The Wilmington Sharks are a collegiate wood-bat summer league baseball team that plays in the Coastal Plain League. Collegiate summer leagues typically operate from late May to early August, allowing college baseball players an opportunity to showcase their talents by playing with professional rules and equipment while at the same time allowing professional scouts to observe these players under such conditions. The Coastal Plain League was founded in 1997, with the Wilmington Sharks being among the founding members. Since the team’s inception, the Sharks have won three league championships, with the most recent coming in 2024, and are consistently in the top half of league ticket sales. The Sharks serve the largest metropolitan area of any Coastal Plain League team and currently play at Buck Hardee Field, a 1,200-capacity stadium situated in the heart of Wilmington. The Wilmington Sharks aim to provide a minor league-like atmosphere for fans and players. 

The Wilmington Sharks provide a minor league feel at each game while maintaining a family-friendly atmosphere suitable for all ages. The mission of Wilmington Sharks baseball is to dedicate itself to promoting a safe, fun, family-friendly, and exciting atmosphere that allows our fans to create life-long memories by laying a foundation that helps the team to be perceived as, and be, a positive force for the quality of life in the Cape Fear community. As an organization, the Wilmington Sharks will achieve this mission by being S.H.A.R.K.S.  

• Selfless: Considering the needs of others before the needs of oneself. 
• Hospitable: Being warm and genuine in the reception of others. 
• Ambassadors: Being diplomats for a cause, and the uniform is always on 
• Respectful: Treating everyone, and their ideas, with equal value and consideration. 
• Knowledgeable: Using facts, information, and skill sets to solve problems. If there is a gap, seek to fill it. 
• Supportive: Continuing to grow by encouraging and relying on one another.