Robeson Community College Launches First Baseball Team With Wednesday Home Opener

Robeson Community College kicks off its first baseball season on Wednesday at 1 p.m. against Florence-Darlington Tech. The weather canceled weekend games against Southwest Virginia, delaying the team's debut.

Officials announced the Diamond Eagles would begin play in 2026, sparking interest throughout the area. Lumbee River EMC and the City of Lumberton have thrown their weight behind the program, providing crucial support.

"This whole town and city has been waiting for this," coach Jake 'Jiggy' Jones told The Robesonian. "The community has been very supportive."

Jones assembled a roster pulling players from across North Carolina and several other states. Brett Kutner became the first commit. Jones coached Kutner at Leesville Road and recruited him from the start.

Anthony Ramos and Lezlie Jackson made the trip from Temple, Texas, to join the squad. Local commits include Mynkoda Smith and Nemo Chavis from Fairmont. Lumberton's Tashaun Stocks also signed on, keeping talent close to home. Andrew Corney from Hope Mills will wear the Diamond Eagles uniform as well.

Oak Ridge's Chase Young and John Carre of West End round out part of the roster. Gage Griffiths from Archdale and Mason Barnes of Fayetteville complete the in-state additions. Three Clayton natives, Noah Hince, Ty Lee, and Will Hicks, also joined the team.

Wednesday's contest marks the beginning of a season that has generated considerable buzz throughout Robeson County. First pitch is set for 1 p.m. at the home field, where fans will finally see what this new program can do.