New River Rebels

[1][2][3] "I was interested in being in professional baseball, so I went to Columbus, Ohio, after I got out of the Navy in November of 1945," Hardwick, an area native, reflected in 1996.

The Rebels completed the regular season with a record of 83–40, finishing ahead of league members Bluefield Blue-Grays (52–72), Bristol Twins (72–51), Elizabethton Betsy Cubs (68–57), Johnson City Cardinals (64–60), Kingsport Cherokees (55–70), Pulaski Counts (65–58) and Welch Miners (33–84).

The New River Rebels defeated the Appalachian League All-Stars 9–8 in the game, hosted at Ragsdale Field.

Owner Shannon Hardwick was also a pitcher, helping the 1946 Rebels with a 24–3 record and a 3.53 earned run average.

The Rebels finished the regular season with a record of 64–60, to place 3rd in the standings, continuing play under manager Jack Crosswhite.

In the 1947 Finals, the New River Rebels defeated the Pulaski Counts 4 games to 2 to claim their second consecutive championship.

[1][4] The New Rivers Rebels teams played minor league home games at Ragsdale Field.