Gastonia Honey Hunters

In 2019 the Atlantic League announced it was considering a new franchise in Gastonia.^[3] Work officially began in November 2019, for the new ballpark in Gastonia.^[4] In July 2020, the league announced the addition of a new franchise in Gastonia beginning in 2021; it would be the league's second team based in North Carolina.^[5] Brandon Bellamy was announced as the team's owner.^[6]

On August 15, 2020, a "Name the Team" contest was launched.^[7] On October 8, 2020, the names were narrowed down to Fire Ants, Hogzillas, Honey Hunters, Hotshots, and Uppercuts.^[8]

On January 13, 2021, the Honey Hunters name, logo and colors were announced. "Honey Hunters" refers to the toughness of a honey badger (Mellivora capensis) and the ability to seek out positive things in hard times. The moniker also alludes to Ransom Hunter, the first freed slave to own property in Gaston County, of which Gastonia is the county seat.^[9]

The team's first game was an exhibition on May 23, 2021,^[10] followed by the regular season opening day game on May 25.^[11]

In 2022, manager Mauro Gozzo was named Atlantic League Manager of the Year. In the off-season he signed a three-year contract extension.^[12]

On November 22, 2023, the Atlantic League terminated the membership of the team, citing significant unpaid debts to the league.^[13] On December 1, 2023, the company that operated the Honey Hunters filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.^[14] A new Atlantic League team replaced the Honey Hunters beginning with the 2024 season,^[15] eventually being named the Gastonia Ghost Peppers.^[16][17]