Maranto's 4-RBI Night Earns Sock Puppets Series Win over Axmen

June 5, 2026 - KINGSPORT, Tenn. - Braden Maranto led the way with three doubles and four runs batted in in the Sock Puppets' 7-5 win over the Axmen on Friday night. It was the second straight night that Burlington did not trail at any point. Similar to last night, the Sock Puppets offense roared to life in the first inning. Centerfielder Bryce Clavon singled to lead things off and a trio of walks sent him home for the game's first run, with the RBI going to Devin Mitchell. Burlington did not score again ... Full Story

Pair of Homers by College Teammates Lead Sock Puppets to Opening Night Win over Axmen

June 5, 2026 - KINGSPORT, Tenn. - As an away starting pitcher, it's always nice to pitch with the lead in the first inning. Luckily for Puppets' starter Tyler Shafer, that was the case Thursday night with the long ball proving to be lethal for Burlington in the 2026 season opener in its 6-4 win against Kingsport. Burlington's first five hitters reached base in the first inning. Center fielder Bryce Clavon led things off with a walk, but he was gunned down while attempting to steal second. Shortstop Orlando ... Full Story

Burlington Sock Puppets Announce 2026 Roster

June 2, 2026 - BURLINGTON, N.C. - Another season of the Appalachian League has arrived, and with that the 2026 Burlington Sock Puppets Opening Day roster is official. This year's squad features five returning members, eight North Carolinian natives, 13 players who played collegiate baseball in North Carolina and 15 members of NCAA Tournament schools this season. Burlington looks to avenge its championship loss to end the 2025 season. "Well I think it's like the whole league, the talent level has certainly g... Full Story

This Week in Sockville: Burlington Clinches East, Sights Set on Title Run

July 29, 2025 - With two regular season games left, the Puppets have locked up the East Division title and are gearing up to host the East Division Championship Game this Thursday at Burlington Athletic Stadium. A win there would send Burlington to the Appalachian League Championship on Friday. By the Numbers Burlington leads the entire league in batting average at .282, ranks first in the East in runs per game at 7.27, and owns both the best team ERA and bullpen ERA in the East. Opponents are hitting jus... Full Story

• This Week in Sockville: Burlington Clinches East, Sights Set on Title Run - Burlington Sock Puppets (ApL) July 29
• This Week in Sockville: The Push for the Pennant - Burlington Sock Puppets (ApL) July 22
• McCrystal Clear: Ryan McCrystal Is Raking his Way up the Reds System - Burlington Sock Puppets (ApL) July 8
• Sock Puppets Review: The Pups Are Hot - Burlington Sock Puppets (ApL) June 23
• Burlington Survives Late Comeback Attempt vs. Axmen - Burlington Sock Puppets (ApL) June 18
• Homegrown Talent on Display for Alamance-Burlington Night - Burlington Sock Puppets (ApL) June 17
• Sock Puppets Walk off River Riders - Burlington Sock Puppets (ApL) June 12
• Sock Puppets Come from Behind to Win Opening Night - Burlington Sock Puppets (ApL) June 6
• All Today's News

Burlington Sock Puppets exchange high fives with the home fans (Fran Stuchbury)

Burlington Photo Gallery
OurSports Central provides coverage of the following alternative and minor league teams in Burlington, North Carolina:

• Burlington Sock Puppets (ApL)

Other cities near Burlington, North Carolina with alternative or minor league teams:

• Danville, Virginia
• Durham, North Carolina
• Fayetteville, North Carolina
• Greensboro, North Carolina
• High Point, North Carolina
• Winston-Salem, North Carolina
• Cary, North Carolina

June 6	ApL	Burlington at Kingsport	7:00 p.m.
June 5	ApL	Burlington 7 at Kingsport 5	Final
June 4	ApL	Burlington 6 at Kingsport 4	Final
All times Eastern On game days, refresh page for latest results

• Five Things to Do: from food trucks to egg hunts - ApL Burlington Times-News (March 20)
• Flyboys, Burlington Rained Out - ApL Greeneville Sun (July 21)
• River Riders snap skid with 7-3 win over Burlington - ApL Elizabethton Star (July 18)
• APPY LEAGUE: Johnson City-based State Liners lose for the 11th time in last 13 games, stomped by Sock Puppets - ApL Bristol Herald Courier (July 17)
• APPY LEAGUE: Zach Johnson (Sullivan East) pitches with Elizabethon River Riders for first time; Johnson City-based State Liners socked by Sock Puppets - ApL Bristol Herald Courier (July 16)
• Flyboys Drop To No. 2 In Appy League West After Loss - ApL Greeneville Sun (July 14)
• Flyboys Fall To Otterbots, Best Puppets - ApL Greeneville Sun (July 14)
• COLLEGE BASEBALL: Youngster Joe DuSell does swell for Johnson City-based State Liners in win at Burlington; Marion Hungry Mothers lose - ApL Bristol Herald Courier (July 12)
• COLLEGE BASEBALL: Ben Kilbourne (Marion Hungry Mothers), Hayden Blair (Johnson City-based Bristol State Liners) star in wins - ApL Bristol Herald Courier (July 11)
• Sock Puppets use late innings to pull away from Doughboys - ApL Johnson City Press (July 6)
• Axmen in good shape following Burlington series - ApL Kingsport Times-News (July 4)
• Seven-run second propels Axmen past East-leading Sock Puppets - ApL Kingsport Times-News (July 2)
• All Today's Headlines