The end of an era: Brewers' Low-A affiliate closes the book on a 35-year history

A change is coming to the Milwaukee Brewers' Low-A affiliate in 2026. The Carolina Mudcats have officially played their final game at Five County Stadium in Zebulon, as next year they will move 26 miles eastward to Wilson and rebrand as the Warbirds. This change ends a 35-year history of baseball in Zebulon, North Carolina.

Originally an affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1991-1998, the Mudcats have also served as a minor league squad for the Colorado Rockies (1999-2002), Florida Marlins (2003-2008), Cincinnati Reds (2009-2011), Cleveland Indians (2012-2014), Atlanta Braves (2015-2016), and then the Brewers beginning in 2017.

In April 2026, Wilson Stadium will become the home of Milwaukee's Low-A players, moving on from Five County Stadium, where, in the final game in Zebulon on Sunday, August 31, the Mudcats lost 1-0 to the Delmarva Shorebirds.

Recapping the Carolina Mudcats' final season

The Carolina Mudcats burst out of the gates in 2025 with an impressive 11-2 start. Long known as the Brewers’ first or second stop for teenage prospects, this year’s opening roster was loaded with talent, including top prospect Jesús Made, along with Luis Peña, Eric Bitoni, Braylon Payne, Josh Knoth, and Bryce Meccage. Despite their youth, the group held their own and wrapped up the first half just four games back of the division leader.

In the second half of the season, several key players earned promotions, yet the team remains just one game out of first place and a potential second-half championship, which would secure a postseason berth. If they fall short over the next week, their season will officially come to an end. Regardless of the outcome, no additional games will be played at Five County Stadium.

No matter how the final week plays out, the Carolina Mudcats era has ended for the 10,000+ in Zebulon, North Carolina. For years, Five County Stadium has been the launching pad for future stars, while also providing the community with several great baseball memories. Now, that proud tradition will shift to Wilson, where the hope is that the next generation of players and fans will build on the same foundation left in Zebulon.