About Rock Solid · Wilmington, NC
Rock Solid grew out of Coastal Athletics, the training facility former pro Fletcher Bates opened in 2003. It gives talented, motivated Southeastern North Carolina players a higher level of competition, coached by people who have played the game at its highest levels.
This program is designed to support recreational baseball by challenging and developing advanced players at a higher level.
Every coach has played professional or college baseball.
Players are evaluated and placed by unbiased coaches with no relation to any player, on skill and talent.
Fundamentals and baseball IQ first, taught to help each player reach his own goals.
Every team is built around like talent, and every player can earn a spot on a higher team.
Events are chosen for atmosphere, safety, comfort, and competition, on years of experience.
The player fee is cost-effective for the coaching, training, and events it includes.
Three decades of Wilmington baseball.
New Hanover High teammates Fletcher Bates and Trot Nixon are both drafted in June: Bates by the Mets in the fifth round, Nixon by the Red Sox at seventh overall.
Fletcher plays in the Mets, Marlins, Diamondbacks, Phillies, and Orioles organizations.
Fletcher opens his training facility in Wilmington, and the first name goes on the college alumni list.
Stephen Batts, Jeff Ferrell, Jeff Bouton, Rookie Davis, and Brad Mincey are drafted.
Rock Solid Red reaches the 12U final at Cooperstown Dreams Park two summers running.
Jeff Ferrell debuts with the Tigers in 2015, and Rookie Davis with the Reds in 2017.
Blake Walston goes 26th overall to the Diamondbacks, and three 12U teams play in Cooperstown.
Walker Jenkins, who played on the 2016 Cooperstown team, goes fifth overall to the Twins.
Walston debuts in 2024 and Jenkins in 2026. Rock Solid teams have won [19] Perfect Game titles.
Backed by Wilmington.
More than 50 local businesses have supported Rock Solid players over the years, through field banners, uniform features, digital promotions, and [Tucci Lumber bats engraved with the Rock Solid name].
Become a partnerThe Rock Solid Gift Program
Gifts go straight to the player you choose and help cover tournaments, practices, strength training, and uniforms. Every player in the program commits to his best effort on the field and in the classroom. [Confirm the program still runs.]
Tryouts and private evaluations for players 8U–17U at Coastal Athletics.
