GroundsKeeper's BaseBall

Meet the Burlington Sock Puppets—quite easily the most delightfully ridiculous, high-energy baseball team you’ll ever root for!

Playing out of Burlington, North Carolina, in the wooden-bat Appalachian League, this team turned heads across the entire sports world when they rebranded from the Burlington Royals in 2021. Instead of picking a traditional, serious mascot, they leaned all-in on pure, unadulterated fun. Their mascot, Sockhead, leads the charge at Burlington Athletic Stadium (affectionately dubbed "Sockville"), where summer nights are all about electric crowds, crazy theme nights, and fast-paced collegiate baseball.

Don't let the goofy name fool you, though—these guys can play. Since launching the brand, the Sock Puppets have consistently put together winning seasons, snagged multiple division titles, and packed the stands with some of the most passionate fans in summer ball. Whether you're there for the crisp baseball, the hilarious stadium antics, or just to wear a literal sock puppet on your hand in the grandstands, a night at a Sock Puppets game is peak minor-league magic.