A Season to Remember: Red Oaks Build Momentum for the Future

The final score may not have gone our way, but the future of the Raleigh Red Oaks has never been brighter.

Raleigh's 2026 season came to a heartbreaking end in the Old North State League Divisional Semifinals, falling 8-7 to Wake Forest in extra innings after an unforgettable back-and-forth battle. It was a fitting finish for a team that never stopped competing, embodying the resilience, energy, and passion that defined the summer from Opening Day through the final out. 

The Red Oaks finished the season 16-18 overall, but the record tells only part of the story. This summer established a foundation for what is quickly becoming one of the premier collegiate summer baseball experiences in North Carolina.

On the field, Raleigh showcased one of the league's most exciting offenses. The lineup consistently put pressure on opposing pitchers with power, speed, and depth, producing memorable offensive performances throughout the summer while developing college players from across the country. Three Red Oaks earned Old North State League All-Star honors—Peyton Jones, Jack McGeehan, and Will Sword—a testament to the talent that wore the Red Oaks uniform this season. 

Off the field, the momentum was just as impressive.

Fans embraced the move to Wiley Warren Field, creating an electric atmosphere all summer long. Families packed the ballpark for theme nights, giveaways, community events, and countless memories with everyone's favorite squirrel, Carl. Whether he was entertaining kids between innings, posing for photos, or rallying the crowd during late-game comebacks, Carl became the heart of the Red Oaks experience and a symbol of what makes baseball in Raleigh so special.

None of this would have been possible without the incredible support of our players, coaches, host families, interns, sponsors, volunteers, and, most importantly, our fans. You helped build something special this summer.

The 2026 season may be over, but this is only the beginning.

The foundation has been built. The fan base is growing. The tradition is taking root.

And Carl is already counting down the days until next summer.

We'll be back in 2027 with more great baseball, more unforgettable nights at the ballpark, and an even bigger goal: bringing a championship to Raleigh.

Until then, thank you for making this season one to remember.

Great Baseball. Rooted in Raleigh.