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 gotten better,” said Mickey Tettleton, the Sock Puppets’ first-year manager.
“There are bigger schools in here, more Power 4 conference type schools, we are loaded with ACC kids, that’s a good thing,” said Tettleton, who managed Danville the last two seasons, another member of the Appalachian League.
The Sock Puppets open the 2026 season on the road against Kingsport on June 4, before its home opener on June 8 against Pulaski.
Pitchers:
Catchers:
Infielders:
Outfielders:
