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Originally from Minnesota, Eli moved to Eastern North Carolina when he joined the Marines in 2003. After serving for four years, Eli decided to make Eastern NC his home. 

Growing up in the Twin Cities, baseball was an integral part of life for Eli and was a key contributor to staying off the "mean streets" of the East Side of St. Paul. It was always a dream for Eli to find a niche in baseball - if not as a player - then definitely as an owner of a team! 

Eli believes that baseball should be fun, family friendly, and bring the community together! Even a little irreverence is welcome (the good kind of course!). You can see him running around the ballpark, pulling pranks on players, dressing up as a mascot, serving hot dogs, and checking IDs at the beer tent among many other Ospreys roles!

Eli is a 8th Communications Battalion Iraq Veteran Marine, Past Rotarian and Paul Harris Fellow, and member of the Military Affairs Committee of the Jacksonville-Onslow Chamber of Commerce.

Be ready! It's going to be fun, crazy, and yes grandma, just a little irreverent!

Arlin has worked as a realtor in Jacksonville and the surrounding areas for almost 17 years! Arlin and her husband Eli are the owners of the Jacksonville Ospreys. Together they have two main goals for Jacksonville Ospreys Baseball; player development and building community by aiming to ensure that players have a great club to develop their skills in their goal to sign a professional contract, while ensuring fans are able to enjoy quality baseball in a family friendly and fun environment for all!

Dylan grew up in Jacksonville and attended White Oak High School and would go on to attend East Carolina University where he earned a degree in Sports Studies with a minor in Sports Business Management. Dylan also coached the ECU Club baseball team and has coached at White Oak High School and the American Legion Post baseball teams.

Orville the Osprey is still a lean, mean, baseball machine, proof that feathers don’t slow down fastballs. A proud Marine Veteran, Orville traded camo for cleats but kept the discipline, grit, and love of teamwork. These days, you’ll find him perched at Jack Amyette Park, cheering with his Jacksonville NC peeps, cracking jokes, and keeping the Ospreys’ spirit sky‑high.

When he’s not leading the charge, Orville hangs out with his wingman and fellow Marine Veteran, Sammy the Silly Goose, because every serious osprey needs a goofy goose to keep things balanced. Together, they’re the ultimate duo: one brings the muscle, the other brings the mischief.

Meet Sammy the Silly Goose, the laid‑back, Hawaiian Shirt wearing prankster of the Ospreys flock. Named in honor of Mayor Sammy Phillips, Sammy brings laughter and mischief wherever he waddles. He’s famous for pulling playful pranks on his war and baseball buddy, Orville the Osprey, proving that even a lean, mean baseball machine needs a goofy goose to keep him on his toes.

Sammy’s true mission? Making kiddos smile at the ballpark with his antics, high‑fives, and silly surprises. Together, Orville and Sammy go together like lamb and tuna fish, an odd pair that somehow makes perfect sense. Whether it’s cheering in the stands, clowning around on the field, or keeping the Ospreys’ spirit soaring, Sammy is the heart of the fun. 

After his time serving in the Marine Corps, Ben Horak spent a few years searching for a career that was truly fulfilling. However, none of the jobs that he had were enjoyable. It wasn't until Ben DJ'd at his sister's wedding in Minnesota that he discovered that his passion for event entertainment. Being able to help others have a great time is something that he continues to find incredibly rewarding. Eventually, Ben decided to make it his full-time career, as he realized nothing is boring about what he does.

Ordering some awesome Ospreys Merch? If so, Brianna is likely the one who takes care of your order with the utmost in quality care and accuracy. Don't touch her inventory without asking though - otherwise you may find yourself swimming with the fishes...

Brianna is currently a sophomore at Carteret Community College and will transfer to UNCW to major in Finance.