In 2003, the Peninsula Pilots, a collegiate summer league team in the Coastal Plain League, was young in its history, playing ball for just their fourth summer and in pursuit of their first ever divisional victory.
A pitch came and Ryan Zimmerman, an infielder from the University of Virginia, sent the crackling sound of a wooden bat home run across the seats of War Memorial Stadium.
The sound of the bat was an audible connection: one to the past and one to the future.
Zimmerman led that '03 Pilots team to the division title but, more simply, that crack of the bat was one of great foreshadowing. It was a sound he would hear for the rest of his professional career. For Zimmerman, the summer ended, he went back to school and was drafted the following year by the Washington Nationals as the fourth overall pick in the draft.
For the Pilots, Zimmerman's selection was simply a microcosmic example of a much larger goal: give the players a chance to showcase themselves to the baseball world and continue on with their careers. Three seasons before Zimmerman, in 2000, that goal became a reality. 25 seasons later, in 2024, that reality continues.
In the years since Zimmerman’s breakout season, War Memorial Stadium has played host to countless players striving to make their mark. Peninsula Pilots alumni have gone on to play in Major League Baseball, while others have found success in coaching, scouting, or other areas of the game.
The Pilots have established themselves as one of the premier teams in the Coastal Plain League, consistently providing fans with competitive baseball and thrilling moments.
Under the leadership of manager Hank Morgan, the Pilots have grown into a powerhouse within the league. Morgan, a Hampton native and former Christopher Newport University standout, took the helm in 2007 and led the team to back-to-back Petitt Cup championships in 2013 and 2014. The Pilots also made headlines by defeating Team USA in 2014 and 2015, becoming the only CPL team to accomplish that feat.
The Pilots' tradition of success is matched only by their deep ties to the Hampton Roads community. Situated just miles from Langley Air Force Base, the team embraces its local connections, often paying tribute to the area’s military heritage through themed game nights and promotions. Fan engagement has always been a cornerstone of the Pilots' identity, and with exciting initiatives planned for the upcoming 2025 season, the team is committed to growing its fan base and delivering unforgettable experiences both on and off the field.
War Memorial Stadium, with its storied history dating back to 1947, remains the heartbeat of Peninsula baseball. Over the decades, it has witnessed everything from the roar of summer league crowds to the cheers of high school and semi-pro games. Today, the Peninsula Pilots continue to honor that history while building a bright future, one crack of the bat at a time.