Tag Archives: american association

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.

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.

AAPB Off To Rousing Start: Ten Things to Know in the American Association This Week

The Milwaukee Milkmen (5-1) and Sioux Falls Canaries (5-1) are among the teams off to hot starts as the American Association of Professional Baseball (@AA_Baseball) put the first week of the 2026 regular season in the books. All games are as always available free for live viewing on AABaseball.tv.

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

American Association of Professional Baseball Continues Record Broadcast Expansion Growth

The American Association of Professional Baseball (AAPB) continued its record expansion of live broadcast content this week, announcing that it will have a regular Game of The Week broadcast across a host of regional networks for the first time, through a new partnership with Unbeaten Sports Channel.

‘It is obvious that the interest in the stories of our athletes combined with the quality of play and the delivery of best-in-class live video has grown exponentially, especially into markets and on platforms that fully understand the ease and depth with which we approach partnerships,” said Joshua Schaub, Commissioner of the American Association of Professional Baseball. “By this expansion to new platforms through Unbeaten, we are able to touch not just our core baseball fans, but consumers looking for good stories on whatever device they choose in markets we have not been seen in, and that benefits everyone, from our brand partners to our players and fans to the sport itself.”

Unbeaten’s co-founder, Matt Whytcross said, “Over the three seasons we’ve been in partnership, we’ve seen remarkable growth in demand for the AAPB league. This directly reflects the quality of the competition and the investment AAPB and their teams have made, season-on-season, in raising the bar in production and presentation of their games as a premium television product. Viewership of AAPB continues to grow on our channel, we’re excited to drive that growth once again in 2026.”

The syndication will include: NBC Regional Sports Networks, Marquee Sports Network, NESN, Sportsnet Pittsburgh, Silver State Sports Network and the Unbeaten Sports App. It also expands the league footprint from what was going to already be a record season through new and renewed broadcast agreements alongside Unbeaten’s linear channels carried on Samsung TV+, Prime Video, DAZN and over 30 other streaming and broadcast platforms, in the US and internationally through Europe, Asia and Australia.

The expanded distribution is projected to drive US viewership growth from 10 million in 2025 to over 20 million in 2026. The 2026 distribution slate also represents the largest footprint for distribution in league history.

The agreements strengthen the AAPB’s position as the premier MLB Partner League and underscore its role in growing the sport through strategic media distribution and international collaboration.

Finol’s Two-Run Homer Gives Kane County Cougars 2026 Baseball Champions League Title Sunday

Claudio Finol’s two run home run to deep center field keyed a six run sixth inning as the Kane County Cougars etched their names in the baseball history books, defeating The Mexican League Champions Diablos Rojos del México 7-3 in the Finals of the 2026 Baseball Champions League at Alfredo Harp Stadium.

“The players showed up every day here. They were not intimidated playing the Diablos in their home park with a raucous crowd,” said Kane County Manager George Tsamis. “We walk away champions and we couldn’t be more proud to bring this Baseball Champions League title back to Kane County and the American Association.”

The Cougars grabbed an early 1-0 first inning lead on a Dillon Thomas home run, but Mexico City tied the game at 1-1 when Bryan Antonio Roque Gonazlez went deep against KC’s Konnor Ash. That set the stage for Kane County’s six run outburst in the bottom of the sixth, which began with a Josh Allen leadoff double, a Thomas RBI single, a run scoring single by Josh Rehwaldt, and then after two outs, the Finol dinger that broke the game open.

Ash allowed a run on just five hits in 4 2/3 innings and got great support from five relievers, with Jake Gozzo closing the game with a 1-2-3 ninth.

The Cougars advanced to the championship in thrilling fashion Saturday, riding Jabari Henry’s three run eighth inning homer to a 9-7 victory over Los Dantos de Managua of Nicaragua on Saturday.

Kane County went 6-0 in the series, 4-0 in round robin play before sweeping the weekend, becoming the first American Association Club to run the table in the BCS.

“I could not be prouder of what Kane County accomplished here in Mexico this week,” said American Association Commissioner Josh Schaub. “It shows not just the quality of play we have and the high level coaching and the dedication of ownership, but it shows the commitment our league has to this growing event, and sets the table for what should be a thrilling season starting in May.”

The 2026 AAPB season begins on May 14 with Fargo-Moorhead visiting Cleburne.

AAPB Expands Broadcast Partnerships with RYZ, Bally Sports Live, NLSE, FTF Sports, SLVR

The American Association of Professional Baseball (AAPB) today announced new and renewed broadcast agreements with RYZ, Bally’s Corporation, NLSE, FTF Sports (For the Fans), and SLVR Sports and Entertainment, expanding the league’s national and international media footprint across digital and linear platforms.

Under the terms of the agreements, RYZ, NLSE, FTF Sports, and SLVR will carry a slate of AAPB regular season and postseason games, along with coverage of the Baseball Champions League (BCL). Bally’s Corporation will exclusively feature Baseball Champions League broadcasts on their Bally Sports Live apps (iPhone, Android, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Google TV), ballysports.com

The deal with RYZ represents a renewal of an existing partnership, continuing the strong collaboration between the league and the innovative sports media platform. RYZ viewers will continue to enjoy high-quality game coverage, digital exclusives, and behind-the-scenes AAPB content throughout the 2026 season.

“These partnerships reflect the increasing demand for AAPB baseball and our commitment to bringing fans closer to the game,” said Joshua Schaub, Commissioner of the American Association of Professional Baseball. “By working with RYZ, Bally’s Corporation, NLSE, FTF Sports, and SLVR, in addition to our already existing partners including Gray Media and Unbeaten, we’re ensuring broader access to our games across more screens and more markets than ever before.” The expanded distribution is projected to drive viewership growth from 10 million in 2025 to 18 million in 2026. The 2026 distribution slate also represents the largest footprint for distribution in league history.

The agreements strengthen the AAPB’s position as the premier MLB Partner League and underscore its role in growing the sport through strategic media distribution and international collaboration.

Broadcast schedules and platform-specific details will be announced closer to Opening Day.

Kane County Cougars to Represent United States in 2026 Baseball Champions League

The American Association of Professional Baseball proudly announces that the Kane County Cougars will again represent the United States in the 2026 Baseball Champions League (BCL), the world’s only professional club championship tournament for baseball. The event will take place March 24–29, 2026, in Mexico City, and is hosted by the Mexico City Red Devils (Diablos Rojo del México), the 2025 Liga Mexicana de Béisbol (LMB) champions and 2025 BCL Americas winners

The event is sanctioned by the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC), the same international governing body that oversees the World Baseball Classic and the Olympics. BCL unites title-winning professional clubs from around the world in one elite competition. Coming on the heels of the World Baseball Classic this spring, the event extends baseball’s global spotlight by showcasing the world’s top professional teams, not national squads.

The 2026 field will feature league champions the Kane County Cougars of the American Association of Professional Baseball in the United States; Diablos Rojos del México of Liga Mexican de Béisbol in Mexico; Los Dantos de Managua from the Asociación Profesional de Béisbol Nicaragüense of Nicaragua; CTBC Brothers of Chinese Professional Baseball League in Taiwan; Cuban National Series of Cuba (Team TBA); and Liga Venezolana de Béisbol Profesional of Venezuela (Team TBA). The Taiwan representative is making a historic debut as Asia’s first representative. The event will maintain its round-robin and knockout format, building on the competitive intensity and success of the 2025 tournament.

“The Baseball Champions League is the world’s only global club championship, an event that celebrates the very best of professional baseball league champions at an international level,” said Josh Schaub, Commissioner of the American Association. “This is an opportunity to showcase the strength of American Association on a world stage, and we’re proud to see the Kane County Cougars carry that flag once again.”

The Kane County Cougars clinched their berth by winning the 2025 American Association Championship, earning the honor of representing both their league and the United States and Canada for the second straight year. Fargo Moorhead won the inaugural BCL Americas in 2023 with the RedHawks winning the first ever BCL title.

All Baseball Champions League games will be broadcast on ESPN Mexico, Unbeaten, and RYZ, with additional international broadcast and streaming partners to be announced in the weeks leading up to the event.

The 2023 and 2025 Baseball Champions League drew global attention as the first sanctioned event to unite professional champions from across the Americas. With the addition of Asia in 2026, the tournament marks a significant step forward for international professional club competition under the WBSC banner.

For more information on the American Association and Baseball Champions League, visit www.aabaseball.com and http://www.wbsc.org/en.

American Association Of Professional Baseball Announces Strategic Partnership With Engine

The American Association of Professional Baseball (AAPB) today announced a new partnership with Engine, which has been named the League’s Preferred Travel Booking Partner and a Preferred Supplier. This agreement, covering the 2026 season, represents an important advancement in delivering greater travel efficiency and cost savings for American Association clubs and stakeholders.

Engine is a modern business and group travel platform on a mission to power connection through simplified travel. As a result of this partnership, AAPB teams, staff, and affiliates can take advantage of a simple, all-in-one booking platform with hotel savings and flexible booking when they travel for games and meetings. Engine also offers dedicated support for large group travel, which will make it easier for professional organizations like AAPB to plan offsites and team meetings with room blocks and meeting spaces.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Engine into the AAPB family,” said Joshua Schaub, Commissioner of the American Association. “Their innovative platform and commitment to service align perfectly with our mission to support our teams both on and off the field.”

Under the terms of the partnership, Engine will receive brand visibility across AAPB digital platforms and AABaseball.TV broadcasts. Engine will also participate in the American Association’s Preferred Supplier Program (PSP) and Business Alliance (AABA), gaining access to networking opportunities and strategic introductions with league stakeholders.

“At Engine, our goal is to save businesses time and money as they are booking travel. AAPB has complex travel needs across the country, from major metropolitan areas to rural towns, and this partnership will help their travelers focus less on logistical coordination and more in bringing value to their teams,” said Alex Melamud, CFO at Engine. “With Engine, AAPB travelers can take advantage of discounted and flexible hotel rates. We are proud to be part of the professional baseball ecosystem and to help teams and affiliates travel more efficiently throughout the season.”

AAPB Announces Record-Breaking Growth Across Digital Platforms, Broadcast Viewership, Sponsorship

The American Association of Professional Baseball (AAPB) today announced historic growth across digital media, broadcast viewership, and sponsorship partnerships, reflecting the league’s expanding national presence and growing fan engagement on every platform. 

“This data confirms what we have felt all season, that our fans are more connected than ever,” said Joshua Schaub, Commissioner of the American Association. “We are not just growing, we are thriving across every digital touchpoint, providing entertainment for fans and tremendous branding opportunities and exposure for our sponsors.” 

In 2025, the American Association’s total television audience reached 10.23 million viewers, representing a nearly 12,000 percent increase over the past seven years. The league’s multi-platform broadcast strategy continues to deliver record results with expanded coverage on AABaseball.TV, YouTube, Fubo Sports Network, RYZ Sports Network, Gray Media, and Unbeaten Sports Channel, among others. 

Key 2025 Growth Highlights 

Television Viewership: Up 41 percent year over year with games broadcast across nine major platforms. 
Attendance: 1.60 million fans in total, leading all MLB Partner Leagues in average attendance for the third consecutive year. 
League Sponsorship: Up 213 percent year over year. 
Major Partnerships: 
• Signed Carbliss as the league’s first Founding Partner on a multi-year agreement. 
• Added new league-wide partners including Jeremiah Johnson Brewing Company, Ballpark Lighting Inc., CAPX, VensureHR, IAS Branding, JDP, and Champro Sports. 
• Partnered with All Elite Wrestling (AEW) for a co-promotion during the 2025 season. 

Social media engagement has also reached record levels across Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok.

Followers: Up 26 percent year over year. 
Impressions: Up 182 percent year over year. 
Engagements: Up 181 percent year over year. 
Reach: Up 74 percent year over year. 

Email subscribers have increased by 244 percent over the past two seasons, strengthening the league’s direct communication with fans and partners. 

American Association Partners with LingoPal to Broadcast Miles Wolff Cup Final Games in Multiple Languages

The American Association of Professional Baseball (AAPB) today announced a groundbreaking partnership with LingoPal to broadcast the 2025 Miles Wolff Cup Final games in Spanish, Hindi, and Japanese, in addition to the league’s traditional English coverage.

Fans worldwide can tune in live on YouTube to experience the excitement of the AAPB Miles Wolff Cup Final in their preferred language. This initiative reinforces the AAPB’s commitment to growing baseball’s reach globally, innovation, and ensuring its championship is welcoming and accessible to diverse audiences.

“Baseball is a global sport, and the Miles Wolff Cup Final should be enjoyed by fans everywhere without language being a barrier,” said Joshua Schaub, Commissioner of the American Association of Professional Baseball. “Partnering with LingoPal allows us to connect with international fans in an entirely new way, amplifying the energy of our championship while honoring language and cultural diversity.” The multilingual broadcasts will be available for free through the American Association’s official platform aabaseball.tv, with live commentary delivered in each of the selected languages. More platforms may be added throughout the series. Schedules, links, and supplemental coverage updates will be shared on the league’s website and through its social channels.

Sioux Falls Canaries’ Jabari Henry Breaks AAPB Home Run Record With 147th Blast Thursday

Sioux Falls Canaries designated hitter Jabari Henry (Orlando, Fla./Florida International Univ.) has long been one of the American Association’s (AAPB) most popular stars. Now he’s the league’s all-time home run king, too.

Last night at the Birdcage in Sioux Falls, Henry launched a 414-foot shot to left field in the third inning, the 147th round-tripper of his nine-year career in the league, eight of which have come with the Canaries. Henry, who hit 19 home runs in both 2023 and 2024 after blasting 29 in 2022, took another over the fence in the ninth inning last night for good measure. The 34-year-old now has seven HR and 13 RBI in 17 games to date in 2025, and has collected 223 career pro home runs including the minors and MLB Partner leagues.

“Jabari Henry is a fan favorite all over the American Association, and we couldn’t be more excited that he now has the home run record,” said Joshua Schaub, American Association commissioner. “He is such a tremendous representative of the league and how our players really connect with their communities.”

An 18th round draft pick of the Seattle Mariners in 2012, Henry reached AA with the Mariners and Los Angeles Angels.

The AAPB is in its 20th year of operation. Henry, with 148 home runs after the second of the night, is now 10 behind the single MLB Partner League record of 158 set by Glenn Murray (Atlantic League, 1999-2008).

American Association Sets Attendance Records On Opening Weekend

The Opening weekend for the 20th season of American Association baseball saw records fall off the field. Over 63,654 attended games in the four days (each of the six home teams hosting three games), breaking the Opening Weekend record of 61,382, set in 2022. The defending champion Kane County Cougars led the way with the largest crowd of the weekend, 7,032 Saturday against Sioux City.

“The data tells the story, the effort our teams put in during the offseason to build momentum and awareness from the start of the season literally paid off, and that bodes really well for what we think will be a record season in every aspect for our league,” American Association Commissioner Josh Schaub said. “From new brands and media partners to the innovative promotions our clubs are creating, we are set up for success in every aspect of our business in 2025 and beyond.”

Among the off-season partnerships the AAPB has announced are an agreement with Carbliss as the league’s first-ever Founding Partner and its official “Ready to Drink” beverage; Champro, the official uniform supplier for the BCL; an extension with VensureHR as the exclusive and preferred supplier in the payroll category for the league; Unbeaten, RYZ Network and FuboTV as broadcast partners; CAPX as official hat; and IAS Branding as preferred promotional partner.

The MLB Partner League began its slate, in which each of the 12 teams play 100 regular season contests, on Thursday with Kane County and Cleburne (Texas) opening the season at home. Milwaukee, Chicago, Kansas City and Fargo-Moorhead also hosted series over the weekend. Sioux Falls, Sioux City, Gary SouthShore, Lincoln and Lake Country will begin their home slates this week, while Winnipeg will do so on May 20.

American Association Season Opens Today: Ten Things to Know in the AAPB This Week

After an off-season filled with new partnerships, MLB organization signings and a fun run by the Kane County Cougars in the Baseball Champions League (BCL) Americas last month, the American Association of Professional Baseball (@AA_Baseball) is set to begin the 2025 regular season with two games today, including the defending Miles Wolff Cup Champion Cougars hosting Sioux City at 6:30 p.m. CT / 7:30 p.m. ET.

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

REV Entertainment Announces PurchaseOf The Kane County Cougars

REV Entertainment today announced its purchase of the Kane County Cougars, marking an exciting new chapter in the franchise’s storied history. The American Association of Professional Baseball approved the new ownership team last week following approval by the Forest Preserve District of Kane County.

“We are honored to become the new stewards of the Kane County Cougars and look forward to continuing the team’s legacy in this incredible community,” said Sean Decker, President of REV Entertainment. “Our vision is to build upon the Cougars’ rich tradition of fun family entertainment by enhancing the experience for their loyal fans and partners while ensuring the long-term success of professional baseball in Kane County.”

The Kane County Cougars franchise history dates to 1888, and the club has been a staple of the Chicago-area baseball scene for over three decades since relocating to Kane County in 1991. The Cougars are a member of the American Association of Professional Baseball, an official Partner League of Major League Baseball. The team plays at Northwestern Medicine Field in Geneva, Illinois. Kane County was a Single-A affiliate of six different MLB franchises as a member of the Midwest League from 1991 until 2020, before joining the American Association in 2021.

“The Cougars are more than just a baseball team—they are a community treasure,” said Dr. Bob Froehlich, former owner of the Kane County Cougars. “It has been a privilege and honor for my wife, Cheryl, and I to have owned the Kane County Cougars for the past 10 plus years and we are incredibly grateful to the Cougars community for their support and dedication over the years. REV Entertainment brings a wealth of experience in both baseball and live events, and I have no doubt they will take the Cougars to even greater heights.”

The Cougars are the defending champions of the American Association, winning the 2024 Miles Wolff Cup under manager George Tsamis. The team has perennially been the league leader in attendance since joining the American Association. Kane County will open the 2025 season on Thursday, May 8 against the Sioux City Explorers.

REV Entertainment’s acquisition ensures that the team remains a pillar of the community while opening the door for new growth and expanded opportunities. The Kane County Cougars become the second American Association franchise under the Sports Management division of REV Entertainment, as the organization has been the managing partner of the Cleburne Railroaders since June 2023.

An announcement event will be held on Wednesday, April 2 at Northwestern Medicine Field to formally introduce REV Entertainment as the new owners of the Kane County Cougars. Additional details will be announced soon.

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING

“The American Association extends its deepest gratitude to Dr. Bob Froehlich for his unwavering dedication and leadership over the past decade. His commitment to the Kane County Cougars and the surrounding community has left an indelible mark on the franchise and the league as a whole. As we turn the page to this exciting new chapter, we are thrilled to welcome REV Entertainment as the Cougars’ new ownership group. REV’s proven track record in baseball and live events positions them perfectly to build upon the Cougars’ rich tradition and ensure continued success for years to come.”

– Joshua Schaub, Commissioner of American Association of Professional Baseball

“The Kane County Cougars are grateful to Dr. Bob and Cheryl for their years of dedication to the organization, the fans and community. This is an exciting transition for the Cougars and we are thrilled for this new chapter with REV Entertainment.”

– Curtis Haug, Kane County Cougars Vice President & General Manager

“The City of Geneva welcomes the Cougars’ new owners, REV Entertainment, and their voice, vision and values as they strive to elevate the experience, excitement and engagement at Northwestern Medicine Field. We embrace REV Entertainment’s investment in our home team, the sport we appreciate and the spirit that has been developed, shared and celebrated for more than three decades. On May 8, 2025, I look forward to joining the players, fans and REV Entertainment in shouting with joy, ‘Play Ball’ at Northwestern Medicine Field.”

– Kevin Burns, Mayor of Geneva, Illinois

“As owners of the stadium, we’ve met with leadership from REV Entertainment and we’re very excited with this transition. With all of REV’s experience, we know this will be a terrific partnership for the Forest Preserve District of Kane County and our community. We also appreciate all of Dr. Bob Froehlich’s tireless efforts in support of minor league baseball in Kane County. We wish him well and are looking forward to another winning season of Kane County Cougars baseball.”

– Bill Lenert, President of Forest Preserve District of Kane County

“The Kane County Cougars provide a place where families make cherished memories, children experience the thrill of baseball under stadium lights, and friends can come together for a simple, unforgettable night out. Like our historic downtowns, vast farmlands, and the flowing Fox River, Cougars baseball is part of Kane County’s heritage. I want to sincerely thank Dr. Froehlich and his family for their dedication. As we welcome the new ownership, I look forward to working together to ensure this beloved franchise continues to thrive right here in our own backyard. Here’s to many more summers of celebrating America’s favorite pastime.”

– Corinne M. Pierog, Kane County Board Chairman

American Association Names Carbliss First-Ever Founding Partner

The American Association of Professional Baseball and Carbliss have announced a three-year partnership beginning in 2025. Carbliss becomes the American Association’s first-ever Founding Partner and official “Ready to Drink” beverage of the League.

Carbliss, a canned ready-to-drink cocktail brand founded in Wisconsin, has seen sales grow from 52,000 cans in 2019 to 72,000,000 in 2024. Carbliss now ranks as the #1 Fastest Growing Food and Beverage Company on Inc. 5000s list of fastest growing privately owned companies.

“We are extremely thrilled that Carbliss selected the American Association of Professional Baseball as the marketing platform to introduce its brand for the first time ever on a League level. Our footprint, highlighted by our markets across the Midwest provides a grand opportunity to expand Carbliss’ brand and reach, while driving “seat-to-sip” in our intimate, professional stadiums” said American Association Commissioner, Joshua Schaub. “We look forward to working and growing together for years to come.”

As a part of the new League-wide program, Carbliss will have Behind Home Plate signage, a dominant branding position across nearly all twelve AAPB stadiums. Further, Carbliss will be featured as the Official Helmet Partner, with decal branding ownership across the league. This is the first time in League history that a sponsor has been featured on AAPB helmets.

Carbliss will also be named the Presenting partner of the AAPB All-Star Game to be played at Newman Outdoor Field in Fargo, N.D. on July 22, 2025. Additionally, Carbliss will sponsor a new league-wide Veterans Day initiative, honoring veteran owned companies throughout the American Association footprint.

The American Association, a MLB Partner League has achieved a 31% growth in attendance since 2021 (now over 1.65 million fans in 2024) while over 4 million fans watched AAPB broadcasts across various distribution platforms in 2024. At the same time, the League’s social media platforms totaled a reach of more than 12.1 million.

“Sports marketing has proven to be an excellent way for Carbliss to connect with our loyal fans while introducing our brand to new audiences. Our partnership with the American Association marks Carbliss’ first League-wide marketing collaboration, and we’re thrilled to work with the League and its member teams to showcase everything Carbliss has to offer to AAPB fans,” said Adam Kroener, President and Co-Founder of Carbliss.

Along with the forementioned marketing entitlements, Carbliss will focus on pouring, sampling, activation, and promotional nights across American Association teams. A direct part of this partnership will include Agave, a lead generation in-game gamification program.

SRS Partners, led by Seth Frankenthal, serves as the exclusive agency of record for the AAPB and brokered the deal on behalf of the League.

American Association 2025 Season Highlights: May 8 Opening Night, All-Star Game, Expanded Playoffs

The American Association of Professional Baseball, North America’s premier MLB Professional Partner League has released the 2025 regular season schedule.

The American Association’s 100-game season will open on Thursday, May 8 with a pair of games featuring the Miles Wolff Cup Champion Kane County Cougars hosting the Sioux City Explorers and the Cleburne Railroaders hosting the Winnipeg Goldeyes. The remainder of the league will open play on Friday, May 9 with a full slate of six games.

All games in 2025 will be free for fans to view live on the league’s streaming platform, American Association TV. In 2024, the league dropped the paywall for live games and saw viewership nearly double across all platforms. In addition to the league’s streaming platform, in 2025 fans will be able to watch an expanded slate of games via Gray Media local and regional affiliates and nationally on Fubo Sports and other national carriers.

The Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks will host the American Association All-Star Game and festivities at Newman Outdoor Field on July 21-22, and the season will conclude with the league’s traditional Labor Day games on September 1.

Following the 100-game regular season, the top four clubs in each division will vie for the Miles Wolff Cup starting September 3. In 2025, the Division Championship Series will expand to a best-of-five series. The playoffs will culminate with a best-of-five Wolff Cup Final series starting on September 15.

The American Association remains split into the East Division and West Division for the 2025 season. The East Division is comprised of the Chicago Dogs, Cleburne, Gary SouthShore RailCats, Kane County, Lake Country DockHounds and Milwaukee Milkmen. The West Division members are the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks, Kansas City, Lincoln Saltdogs, Sioux City, Sioux Falls Canaries and Winnipeg.

“After another year of growth in terms of attendance and revenues across the league, we are looking forward to another tremendous schedule for our fans and clubs in 2025,” said American Association Commissioner Joshua Schaub. “The American Association continues to stand out among MLB Professional Partner Leagues as the place for players and fans to enjoy America’s Pastime in our beautiful facilities. For the second consecutive season, our league lead all MLB Partner Leagues in attendance. We can’t wait to see everyone back at the ballpark in May.”

Kids Jersey Designs & Tribute to a Negro Leaguer: Ten Things to Know in the AAPB This Week

The American Association of Professional Baseball (@AA_Baseball) season continues with a full slate of series this weekend, all available for free live viewing at aabaseball.tv.

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

  • The Sioux Falls Canaries held a Kid’s Design Jersey contest back in May, and now their work has gone public. Fans can bid on the Queen City themed shirts online now for when the team rocks them on Daycare Day and Kid’s Night on August 30, when the Canaries host the Winnipeg Goldeyes on the final home date of the regular season.
  • In the AAPB Fun Fact of the Week, we turn to a geography lesson of sorts. League rosters as of July 1 include players from 39 different U.S. states plus Puerto Rico, three Canadian provinces and seven other countries. Florida, with 37 players, is the state most represented, with California (35) and Texas (31) not far behind.
  • Kansas City Monarchs righthander Grant Gavin, who led the AAPB in strikeouts per nine innings, signed with the Cincinnati Reds and was immediately assigned to their highest affiliate in Louisville. His eight-year pro career includes stints with the Kansas City and San Diego organizations.
  • Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks outfielder Ismael Alcantara is the latest AAPBer to find his way into another pro league. Last week, the Redhawks transferred the contract of the former Dodgers prospect to the Rieleros de Aguascalientes of the Mexican League. Alcantara raked for Fargo-Moorhead, to the tune of a 350/.419/.539 slashline with 27 RBIs and five home runs.
  • The Kansas City Monarchs, in taking the moniker of their Negro League brethren, established close ties with an important part of baseball history. They have now partnered with the Negro Leagues Museum in support of a monument to honor Monarchs great Hilton Smith, who is credited with having played for the Monarchs from 1937-1948, nearly the entirety of his 13-year Major League career. Fans can help with the GoFundMe campaign here.
  • The AAPB inked another partner last week as VensureHR came aboard as the exclusive and preferred payroll supplier to the league and its member clubs. VensureHR leverages cutting-edge technology and a team of seasoned HR professionals to deliver tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of each client.
  • Monthly awards are in, and June featured many outstanding performances across the league. The AAPB Rawlings Batter of the Month is Chicago Dogs first sacker Jacob Teter (Melbourne, Fla.) and the Pitcher of the Month went to Winnipeg Goldeyes starter Joey Matulovich (Danville, Calif.). Teter rapped league-bests of 10 home runs and 31 RBI in June, while the righty tossed 34 innings, winning three of four decisions and pitching to a 1.59 ERA with 48 strikeouts against just five walks.
  • WTMJ-TV in Milwaukee had this fun piece on Ken Patnode Sr., after the 100-year old threw out the first pitch at the Milwaukee Milkmen game Sunday, five years after he conducted the ceremonial toss for his 95th birthday there.
  • The AAPB All-Star Game is set for July 23 in Kansas City, Kan., and the league is set to announce the teams from each division LIVE on Facebook and YouTube on Tuesday at 2 p.m. CT, with public Last Man In Voting beginning right after through Thursday, July 11.
  • It’s “Christmas in July” next Wednesday when the Milwaukee Milkmen host the Lincoln Saltdogs at Franklin Field. The Salvation Army will be in the spirit, their ubiquitous Sidewalk Santas on hand as part of the Christmas-themed evening, including photos with St. Nick and holiday treats. A portion of the proceed will benefit the local Salvation Army in Greater Milwaukee.
  • The Winnipeg Goldeyes have teamed with 92.1 CITI radio, dubbed “Winnipeg’s Rock Station,” for ROCK Night tomorrow (Friday) at 7 p.m. CT at Blue Cross Park. Another station, KISS 102.3, is running a contest for fans to win tickets for youth teams for KISS Throwback Night on July 19.
  • Some other fun theme nights coming up:
    • Saturday, Elvis Tribute, Chicago Dogs
    • Saturday, Wild West Night, Cleburne Railroaders
    • Saturday, Ghostbusters post-game film viewing, Winnipeg Goldeyes

Fireworks, Community & Pop Culture: Ten Things to Know in the American Association This Week

The American Association of Professional Baseball (@AA_Baseball) season continues with a full slate of series this weekend, all available for free live viewing at aabaseball.tv.

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

  • Because one fireworks show just isn’t enough — and maybe some Cleburne fans might miss the Biggest Fireworks Show of the Season on the 4th — the Railroaders will host the Second Biggest Fireworks show on the 5th.
  • July 4th doesn’t mean fireworks north of the U.S. border, but that’s not stopping the Winnipeg Goldeyes from having a celebration of their own, and the team’s Field of Dreams Foundation will benefit. Next Thursday is the first-ever Bike-In Movie Night at Blue Cross Park, where for $4 fans can ride their bike or walk onto the field for a screening of lsat year’s film Next Goal Wins.
  • The Kansas City Star wrote about A.J. Alexy (Honey Brook, Pa), a two-year Major Leaguer with the Texas Rangers, standing out for the Monarchs. Alexy has struck out 12 batters over 6.2 innings in six hitless, scoreless appearances at press time.
  • One of the great things about the AAPB is that player movement goes the other way, too. Victor Vargas (Catagena, Colombia) who was signed by the Reds and assigned to AA Dayton, was 4-1 with a 2.11 ERA in seven starts with the Milwaukee Milkmen and picked right up where he left off, earning a win with a two-hit, four-strikeout performance over five innings in his debut vs. Fort Wayne on Tuesday.
  • Thomas Dillard (Oxford, Miss.) is on pace to shatter the AAPB record for walks in a single season for a player. The Cleburne infielder has drawn 50 free passes in 43 games at press time, which includes as many games (11) in which he has walked in multiple plate appearances as he has games (11) in which he has failed to draw a walk. TJ Mittelstaedt set league the record at 94 back in 2014 for Kansas City (then the T-Bones). Not coincidentally, Dillard tied the Ole Miss record with 135 career walks drawn.
  • Sioux Falls Canaries skipper Mike Meyer has 299 career managerial wins at press time, seeking to becoming the second Sioux Falls manager to reach 300, behind only Steve Shirley (Mike was Steve’s pitching coach with the Canaries for many years). Meyer has the team tied for first place (24-15); the Canaries had not been nine games over .500 at any point since finishing the 2010 season at 63-33.
  • The Gary SouthShore RailCats continue to work on uniting the local community in Northwest Indiana. The team will host NWI Chamber Night on July 17 at the SteelYard, with 14 chambers of commerce scheduled to attend. The goal of the event is to help the chambers in their aim to further the interests of small businesses in the community as well as provide education and networking opportunities.
  • Kane County infielder Josh Allen (Fort Meade, Fla.) has spent the majority of the last seven seasons in the AAPB, the last four with the Cougars after three in St. Paul. He is now four shy of 100 home runs in his pro career after hitting 12 last year, second best on the squad.
  • Lake Country was the perfect way station for Austin Davis last year, as the lefty who has played for four MLB teams, last with the Twins in 2022, finished out 2023 with the Dockhounds. It was enough for the San Diego Padres to take a flier on him, and he hasn’t disappointed, moving in to the closer role for the AAA El Paso Chihuahuas, notching eight saves and fanning 37 in 29 innings at press time. The El Paso Times chronicled his comeback story.
  • Pop culture hits the AAPB with these fun theme nights coming up:
    • Tonight – Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Night at Fargo-Moorhead
    • Friday – Seinfeld Night at Sioux Falls
    • Friday- Pirate and Princess Night at Gary SouthShore
    • Friday through Sunday – Classic Movies Weekend at Lake Country
    • Sunday – Minions at the Park at Milwaukee

Cicadas, Expansion Talk and Holidays in June: Ten Things to Know in the American Assoc. This Week

The American Association of Professional Baseball (@AA_Baseball) season continues with a full slate of series this weekend, all available for free live viewing at aabaseball.tv.

Here are 10 Things to Know about the AAPB this week:

  • The colorful cicadas may be an annoyance to some, but the Kane County Cougars aren’t one to brood. Instead, with the 13-year and 17-year cycles converging (we’re not entomologists, but we play them on AABaseball.tv), tonight is Kane County Cicadas Night at Northwestern Medicine Field vs. the Kansas City Monarchs. The team will wear special Cicada-themed jerseys which will be auctioned off for charity, and the first thousand fans receive a custom insect swatter.
  • Juneteenth, Father’s Day, Flag Day, Pride Month and National Cucumber Day (ok, that one might be a stretch) are all celebrated across the country in June. But two AAPB teams have a couple of other ideas… Halloween (Chicago Dogs, Saturday) and Halfway to Christmas (Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks, Tuesday) will bring those popular holidays back a few months early.
  • On Tuesday, the AAPB announced another in a series of key corporate partnerships, this one with MOBILEMONEY, now the official cashless payment solutions provider to the league and its member clubs.
  • Sometimes a change of position can make all the difference. The Kansas City Star and Yahoo! Sports have the story of Monarchs outfielder-turned-pitcher Nate Tellier, a .342 hitter in college whose coach suspected – rightfully so – that the mound might be a better route for the righthander in the pros. So far, so good, as he’s posted a 2.11 ERA over 17 innings at press time.
  • Big things are happening around the AAPB, and the time might just be right to grow the footprint, which now currently extends to 12 team across 10 states. Commissioner Joshua Schaub recently discussed the prospects for expansion at Fargo’s Valley News Live, potentially doubling the number of franchises by 2028-29..
  • Another 10Things, Another Homecoming as Winnipeg native Ben Onyshko signed with the hometown Goldeyes last week. The 27-year-old lefty was originally selected by the Seattle Mariners out of Steston (Fla.) Univ, reaching AAA Tacoma. He started his Goldeyes career with two innings of hitless relief on Friday to help preserve a win over Sioux City.
  • The Gary SouthShore RailCats along with other businesses sponsored a luncheon for local businesses and leaders for clean air initiatives for Northern Indiana last week. The luncheon awarded three college scholarships to local students in the areas and recognized four businesses making voluntary efforts to improve clean air quality in 2023.
  • In a few alumni moves:
    • Kane County outfielder Je’Von Ward had his contract purchased by Toronto and homered in his first game with Single-A Vancouver on Saturday.
    • Now former Kansas City Monarch Blake Rutherford is heading to Mexico to play for Toros de Tijuana in the Mexican Baseball League. Rutherford, a former MLB player, originally drafted in the first round to the New York Yankees in 2016, but finally made his big league debut in 2023 with the Washington Nationals. This season with the Monarchs, he posted a .328 batting average, .911 OPS, and launched three home runs.
    • After hitting .331 in the Low-A Florida State League, infielder Payton Eeles (Chicago ’23) was promoted to Cedar Rapids, the Twins’ High-A affiliate.
  • The Record Watch department has its eyes on Fargo’s Izzy Alcantara, who has 30 stolen bases through his team’s first 33 games. The AAPB record is 71, set by the Milwaukee Milkmen’s Bryan Torres last season. Torres continues to rake with the Cardinals’ AA affiliate in Springfield, hitting in eight straight games last week to boost his average to .329 with 16 stolen bases at press time.