The 2025 Morehead City Marlins: 5 Key Reasons This CPL Season Will Be Unforgettable
The Morehead City Marlins are gearing up for the 2025 Coastal Plain League (CPL) season, and excitement is already building around their pursuit of another championship title. As of December 19, 2025, the team has solidified its coaching leadership and is preparing to welcome a new crop of elite collegiate baseball talent to the historic shores of North Carolina.
The Marlins franchise, a cornerstone of the summer collegiate baseball circuit, consistently provides a high-energy, family-friendly atmosphere at their home field, Big Rock Stadium. With the CPL season officially scheduled to run from late May through early August, fans are eagerly anticipating the return of the 'Fish' and their quest to dominate the competitive East Division.
Morehead City Marlins: Team Profile and Legacy
The Morehead City Marlins are a premier collegiate summer baseball team, competing in the Coastal Plain League (CPL), one of the nation's most respected wooden-bat leagues. Based in Morehead City, North Carolina, the franchise has established a powerful legacy since its inception, combining a winning culture with deep community ties.
- Team Name: Morehead City Marlins
- League: Coastal Plain League (CPL)
- Division: East Division
- Home Field: Puck O'Neal Field at Big Rock Stadium
- Inaugural Season: 2010
- CPL Championships: 2018 (The Marlins have also been referred to as back-to-back champions, highlighting their dominance around that era, and were 2021 Petit Cup Championship runners-up).
- Division Titles: The team has secured four first-half titles and six second-half titles, showcasing consistent performance across the CPL schedule.
- 2024 Season Record: The Marlins finished the 2024 regular season with a strong 25-21-0 record.
Notable Marlins Alumni: From CPL to MLB
A true testament to the quality of baseball in the Coastal Plain League is the caliber of players who have passed through Morehead City on their way to professional careers. The Marlins have been a crucial developmental stop for numerous players who have gone on to play in Major League Baseball (MLB).
Prominent alumni include current MLB stars such as Chris Taylor, an infielder/outfielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers, and pitchers Shawn Armstrong and Cal Quantrill. The franchise also boasts recent Coastal Plain League Hitter of the Year winners, with Jack Harris earning the honor in 2021 and Ben Watson following suit in 2022, demonstrating the team's ability to attract and develop top offensive talent.
The 2025 Season Outlook: Coaching and Championship Aspirations
The 2025 season promises to be a pivotal year for the Marlins as they look to secure their third Coastal Plain League Championship. Key to this ambition is the continuity and leadership of their coaching staff.
Head Coach Sam Carel Returns
The Marlins have confirmed that Head Coach Sam Carel will return to lead the team for the 2025 campaign. Carel’s leadership has been instrumental in the franchise's success, guiding the team through highly competitive seasons and consistently placing them in contention for division and league titles. His ability to manage a roster of young, top-tier collegiate athletes is a major advantage as the team prepares for the grueling summer schedule.
While the full 2025 roster is still being finalized with player commitments from universities across the country, the returning coaching core provides a stable foundation. The 2024 season saw David Dobson as the Pitching Coach and Jeremy Piatkiewicz as an Assistant Coach, and the organization's focus remains on player development and strategic team building. Fans can expect a roster filled with dynamic players eager to make a name for themselves before returning to their respective NCAA programs.
Key Dates for the 2025 CPL Schedule
The Coastal Plain League has set the stage for the 2025 season, with the regular season running from May 27 through August 2. Marlins fans should mark their calendars for these crucial dates:
- CPL Opening Day: Thursday, May 29, 2025.
- Marlins Home Opener: Friday, May 30, 2025, where the Marlins will host the Mustangs at Big Rock Stadium.
- CPL All-Star Event: July 6-7, 2025, hosted by the Macon Bacon in Macon, GA.
The East Division competition, including rivals like the Wilmington Sharks and Tri-City Chili Peppers, will be fierce, making every home and away game a must-watch event for Coastal Plain League enthusiasts. The team’s strong 2024 finish, where they secured a 4th place league ranking, sets a high bar for the upcoming season.
The Home of the Fish: Puck O'Neal Field at Big Rock Stadium
The atmosphere at a Morehead City Marlins game is defined by their state-of-the-art facility, Puck O'Neal Field at Big Rock Stadium. Located at 2714 Mayberry Loop Road, the ballpark is a central hub for summer entertainment in Morehead City, NC.
Stadium Features and Fan Experience
Erected in 2010, Big Rock Stadium is considered a modern marvel in the CPL. It lacks the older, wooden aesthetic of some other league parks, offering a fresh, contemporary feel. The stadium's main grandstand offers seating for approximately 1,800 fans, with a total complex capacity of around 2,300, ensuring an intimate and energetic baseball experience.
The field itself is a state-of-the-art baseball diamond, designed to provide an excellent playing surface for the collegiate athletes. The stadium is known for its fan-friendly amenities, which often include all-inclusive ticket packages and special event nights, such as the popular baseball game and fireworks on Friday, June 20, 2025.
There is also anticipation surrounding a potential renovation of Big Rock Stadium, which could further enhance the fan experience and player facilities in the near future, solidifying its status as a top venue in the Coastal Plain League. The stadium is named in honor of Puck O'Neal, a local legend and advocate for Morehead City baseball.
The Community Impact
The Marlins franchise is deeply embedded in the Morehead City community. The team relies heavily on local host families to house the players during the summer, creating a unique and personal connection between the athletes and the town. Furthermore, the team's success drives significant local tourism and economic activity, providing affordable, high-quality entertainment for residents and visitors alike. The combination of competitive baseball, modern facilities, and a strong community spirit makes attending a game at Puck O'Neal Field an essential summer tradition.
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