Becoming Royalty

by Leslie Denis

What’s better than a Legend? Royalty.


The E4 Sports Management Group is taking their Old North State League team the Lenoir Legends and doing a full rebrand. Now, they will be the Sawmill Timberkings and play out of Veteran’s Park in Sawmills, NC.


 Eric Sibrizzi, ONSL Commissioner, expresses the league’s approval of this change by saying, “The Old North State League is excited to announce a team in Sawmills, North Carolina. The town has already embraced the organization and we can’t wait to see how the Timberkings produce a fun baseball experience for their fans!”


“The relocation to Sawmills is built off of strong relationships we have gained over the first year of ownership.” E4 COO Brendan Emery says.  “We will bring a strong tradition of winning as well as an interactive environment for the fans. We look forward to continuing our success and building our brand in the community of Sawmills.”


E4 Sports Management Group obtained the Lenoir Legends in the fall of 2023, although the Emery Family has worked within the ONSL for the last several years. The Legends have spent their last four summers playing at Walker Stadium in Lenoir, while bringing family fun and entertainment for all ages. Aside from baseball, E4 focuses their time and efforts into being involved with the community and creating relationships with local businesses.


When asked about the impact that the Timberkings will have on the town of Sawmills, Parks and Recreation Director Tanner Greene says, “This will be something for the community to come together around and be able to be proud in saying that they have a college-wood bat team in their community. On top of that, E4 Sports Management Group has shown their dedication not just to baseball, but to the community. This can also be an economic incentive for the Town and County as a whole, getting people traveling to Sawmills to watch the Timberkings will result in dollars being spent at local businesses.”


“We are excited for the partnership with the Town of Sawmills to bring ONSL Summer Collegiate Wood Bat baseball to Veterans Park.” E4 CEO Mark Emery says. “Town Manager Chase Winebarger and Recreation Director Tanner Greene have worked endlessly to bring us to Sawmills and have the field ready for our 2025 season.”


A season of ONSL baseball goes from the end of May until the end of July. While it may seem like a short season, individual teams play roughly 40 games with at least half being at their home field. During the season you can find special event nights throughout the summer for more family fun like School’s Out Summer Kickoff, Little League Night, and so much more! When you come to a Timberking’s game you can be sure to find fans on the field in-between innings participating in games and contests. 

.

“The ONSL is more than just baseball and that’s something we really try to focus on as a group.” E4 CIO Leslie Denis says. “I think that relocating and rebranding this team to Sawmills is going to give us that extra push we’ve been looking for to be incredibly successful. It’s a more family-friendly environment and the outpouring support from the town of Sawmills has already been incredible.”


Town Manager, Chase Winebarger is fully committed to the success of putting a collegiate baseball team in Sawmills. He says, “I believe it will be an excellent opportunity for everyone to see high level competitive baseball in their very own backyard. I can’t wait to see the excitement on the faces of kids at the games when they get to see their first double play, homerun or highlight reel play! I look forward to creating a long term relationship that allows the Timberkings to call Sawmills home for many years to come and maybe even bring a league title or two with them!” 


“We are so honored to become a part of a growing and energetic community.” E4 CFO Amy Emery says. “Sawmills is known for its support of baseball and families. The Timberkings are gonna fit right in!”