The Greenville Drive and Asheville Tourists, longtime baseball rivals, are demonstrating that competition on the field doesn’t preclude coming together for a good cause.
Branded as the “Ville vs. Ville” Series, the teams will meet 18 times during the 2025 season—nine games at Asheville’s McCormick Field and nine at Greenville’s Fluor Field. During select games, both teams will wear special rivalry jerseys, with Asheville’s featuring the region’s mountain landscape and Greenville’s highlighting its vibrant downtown. These jerseys will be auctioned off through the MiLB Auction site, with proceeds benefiting Western Carolina hurricane relief efforts.
Greenville Drive President Jeff Brown emphasized the impact of Hurricane Helene on the Upstate of South Carolina and the importance of helping their neighbors in Western North Carolina. He highlighted the team’s commitment to the community and their role in providing support beyond the game.
Asheville Tourists Owner and President Brian DeWine echoed this sentiment, noting that while the teams are competitors on the field, baseball has the power to bring communities together. He expressed appreciation for the partnership with the Drive in support of hurricane relief efforts.
A special “Ville vs. Ville” Series Trophy will also be introduced, awarded to the team that wins the season series. The winning club will display the trophy at their ballpark and hold bragging rights heading into the next season.
Since becoming rivals in 2006, the teams have faced off 323 times, with Asheville holding a slight edge in the overall record at 165-158. The Tourists have won the season series eight times, the Drive six times, and five seasons have ended in a split.
Both teams have also celebrated success in the South Atlantic League, each winning two championships. Greenville secured titles in 2017 and 2023, while Asheville claimed championships in 2012 and 2014.
Team officials from both sides emphasized that this collaboration could serve as a foundation for future partnerships and charitable initiatives. Greenville Drive General Manager Eric Jarinko pointed to the event as an example of how baseball unites players, staff, and fans alike. Asheville Tourists General Manager Larry Hawkins reinforced that baseball is more than a game—it’s about the people and the communities they represent.
