Monthly Archives: June 2026

American Association To Induct Three To Hall Of Fame

The American Association of Professional Baseball will welcome three new members to the league Hall of Fame on Tuesday, July 14 at a dinner banquet held in conjunction with the 2026 American Association All-Star Game in Lincoln, NE.

The three newest members of the American Association Hall of Fame, as selected by a vote of league clubs, are Lincoln Saltdogs owner Jim Abel, Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks manager and former RedHawks and Major League catcher Chris Coste, and longtime American Association standout Nate Samson, who spent eight seasons with the Sioux City Explorers and also played for the Winnipeg Goldeyes, St. Paul Saints, and Lincoln Saltdogs.

“We are proud to induct three of the finest individuals ever to be part of the American Association,” said American Association Commissioner Joshua Schaub. “This class, like the ones before it, reflects the very fabric of our league and has helped shape it into what it is today. Without their vision, leadership, and excellence, we would not be where we are now.”

Abel leads this year’s group of inductees as the original and current owner of the Lincoln Saltdogs. Abel’s vision created a partnership between NEBCO, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and the City of Lincoln that led to the development of Haymarket Park and the establishment of the Saltdogs organization beginning with the 2001 season. Abel is the Chairman & CEO of NEBCO, Inc., whose businesses span the state of Nebraska with interests in heavy construction and the manufacture of concrete building products as well as real estate development and recreation.

Coste went from an overlooked Division III baseball player to a Major League talent, lighting the path for many others to follow. The Fargo native hit .323 over four seasons with the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks, earning post-season all-star honors as a catcher three times and helping to lead the squad to the 1998 league championship. Coste reached Major League Baseball after 12 years in the minors in 2006 and won a World Series with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2008. As a manager, he led Fargo-Moorhead to the AAPB title and earned Manager of the Year honors in 2022 and guided the RedHawks to the 2023 Baseball Champions League title. He also authored the book “The 33-Year Old Rookie” about his journey to Major League Baseball.

Samson was a stalwart in the American Association for a decade. Second in AAPB history with 815 hits, Samson played 10 seasons with Winnipeg (2013), Sioux City (2014, 2016-19, 2021-22), St. Paul (2020) and Lincoln (2022-23). A three-time postseason all-star at shortstop, he led the league with a .340 average in 2018, while his 141 hits that season were a Sioux City club record. Samson’s 318 RBI over seven seasons with the Explorers are also a Sioux City AAPB career record, while his 329 runs scored, 509 games played, 634 hits and 107 doubles are second in Explorers AAPB history. A durable player, he appeared in 98 or more of his club’s 100 games in four different seasons.

The 2026 Hall of Fame Banquet presented by Sampson Construction and Crete Carrier will be held on Tuesday, July 14 at Lincoln Station Great Hall in Lincoln, NE.

MLB Network to Broadcast AAPB All-Star Game Live For First Time on July 15 From Lincoln, Neb.

The American Association of Professional Baseball (AAPB) today officially announced that its 2026 All-Star Game will be carried live on MLB Network for the first time on Wednesday, July 15th.  The game will be held at Haymarket Park, the home of the Lincoln Saltdogs in Lincoln, Nebraska, at 830 PM EDT, marking the first time MLB Network has aired an All-Star Game of a Major League Baseball Partner League.

‘It is a pleasure to be able to have MLB Network come on board to carry our All-Star Game, presented by Carbliss,  from one of the most highly rated stadiums in America in Haymarket Park as we showcase the best in affiliated baseball to an even larger audience,” said Joshua Schaub, Commissioner of the American Association of Professional Baseball. “Our focus has been to continue to refine the quality of our storytelling on all platforms and this new agreement, the first of its kind, is a testament to the value we continue to create. Our athletes and coaches deserve this opportunity, and we are proud to be able to bring it to fruition through an ever-growing network of broadcast partners. Thanks to the entire team at MLB Network for helping us continue to expand our window.”  

“We’re excited to elevate the profile of the AAPB and carry its All-Star Game live for the first time,” said Marc Caiafa, MLB Network’s SVP of Production. “We’re always looking for new content opportunities immediately following MLB’s Midsummer Classic, so this is a perfect collaboration and time on the calendar. It’ll be a fun night featuring the AAPB’s best.”

The addition of MLB Network for the All-Star Game follows a record number of broadcast partnerships that launched at the start of the 2026 season. They include: NBC Regional Sports Networks, Marquee Sports Network, NESN, Sportsnet Pittsburgh, Silver State Sports Network and the Unbeaten Sports App. As well as RYZ, Bally’s Corporation, NLSE, FTF Sports (For the Fans), and SLVR Sports and Entertainment. The expanded distribution is projected to drive viewership growth from 10 million in 2025 to over 30 million in 2026. The 2026 distribution slate also represents the largest footprint for distribution in league history.

Atlanta, Baltimore, Miami, D.C. Advance in Tracy McGrady’s ‘OBL: Standing 6’ 1v1 Hoops

Teams of 1v1 hoopsters representing Atlanta, Baltimore, Miami, and Washington, D.C. advanced at “OBL: Standing 6,” the second round of three Championship events for Tracy McGrady’s Ones Basketball League (OBL), held Friday at Oak Ridge High School. The teams of four 1v1 standouts battled it out in front of an enthusiastic crowd and nationwide audience on Fubu Sports Network and YouTube.

Washington, D.C. seeded first via tiebreaker with 24 points, followed by Baltimore with 24, Atlanta with 23, and Miami (20) to qualify for the Finals on July 1. New York (17 points) and Chicago (10) were eliminated with fifth and sixth place finishes, respectively.

“And then there were four,” said McGrady. “You could feel the intensity in every match as every guy wanted to be the one to push his team to the top.”

“For the Throne,” the July 1 finals, will also be held at Oak Ridge High School in Orlando. Full details available at www.oblhoops.com. 

OBL: Battle of the Cities

June 12, 2026


Standings:

Washington, D.C., 24 points*

Baltimore, 24*

Atlanta, 23*

Miami, 20*

New York, 17

Chicago, 10

*advanced to next round 

Game Results:

Game 1 – Tevin Curtis (Baltimore) d. Brannon Hopkins (Atlanta), 8-1

Game 2 – Joey Martinez (Miami) d. Mitchell Anderson (Chicago)7-1

Game 3 – Zeke Hearst (DC) d. Hegel Augustin (N.Y.), 7-3

Game 4 – Brandon Daughtry (Chicago) d. Terry Hosley (Baltimore), 7-3

Game 5 – Kevin “Uncle Skoob” Kuteyi (D.C.) d. Owen Browne (Miami), 4-3

Game 6 – Paul Parks (Atlanta) d. Jerry Mordi (N.Y.), 8-3

Game 7 – Zae Moore (D.C.) d. Yoshi Craig (Chicago), 7-2

Game 8 – DJ Waters (Atlanta) d. Dajour Joseph (Miami), 7-3

Game 9 – Greg Ash Jr. (Baltimore) d. Jawaun Daniels (N.Y.), 8-5

Game 10 – Malik Dunbar (Atlanta) d. Mario Smith (Chicago), 7-0

Game 11 – Byrd Daniel III (Miami) d. Isaiah “Leaky Roof” Brown (N.Y.), 7-6

Game 12 – Robert Fomby (Baltimore) d. AB Camara (D.C.), 7-6

Founded by Basketball Hall of Famer McGrady, the OBL is a 1v1 basketball competition drawing players from cities nationwide. During the Summer 2026 multi-week season, eight initial cities will field teams featuring hoopers who embody the heart and essence of their respective towns, bringing a unique and dynamic aspect to their representation. Cities battle for pride and prize, each sending out one player at a time in one-on-one matchups for thrilling, quick games that keep audiences on the edge of their seats. The production will feature intense gameplay, as well as a deeper look into player backgrounds and real individual stories highlighting their talent and authenticity.

“OBL: Battle of The Cities” takes an expanded version of the original OBL, with elite athletes bringing their own vision, culture and prestige from the cities where they grew up, played, or call home. Each city-based team has a four-man roster, comprised of players who best reflect the tradition, values and basketball culture of that city, hand-selected by the teams’ celebrity Owners and GMs.

The “Battle of The Cities” team Owners and GMs include:

    • Team Atlanta: Quenton Brown, brother of Jaylen, star of the Boston Celtics

    • Team Baltimore: Muggsy Bogues, 14-year NBA veteran

    • Team Chicago: Larenz Tate, actor, film producer, basketball aficionado 

    • Team Miami: Tim Hardaway Sr., five-time NBA All-Star

    • Team New York: Jadakiss, recording star and basketball insider 

    • Team Washington, D.C.: Quinn Cook, two-time NBA champion

TBL Team Boxing League Announces Broadcast Partnership with NESN and NESN Nation

TBL Team Boxing League (“TBL”) today announced a new broadcast partnership with NESN and NESN Nation that will bring TBL action to sports fans throughout New England and beyond for the remainder of the 2026 season. Beginning with the Philly Smoke vs Boston Butchers this Saturday night LIVE from the Roadrunner in Boston, select fights will air on NESN-branded networks.

The partnership represents another major milestone in TBL’s continued expansion and commitment to growing the sport of team boxing. As the home of some of the region’s most passionate sports fans, NESN and NESN Nation provide an ideal platform to showcase TBL’s innovative team-based format, elite athletes, and fast-paced competition to both dedicated boxing enthusiasts and new audiences.

As Team Boxing League continues to build momentum nationwide, the addition of NESN and NESN Nation further strengthens the league’s media presence and supports its mission to deliver compelling combat sports entertainment to fans across the country. The contract was negotiated by Vinny DiMarco of TBL Team Boxing League.

“We are thrilled to partner with NESN and NESN Nation and bring Team Boxing League to one of the most passionate sports markets in America,” said Kevin Cassidy, CEO of TBL Team Boxing League. “NESN has a long-standing reputation for delivering premium sports programming, and this partnership provides a tremendous opportunity to introduce more fans to our unique team-based format while showcasing the incredible talent and competitive spirit of our athletes.”

To learn more about TBL Team Boxing League, visit www.teamboxingleague.com for schedules, tickets, and team info. Fans can also download the TBL app from the App Store for additional information.

DockHounds Go For History, Milkmen’s Doersching Makes It: Ten Things to Know in the AAPB This Week

One league record fell and another is on the precipice of being matched and passed, part of an exciting week on and off the field in the American Association of Professional Baseball (@AA_Baseball). All games, including Thursday’s doubleheader between Lake Country and Kane County, in which the DockHounds will try to extend their winning streak to match the league record of 15 and pass it with a 16th triumph, are as always available free for live viewing on AABaseball.tv.

Here are 10 (or so) Things to Know about the AAPB this week:

  • While the DockHounds were extending their skein to 14 (one plunge shy of the mark set by the Pensacola Pelicans 16 years ago), Gary SouthShore first baseman Griffin Doersching was writing himself into the individual record book by driving in 10 runs in a 13-1 win at Gary SouthShore on Tuesday.
  • The long-awaited debut of the Swedish Meatballs is upon us, as Kane County will adopt the juicy moniker for the first time in Saturday’s game against Gary SouthShore.
  • Not to be outdone, Fargo-Moorhead will play the first of five home games as the Woodchippers this summer on Friday vs. Winnipeg at Newman Outdoor Field.
  • Lefty Steffon Moore and infielder Julio Carreras became the latest AAPBers to have their contracts transferred to an MLB organization when both signed with Cincinnati on Friday and were assigned to Chattanooga (AA).
  • AAPB alumni on the field aren’t the only ones finding success after their careers in the league. Denning Gerig, the AAPB Broadcaster of the Year in 2021 with the Cleburne Railroaders, has been named director of broadcasting for Wichita State University Athletics.
  • Sioux Falls will host the first of two Kids Camps on Saturday at 11 a.m. at the Birdcage. The two-hour instructional camp includes a Canaries hat and ticket to that day’s game vs. Kansas City.
  • Lake Country’s Ryan Hernandez continued his torrid start to the season, blasting another home run on Tuesday as part of a three-hit day that raised his league-leading totals to 10 home runs, 32 RBI, 23 runs scored, with his .407 batting average, .852 slugging percentage and 1.357 OPS also pacing the circuit.
  • Media interest in AAPB remains strong. Some of the recent articles on teams include:
  • A few team promotions of note are:
    • Sioux Falls has set Friday as Crush Cancer Night, with promotions and activities including a partnership with the American Cancer Society and Gold Together initiative for a special evening dedicated to raising awareness and supporting kids and families impacted by cancer.
    • The Canaries will recognize hardworking members of the local union and labor community during Union Night on Saturday.
    • Kane County is partnering with the Northern Illinois Food Bank and encouraging people to bring food items to help feed families on Friday night.
    • It’ll be “Cracklin’ Rosemont” when the Chicago Dogs celebrate the music of Neil Diamond with a pre-game performance at 4:45 p.m. on Saturday.

Michelob ULTRA Enlists FANZO and Men In Blazers to Launch Out-of-Home Campaign for FIFA World Cup

Michelob ULTRA, the Official Beer Sponsor of the FIFA World Cup 2026™, has announced a fully integrated campaign built around an often overlooked insight: for the overwhelming majority of fans, the out-of-home experience isn’t a consolation prize for not having a ticket – it is the FIFA World Cup™.

The campaign features two new approaches to serving every type of 21+ fan in attendance, both powered by FANZO’s technology.

For international visitors:

With 1.24m foreign fans expected to travel to the United States for the tournament and an average trip duration of 14-days, the majority of every visiting fan’s FIFA World Cup 2026™ experience will happen away from stadiums.

Advertising across airports, train stations and metro systems in host cities will carry QR codes, driving arriving fans directly to a Michelob ULTRA venue map, powered by FANZO. This will ensure visitors can find great local venues showing the tournament and share the experience surrounded by other passionate fans from the moment they set foot in the country.

For American soccer fans:

Michelob ULTRA has partnered with Men in Blazers Media Network – the podcast and media brand that has done more than any other outlet to grow soccer culture in the United States – to identify and celebrate the 250 best fan venues in the country.

Curated by Men In Blazers’ audience and powered by FANZO’s venue technology, the list is the definitive guide to where American soccer fans can watch the FIFA World Cup 2026™ at an official Michelob ULTRA partner venue – chosen based on atmosphere, community and experience rather than geography alone.

Roger Bennett, founder and CEO of Men In Blazers, said, “The U.S. soccer bar is a sacred place. These institutions are not just watering holes with the match on the big screen, they are true communities that have helped propel the rise of football across the nation. These are places where fans come together to be collectively transported to Old Trafford, Anfield, or Camp Nou for 90 minutes at a time – making lifetime memories together.

“Partnering with FANZO has allowed us to help local and traveling supporters find these venues that transcend with their pies, pints, songs, and atmosphere. We’re thrilled to spotlight them and the people on both sides of the bar who make them unique.”

Together, Michelob ULTRA’s campaign represents the first coordinated, technology-led strategy by a FIFA World Cup™ sponsor built specifically around the out-of-home fan as a primary audience – rather than an afterthought.

Leo MacLehose, CEO of FANZO said, “Men In Blazers have spent fifteen years identifying and celebrating the places where American soccer culture is made. Michelob ULTRA has built its FIFA World Cup 2026™ campaign around that key insight – even for fans with tickets, the out-of-home experience is where most will spend the majority of this tournament.

Combining that cultural authority with the technology to connect every arriving fan to a great nearby venue is something we’re hugely proud to be part of. By demonstrating that the undervalued out-of-home audience can be reached, served and measured at scale, it changes the conversation for every rights holder and brand thinking about where their next sponsorship dollar lands.”

https://www.fanzo.com/en-us/michelob-ultra-fifa-world-cup-bar-finder/10218?pillId=223

Spalk Announces Three Partnerships to Expand Global Sports Commentary, Highlights, Fan Engagement

Spalk, the leading cloud-based commentary and technology platform scaling multilingual commentary for teams, leagues and broadcast partners, today announced three new strategic alignments designed to accelerate the company’s global growth and enhance the multilingual viewing experience for sports fans worldwide. The partnerships with Ligue 1 (for English + Portuguese Highlights), Euroleague (for French, Serbian & Greek) and LNB (for French) continue to expand Spalk’s reach across live sports production, international distribution, and next-generation audience engagement and will now include real-time highlights packages as well as commentary.

“These partnerships represent another major step forward in our mission to make live sports more accessible, immersive, and scalable in any language for rights holders and broadcasters around the world,” said Ben Reynolds Co-founder and CEO at Spalk. “By literally listening to the challenges to expand audience share, we continue to create new opportunities for very passionate fan bases who want one thing…to experience the glory of their clubs in the language they speak. That’s our sweet spot, and we continue to refine and grow the model not just for the biggest of partners like the NFL and The Premier League, but for growing properties as well who have a need and share our vision for their audiences.”

The new trio of partnerships continue to expand Spalk’s scope of work, as they work with all three to deliver fast, localized post-match highlight packages at scale across the entire league in the languages where there was a need.

Through the agreements, Spalk will provide its proprietary cloud-based streaming and AI-powered production technology to support enhanced live match coverage, multilingual commentary capabilities, and deeper fan interaction across digital platforms as well as remote real-time commentary in languages that the properties were not able to offer before.

Additional partnerships in North America are expected in the coming weeks.