in the process of purchasing an…
Jesse Cole, the energetic and trailblazing owner of the Gastonia Grizzlies, is preparing to expand his unique brand of baseball entertainment to Savannah, Georgia. Cole, known for his yellow tuxedo, relentless enthusiasm, and innovative approach to the game, is reportedly in the process of purchasing an expansion team that will call the historic coastal city home.
The move signals not only the growth of Cole’s baseball vision but also a significant shift in Savannah’s sports landscape, promising to fuse tradition with an electrifying new twist on America’s pastime.
A Bold Expansion Move
Cole first gained national attention with the Gastonia Grizzlies, a collegiate summer league team in North Carolina, where he reinvented how fans experience the ballpark. Under his leadership, the Grizzlies moved beyond simply selling baseball and transformed game nights into full-scale entertainment productions—complete with dancing players, creative promotions, choreographed performances, and an emphasis on family-friendly fun.
Now, Cole is taking that philosophy to Savannah. Reports confirm that negotiations are underway to secure a new expansion franchise that will operate in the Coastal Plain League (CPL), the same summer wood-bat league in which the Grizzlies compete. While the deal is still being finalized, multiple sources indicate the Savannah team could debut as early as the next CPL season.
“This is more than just baseball,” Cole has often said when describing his approach. “It’s about creating memories, breaking down barriers, and making the ballpark the most fun place you can go in your city.”
That philosophy, soon to be exported to Savannah, is expected to transform the fan experience in a city with deep sporting roots.
Why Savannah?
Savannah has long been viewed as a prime candidate for baseball expansion. With its rich cultural history, thriving tourism economy, and passionate sports fanbase, the city offers fertile ground for a new entertainment-driven franchise.
Savannah’s historic Grayson Stadium—built in 1926—has hosted generations of baseball, from minor league affiliates to independent teams. Most recently, it was home to the Savannah Sand Gnats, a Single-A affiliate of the New York Mets, before the team relocated in 2015. Since then, the stadium has stood as both a symbol of nostalgia and untapped potential.
For Cole, that potential represents an opportunity. He is no stranger to bringing fresh life into historic ballparks. In Gastonia, he used similar creativity to pack Sims Legion Park, drawing thousands of fans in a region previously overlooked by mainstream baseball.
Savannah’s Grayson Stadium, with its charm and history, may be the perfect canvas for Cole’s brand of showmanship.
The “Fans First” Vision
Cole’s entire business model is anchored in what he calls the “Fans First” philosophy. From the moment fans enter the ballpark, they’re treated as honored guests. Traditional rules are often tossed aside in favor of fun. Players interact directly with the crowd, umpires join in skits, and in-between innings entertainment sometimes takes center stage over the game itself.
The result? Sellout crowds, growing national attention, and a reputation for redefining what a night at the ballpark can be.
Industry experts believe Savannah is poised to embrace this vision. The city’s combination of families, college students, and tourists aligns perfectly with Cole’s approach. With baseball as the backdrop, the Savannah expansion team could quickly become one of the hottest tickets in town.
Economic and Cultural Impact
Bringing a team to Savannah is not just about baseball—it’s about economic growth and community engagement.
Local businesses stand to benefit from increased game-day traffic, as fans flock to restaurants, hotels, and shops before and after games. Additionally, partnerships between the team and Savannah-based organizations could foster new opportunities for charitable involvement and youth sports programs.
Culturally, Cole’s franchise promises to be more than a sports team. In Gastonia, the Grizzlies became a centerpiece of community pride, and many expect the Savannah expansion to replicate that success on a larger scale.
“Savannah loves its history, but it also loves excitement,” said one local business owner familiar with the negotiations. “What Jesse Cole is bringing isn’t just baseball—it’s a show. And in this city, that’s going to be huge.”
Challenges Ahead
While the potential is undeniable, challenges remain. Adapting an old stadium like Grayson to modern entertainment demands will require investment in infrastructure, technology, and seating upgrades. Additionally, some traditionalists may resist the entertainment-heavy model, preferring baseball in its purer form.
Cole, however, has faced similar skepticism before and proven his ability to win over doubters. His track record in Gastonia suggests he is well-positioned to overcome obstacles.
What Comes Next
If the deal closes as expected, the yet-to-be-named Savannah franchise will likely launch with a rebranding campaign in true Cole fashion. Fans can anticipate unusual team names, creative logos, and a marketing blitz that emphasizes fun, inclusivity, and entertainment.
The arrival of the team could also signal the start of broader growth for the Coastal Plain League, which has expanded its reach over the past decade. Having a major market like Savannah onboard, coupled with Cole’s proven ability to generate national headlines, could elevate the league’s profile significantly.
A City on the Edge of a New Era
For Savannah, this expansion is more than just the return of baseball. It’s the arrival of a new cultural institution—an entertainment product designed to unite families, attract tourists, and celebrate the joy of sport in a way few franchises ever attempt.
As Jesse Cole continues his negotiations, the excitement among fans, city officials, and business leaders is palpable. Savannah may soon discover what Gastonia already knows: when Cole is at the helm, baseball becomes more than a game—it becomes a party.
If all goes as planned, next summer, the people of Savannah will fill Grayson Stadium not just to watch baseball, but to be part of something unforgettable.
