So long, Sand Gnats
With the conclusion of the 2015 Minor League Baseball season, so comes the end of the franchise of the Savannah Sand Gnats of the South Atlantic League. The Sand Gnats played in one of my favorite ballparks, Historic Grayson Stadium. Having been built in 1927, you can really feel the history and ghosts of baseball past as you enter the gate. Unfortunately, the owners believed that the age of the ballpark and it’s 4,000 capacity was no longer conductive to a Single-A baseball team. When the city of Savannah made the decision not to build a new stadium, the owners made the decision to move the team to Columbia, South Carolina to become the Fireflies. Here are some nice ballpark photos HERE at one of my favorite websites.
I’m disappointed that the Sand Gnats are leaving, because they are one of the reasons that I love Minor League Baseball. It was ten years ago, the summer of 2005 that revived my love of baseball. I was down training in southern Georgia, and we were able to make it to a few Gnats games, as well as the Jacksonville Suns in northern Florida. I really did fall in love with the stadium for the reasons I stated above. Not only did great players take the field at Grayson in their Minor League days, but the fans there love to tell stories of the Major League teams stopping in for some games on their way north after spring training. I was lucky enough to take in another couple of games back in June of 2009 (about a month before I started this blog) when I was down that way for some more work-related training in Charleston, SC and Savannah. The photos posted are from those games against the River Dogs with a disposable camera, which can explain the very low quality of them. I was also down south there this April, but unfortunately the Gnats were out of town the entire time I was there. I really hope they can get another pro team in Savannah, because it’s definitely one of the more beautiful places I’ve ever visited, and I plan on going there again when I get a chance. Well, so long Sand Gnats, I will miss you when I go back there, for your historic ballpark, awesome logo, and cool mascot (Gnate the Gnat)
Photos property of Minoring In Baseball
Minoring In Baseball 
A very nice tribute! I love the old ballparks that have so much history. And, how can you not like a team called the Sand Gnats?
I know, right? It’s sad, too, because it’s a place I wanted to take the kids to someday. Savannah is such a beautiful town.
Very sad. It’s a shame that some people can’t see the value of a historic ballpark filled with memories. That’s one of the special parts of baseball.
I agree! Being so far from anything, it always boggled my mind to know that people have a team in their home town and don’t attend, or support the team. Maybe they just take it for granted, I guess.
Reblogged this on Flashin' Leather and commented:
Check this out. I like the name Sand Gnats!
Great name and logo! I’ll miss this team, even though I’ve only been to a handful of games.
I love how you say “ghosts of baseball past” – it really gives a sense of this place. The only other Sand Gnats team I have ever heard of was in our rec league – these guys were 5 years old! Just visualize a bunch of 5 year old Sand Gnats 🙂 So funny. Enjoyed reading this thanks.
Thanks, Maria! Five-yr-old Sand Gnats sound cute, so much fun at that age.