Kinston was represented by many excellent amateur clubs since the late nineteenth century, but it was unable to sustain a viable professional team until the mid-1920s.
The latter was notable for being managed by former major league pitcher George Suggs and College Football Hall of Fame member Ira Rodgers.
[3] Due to the efforts of the city's business leaders, former local amateur star Elisha Lewis, and George Suggs, the town secured a professional team in the Virginia League for the 1925 season[4] named the "Eagles".
[5] The Eagles were a Class B team playing out of a then newly renovated stadium designed by Suggs known as West End Park.
[8] Another player, Frank Armstrong, gave up baseball for a career in the armed services and became one of the most decorated generals in the history of the Air Force.