movie “Bull Durham.” A year before “Bull Durham”, Raleigh officials tried to lure the
Bulls from Durham in hopes that a higher-level team would be brought to the
Raleigh-Durham area. This attempt failed and baseball in Durham remains to this day.
The Bulls were one thing that intercity rivals Raleigh and Chapel Hill did not have. This
was recognized as substantial to the city of Durham’s image. Durham to this day is the
most recognized minor league baseball team. It has led the Carolina League attendance
for the past five years and has built a new stadium where the Bulls began playing last year.
Their old stadium remains a historical minor league baseball landmark where high school
and local college baseball games are played. The Bulls are also the leading memorabilia
seller in the entire minor leagues.
Not every community will achieve the success of Durham, North Carolina, because
there is no 100% guarantee in minor league baseball. However, the majority of towns and
cities throughout the United States and Canada hosting minor league baseball teams have
experienced many benefits. Economic growth and development, community identity and
pride , affordable family entertainment, and an improved the quality of life indicate that
minor league baseball is here to stay.