Mike Bell and the Smithfield TOBS/JoCo Taterhogs

A New Era at the Plate: Mike Bell and the Tobs Head to Smithfield

The crack of the bat and the smell of fresh popped corn are about to become a permanent fixture of Johnston County life. In a move that signals a major home run for local economic growth and community spirit, the historic Smithfield TOBS and their alternate identity, the JoCo TaterHogs, are officially preparing for their inaugural season in 2027.

Leading this ambitious transition is Mike Bell, General Manager and Minority Owner of the organization. A seasoned professional who has been with the franchise for 16 years, Bell is not just bringing a team to town—he’s becoming a neighbor. On May 5th, Mike will officially move to Smithfield, cementing his commitment to the Johnston County community as both a resident and a leader.

A Legacy Reimagined

The TOBS are no strangers to the diamond. Founded in 1908, the franchise carries a century-deep legacy that is now managed by the world-renowned Durham Bulls organization. By combining the historic TOBS brand with the "JoCo TaterHogs"—a nod to Johnston County’s agricultural roots—the organization aims to blend professional-grade sports with local heart.

The "Jewel Box" of Smithfield Community Park

The centerpiece of this move is a state-of-the-art 2,200-seat stadium currently rising at Smithfield Community Park on Booker Dairy Road. Designed with fan comfort in mind, the facility will feature:

·        Climate-Conscious Seating: 1,500 seats will be sheltered under a fixed roof.

·        Smart Engineering: Utilizing a Big Ass Fan (BAF) and strategic stadium orientation—allowing the sun to set behind the structure—the facility will maintain a comfortable 70-degree average in the shaded seating areas.

·        A Community Resource: While the franchise will utilize the facility for 225 days a year, the Town of Smithfield and their Parks & Recreation department will have access for the remainder.  Also providing a premier space for public hitting, training, and general use on a membership basis.

More Than Just a Game

The partnership between the TOBS/TaterHogs and the Town of Smithfield is rooted in collaboration. With a focus on affordable entertainment and aggressive community outreach, the stadium is expected to be a significant economic driver for Smithfield and the surrounding areas.

"This is more than a baseball stadium; it's a 225-day-a-year engine for our county," noted Bell.  From youth training programs in the off-season to high-energy games in the spring, the facility is designed to be a hub where professional sports and local residents intersect.

The stadium is slated for completion in January 2027, with the first pitch scheduled for the Spring 2027 season.

How this helps your business:

With Mike Bell moving in and the stadium opening just down the road from Selma, this is a perfect time to think about "Game Day" packages or networking events for your business and for the non-profit sector, the TOBS/JoCo Taterhogs are willing to work with you for fundraising efforts.  Contact Mike Bell for complete information at 704-562-6546 or email him at [email protected]