It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting R Gregg Cherry Historical Marker in Gastonia, NC gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Gastonia, NC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Always Best Care has been a lifesaver for our family. We have worked with them”
“Thank you for the care you gave to my dad. He did not have any”
“Always Best Care provided excellent care when I was discharged from Atrium after surgery- the”
“Lisa and her team at Always Best Care have been a great partner and resource”
“Amazing staff and services. Much appreciated.”
“I used this nursing service for my cousin Pat who had cancer. I can not”
“I love being able to work with this company, the owners are great people and”
“Services were geared according to need. We were looking at rehab and they were willing”
“I love working for this company.”
“Chuck and his personnel are truly the best. They helped us with mom and always”
“Always Best Care has been a lifesaver for our family. We have worked with them twice, both in emergency situations and they have treated us as if we were their only clients. Within an hour of our first call, we had paperwork completed and a caregiver on the way – and that was a holiday weekend. When the second emergency occurred, we knew exactly who to contact. We truly appreciate everything that Lisa, Melissa and the entire team have done for our family.”
“Thank you for the care you gave to my dad. He did not have any family living close to him. My sister and I were relived to know he was well taken care of. The caregivers truly care about your loved ones.”
“Always Best Care provided excellent care when I was discharged from Atrium after surgery- the office staff and caregivers were professional and caring- would definitely recommend if you need care at home-”
“Lisa and her team at Always Best Care have been a great partner and resource in providing services to our patients!”
“Amazing staff and services. Much appreciated.”
“I used this nursing service for my cousin Pat who had cancer. I can not express the level of care and compassion that was shown for her. The nurses felt like family! Especially Alicia. You treated my cousin as if she was your family and I can't thank you enough for that. You not only took care of her but us also. I would recommend this service 100%! We only used them for 1 month as my cousin passed quickly. I d not have a single negative remark. Thank you Chuck! Your nurses are amazing.”
“I love being able to work with this company, the owners are great people and support me daily! We have many calls to work on performance and continue to grow and learn!”
“Services were geared according to need. We were looking at rehab and they were willing to see what was needed. Very flexible and focused needs of patient All caregivers were on time We had a great experience”
“I love working for this company.”
“Chuck and his personnel are truly the best. They helped us with mom and always focused on the care and not a much of processes and forms. I would highly recommend them to all.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting George Poston Park in Gastonia, NC with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Webb Custom Kitchen or visit The Schiele Museum of Natural History Planetarium, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Gastonia, NC, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Gastonia, NC understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Gastonia, NC 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
GASTONIA, N.C. (WBTV) - A cornerstone of downtown Gastonia’s revitalization efforts has abruptly shutdown, leaving local business leaders and residents questioning what will fill the void.The Gastonia Ghost Peppers professional baseball team announced it’s shutting down operations after opening play just two years ago in 2024. The sudden exit leaves CaroMont Health Park without a primary attraction.A member of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, the Ghost Peppers are owned by Zawyer Sports & Entertainm...
GASTONIA, N.C. (WBTV) - A cornerstone of downtown Gastonia’s revitalization efforts has abruptly shutdown, leaving local business leaders and residents questioning what will fill the void.
The Gastonia Ghost Peppers professional baseball team announced it’s shutting down operations after opening play just two years ago in 2024. The sudden exit leaves CaroMont Health Park without a primary attraction.
A member of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, the Ghost Peppers are owned by Zawyer Sports & Entertainment, who also owns the Charlotte Checkers.
The nearly $30 million stadium was designed as an economic anchor to draw foot traffic into the surrounding entertainment district. Several businesses recently opened nearby, and construction remains underway directly across the street on Franklin Yards, a 250-unit mixed-use apartment and retail development.
Business leaders acknowledge the departure stings, but see it as a chance to rethink how the city utilizes the venue.
“It’s disappointing, a little frustrating, but it happens,” Steve D’Avria, with the Gaston Business Association, said.
D’Avria noted that the stadium’s next chapter does not necessarily have to revolve around a single baseball club.
“I hope we can really kind of spread the love so it’s not just about one team,” D’Avria said. “It’s about either multiple teams or multiple home places for different organizations.”
For local residents, the loss is both sentimental and economic.
Gastonia resident Erica Southers, who wore a black Ghost Peppers shirt after hearing the news, said her daughter was one of the biggest fans of the team’s mascot, Peppy. Looking through the ballpark gates, she reflected on the sudden shift.
“There’s so much opportunity here, and it’s just critical we fill it with something,” Southers said. “Especially to a town like Gastonia that has been persevering, it’s a very resilient town, and it’s seen its share of struggles. Having such a big organization, kind of like an anchor spot in town that’s going to draw people in to see everything we have to offer, it was huge.”
The ownership of the Ghost Peppers stated it will work alongside the City of Gastonia and the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball to identify a new operator or team to take over CaroMont Health Park.
GASTONIA, N.C. (WBTV) - After two years of existence an independent baseball team in Gaston County announced on Wednesday they were ceasing operations.On Wednesday, Sept. 30, the Gastonia Ghost Peppers posted on social media they decided to cease operations and withdraw from the Atlantic League. The Ghost Peppers are owned by Zawyer Sports & Entertainment who also owns the Charlotte Checkers.Zawyer Sports & Entertainment did not say why they were ceasing operation of the Ghost Peppers.“This was not a decisi...
GASTONIA, N.C. (WBTV) - After two years of existence an independent baseball team in Gaston County announced on Wednesday they were ceasing operations.
On Wednesday, Sept. 30, the Gastonia Ghost Peppers posted on social media they decided to cease operations and withdraw from the Atlantic League. The Ghost Peppers are owned by Zawyer Sports & Entertainment who also owns the Charlotte Checkers.
Zawyer Sports & Entertainment did not say why they were ceasing operation of the Ghost Peppers.
“This was not a decision we made lightly. We are incredibly grateful to the employees, players, partners and community leaders who have given so much to the Ghost Peppers and helped make this organization part of Gastonia,” said the team in part of a statement.
Zawyer Sports& Entertainment said they will continue to work with the city of Gastonia and the Atlantic League as they identify a new team or operator for the ball park.
The Gastonia Ghost Peppers, formerly known as the Gaston County Baseball Club replaced the Gastonia Honey Hunters in 2024.
The Honey Hunters were in existence from 2021-2023 before their owners filed for bankruptcy in December 2023.
To the Gastonia Ghost Peppers Family,
“After careful consideration, Zawyer Sports & Entertainment has made the difficult decision to cease operations of the Gastonia Ghost Peppers and withdraw from the Atlantic League.
“This was not a decision we made lightly. We are incredibly grateful to the employees, players, partners and community leaders who have given so much to the Ghost Peppers and helped make this organization part of Gastonia.
“Most importantly, thank you to our fans. Thank you for coming to CaroMont Health Park, cheering on our players and embracing the Ghost Peppers as your team. Your support brought this organization to life, and we know this news will be disappointing for many who have been part of it.
“We are also deeply grateful to the City of Gastonia for its partnership and support throughout our time operating the franchise. We will continue working closely with the City and the Atlantic League as they explore opportunities to identify a new team or operator for the ballpark.
“As Zawyer Sports & Entertainment continues to evolve, we are increasingly prioritizing the growth of our arena-based sports and entertainment portfolio while continuing to create meaningful experiences for fans and communities.
“While we are disappointed to close this chapter, we are proud of what the Ghost Peppers built in Gastonia and sincerely thankful to everyone who was part of it.”
GASTONIA, N.C. — A man who was once living on the streets and addicted to drugs gets a $10 thousand smile for free, all thanks to a two-day clinic in Gastonia.The North Carolina Dental Society Foundation’s Missions of Mercy program is providing free dental care to more than 600 adults on Oct. 2 and Oct. 3 at City Church in Gastonia.Bradley Wilson has beaten homelessness and addiction, but they literally changed the way the world sees him.He came to City Church to get back a piece of his past that felt irrepla...
GASTONIA, N.C. — A man who was once living on the streets and addicted to drugs gets a $10 thousand smile for free, all thanks to a two-day clinic in Gastonia.
The North Carolina Dental Society Foundation’s Missions of Mercy program is providing free dental care to more than 600 adults on Oct. 2 and Oct. 3 at City Church in Gastonia.
Bradley Wilson has beaten homelessness and addiction, but they literally changed the way the world sees him.
He came to City Church to get back a piece of his past that felt irreplaceable.
Wilson had a bright smile as a child, and he told Channel 9’s Ken Lemon that at 18 he developed an addiction to drugs.
“Meth, alcohol, opioids,” Wilson said, “Hygiene goes out the window. You just don’t care about life. or anything.”
It even sent him to prison, but he said he learned to cover his mouth when he smiled.
“Even if they don’t see me that way, I saw myself that way in the mirror,” Wilson said, “And I thought I was something less than Jesus says that I am.”
That old life is gone.
He’s in a Burke County treatment facility and wants to share the faith he has found with others, who he said are hopeless like he was.
“They can see the hope and the freedom that I have been given from homelessness, from addiction, from the sin that held me back,” Wilson mentioned.
He worries people will just see what he lost.
He heard about the Missions of Mercy Clinic sponsored by the North Carolina Dental Society. All dental work is free, including dentures that a dentist said would cost $10-thousand dollars without insurance.
Now those dentures are his, a moment he waited on for 15 years. A gift from a dental specialist, working for free.
It gives me another chance; it’s like a second chance today,“ Wilson said, ”It’s a long journey to get here."
This clinic is not just for people overcoming addiction. The free clinic is open to adults ages 18 and older on a first-come, first-served basis. Doors open at 6:00 a.m.
Saturday is the last day of the Clinic.
GASTONIA, N.C. – The Gastonia Ghost Peppers professional baseball team is shutting down operations immediately and withdrawing from the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, parent company Zawyer Sports & Entertainment announced Wednesday.The decision marks the end of the franchise’s run at CaroMont Health Park. Team owners cited a strategic shift in their business model toward arena-based sports and entertainment portfolios as the primary reason for the sudden closure.“This was not a decision we made ...
GASTONIA, N.C. – The Gastonia Ghost Peppers professional baseball team is shutting down operations immediately and withdrawing from the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, parent company Zawyer Sports & Entertainment announced Wednesday.
The decision marks the end of the franchise’s run at CaroMont Health Park. Team owners cited a strategic shift in their business model toward arena-based sports and entertainment portfolios as the primary reason for the sudden closure.
“This was not a decision we made lightly,” Zawyer Sports & Entertainment said in a statement. “We are incredibly grateful to the employees, players, partners and community leaders who have given so much to the Ghost Peppers and helped make this organization part of Gastonia.”
The Ghost Peppers played in the Atlantic League, an official MLB Partner League. Despite the team’s departure, ownership officials stated they are actively working alongside city administrators and league executives to find a new team or operator to fill the vacancy at the municipally owned CaroMont Health Park.
City officials confirmed Wednesday they are working directly with the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball to find a new use for CaroMont Health Park following the sudden announcement that the facility’s management group is suspending all operations.
“The City of Gastonia will work collaboratively with Zawyer Sports and the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball during this transition period to ensure that the stadium continues to be used in a manner that supports the City’s and the community’s long-term goals,” city administrators said in an official statement.
It was also noted that no additional details regarding the immediate future of the taxpayer-funded stadium are available at this time.
Details regarding ticket refunds for upcoming events or future seasons were not immediately released by the ownership group.
GASTONIA, N.C. — City leaders announced Wednesday that the Gastonia Ghost Peppers will cease operations, leaving the city without a minor league baseball team once again.The Ghost Peppers played the last three seasons at CaroMont Health Park in Gastonia.The team cited financial challenges.This comes amid the city’s three-year court fight over land just outside the stadium, including a parking lot that fans haven’t been able to use. The land is owned by the owner of the former Honey Hunters baseball team...
GASTONIA, N.C. — City leaders announced Wednesday that the Gastonia Ghost Peppers will cease operations, leaving the city without a minor league baseball team once again.
The Ghost Peppers played the last three seasons at CaroMont Health Park in Gastonia.
The team cited financial challenges.
This comes amid the city’s three-year court fight over land just outside the stadium, including a parking lot that fans haven’t been able to use. The land is owned by the owner of the former Honey Hunters baseball team.
Channel 9’s Ken Lemon obtained new documents between the team and the city.
On Wednesday, Zawyer Sports, the owners of the Gastonia Ghost Peppers baseball team, sent a letter to the city of Gastonia. It said the group “has faced and continues to face, significant and sustained financial challenges that have made it impossible to continue operating on a viable basis.”
“There will be baseball next year. There should be baseball next year,” Franks said.
He said two months ago, Zawyer Sports raised concerns, and he connected the group with a local organization, but nothing came of it.
He said now that Zawyer Sports is out, the local group is back, and the two sides are discussing plans that involve more than baseball games.
“Knows the ins and outs of doing festivals. The ins and outs of doing concerts,” Franks said.
He said the last two owners of Gastonia baseball teams couldn’t hit a home run at the park because their event planning was lacking.
He said the local group wants to take over, but the city can’t wait for a request-for-proposals process.
“We can have baseball, but if we have to go through an extended RFP and all this good stuff, we are not going to get what we need,” Franks said.
A former municipal attorney said local governments normally must use an RFP process, but there are exceptions.
Lemon reached out to the Ghost Peppers with more questions about their exit. He had not heard back by late Thursday afternoon.
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The Honey Hunters’ membership in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball was pulled in 2023 because the team had more than $1 million in debt.
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