Tag Archives: baseball

American Association of Professional Baseball Announces Broadcast Partnership with Home Team Network

The American Association of Professional Baseball (AAPB) today announced a new partnership with Home Team Network that will introduce a blend of advanced artificial intelligence tools and traditional production practices in select league ballparks beginning in 2025.

The collaboration is built around Home Team Network’s underlying AI technology platform, which is designed to complement, not replace, the human elements that shape the league’s broadcasts. By pairing automated systems with the local knowledge and on-air storytelling that define American Association coverage, the league aims to create a production model that is both more efficient and more consistent while also enhancing the final product for fans and national media partners.

“This is an opportunity to strengthen the broadcasts our fans watch every night while helping our clubs manage the rising costs of production,” said Joshua Schaub, Commissioner of the American Association of Professional Baseball. “Home Team Network’s technology allows us to modernize where it makes sense while keeping the human voices and perspectives that make our ballparks special.”

Home Team Network’s platform will support areas such as camera operation, graphics, advertising and sponsorship asset insertion and real-time content capture, giving production teams in select markets new tools that streamline workflows and improve reliability. The league expects the hybrid system to reduce expenses for participating operators while elevating broadcast quality for viewers.

“We’re proud to work with a league that values both innovation and authenticity, said Home Team co-founder Tanner Goetz. “Our technology is designed to assist the people who bring these games to life, and we’re excited to help the American Association take another step forward.”

The partnership will be phased in across a limited number of American Association stadiums during the 2025 season, with the league evaluating future expansion.

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.

Leavy Says ‘Make Me Commissioner’ in New Book

Jane Leavy, baseball’s preeminent writer, hardly recognizes the game she loves anymore. Relentless pursuit of competitive edges on and off the field have killed the essential charms of the great game, chewed up some of its best talent, and left fans to root for little more than algorithms yielding fractional advantages and analytically dictated efficiencies.

Now, join Leavy on a behind the scenes road trip through the far corners of the baseball world as she sets out to uncover how the game broke, and to find the people and the ideas that just might bring it back in Make Me Commissioner: I Know What’s Wrong With Baseball and How to Fix It.

Tough, comic, and insightful, this insider’s view by the bestselling author of Sandy Koufax: A Lefty’s Legacy, The Last Boy: Mickey Mantle and the End of America’s Childhood, and The Big Fella: Babe Ruth and the World He Created takes readers from the Cape Cod Baseball League with “Bette-the-dog Leavy,” mascot of the Orleans Cardinals, to the data-driven mecca Driveline, to the MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference, to MLB HQ, and major league, minor league, independent league and Savannah Banana dugouts to gather old-school wisdom, new-school intelligence, and against-all-odds reasons to hold out hope for baseball’s future.

Leavy hits the road to see how well the rules MLB imposed in 2023 are working while gathering new ideas and support for her solutions from legends andluminaries like Joe Torre, Dave Roberts, Jim Palmer, Dusty Baker, Ron Washington, Kevin Cash, Alex Bregman, Francisco Lindor, Ozzie Albies, J.P. Crawford, Bill James, Daniel Okrent, Janet Marie Smith, and more. Along the way, she finds not only what’s wrong with baseball but also what’s undeniably and enduringly right with it, with the people who play it and with the people who love it.

Every inch a modern-day critique of the soulless and reckless modern-day pursuit of proficiency at all costs, Make Me Commissioner is also a love letter, telling the story of how baseball illuminates character, gives us a sense of who we are and what might and should matter most to us, spins yarns that surprise, delight, and inspire us, firing the imagination like no other game, like no other field of American life.

More than just practical solutions for how to save the game, with her sharp eye and quick wit, Leavy offers up thoughtful, often hilarious and always spot-on reminders of what baseball can do to save us. Baseball is our canary in the coal mine, Leavy writes. If we can remain connected to what players and managers call The Human Element, and not passively give ourselves over to the unrelenting demands of algorithms and AI, we can, she argues, stay connected to something essential and irreplaceable about who we are and want to be.

The human element includes: respecting the limitations ulnar collateral ligaments, which are tearing faster than cheap wrapping paper on Christmas morning. Make Me Commissioner takes a deep dive into the nightmare of “max heave” pitching with up-to-the-minute reporting on the Tommy John epidemic—to date, 45 additional surgeries since January.

Jane proposes: Expanding the pitching staff and creating a healthy scratch list as in the NHL, allowing managers to give beleaguered relievers a blow, but limiting the number they can use daily to eleven, nudging the game back to the era of aces and matchups that gave you a reason to go to the ball park. To that end: no pitcher may be removed from a game during an inning unless or until he has been charged with a run allowed in that inning. Any manager who removes a pitcher after seven perfect innings loses his managerial challenges for ten days.

The human element means: undoing the benign neglect that allowed the percentage of Black major leaguers to crater from nearly twenty percent to the current six percent. Commissioner Rob Manfred is trying but despite his efforts the number of Blacks on opening day rosters increased by .3 percent.

Jane proposes: Using MLB’s gambling profits to fund youth academies equivalent to the ones built in Latin America in every major league city.

The human element requires: baseball to grow a pair and grow a new audience. Market the game spikes-high to parents as the sane alternative to brain-eating collision sports like tackle football. “Teach them the game they’re going to remember forever.” It means limiting the number of showcases young pitchers are allowed to participate in to two a year.

Jane proposes: All kids ten and under, accompanied by an adult, get in free. If the Chicago Cubs had done that in 2024, and gave every kid a free hot dog, soda, ice cream, and a cap, it would have cost $4 million compared to the $21 million they paid Jason Heyward to play for the Dodgers.

The human element means: learning from the goofy Savannah Bananas, who got a contract with ESPN the week MLB lost theirs. Baseball doesn’t have to do what the Bananas do, they have to think the way the Bananas think. “Fans first, entertainment always.”

Jane proposes: meet and greets in the stands during every home game by players on the Injured List. No one ever pulled a groin shaking hands. A designated post-game autograph signer. A designated section at every game with $25 tickets plus all you can eat.

The human element demands: fixing baseball’s insane economic system model that allows Mets owner Steve Cohen to sign free agent Juan Soto for $765 million while nine other teams spent less than $20 million. As Hall of Famer Jim Palmer told her, “You would think there has to be a way where you can make a fan in Pittsburgh feel as important as a fan that comes to a Mets game. There’s so much there to share.”

Jane proposes: three new systems for making the game fair.

The human element insists: on meeting the present moment with imagination to make baseball cool again like the hand-held game “Beat the Bot” devised by the MIT Sports Analytics Lab to allow kids to interact with the game on the field the way they interact with the rest of the world. Tested at Eldredge Park with resounding success.

This is why Bill “Spaceman” Lee told her: “I know why you should be commissioner. You’re not for the players. You’re not for the owners. You’re for the game.”

HIGHLIGHT QUOTES:

Dusty Baker on baseball’s new rules: “Shee-it, it ain’t all fixed.”

Joe Torre on analytics: “They’re trying to make an imperfect game, perfect. I resent that.”

Morgan Sword, MLB executive vice president: “People don’t come to see velo. They come to see a story.”

J.P. Crawford, shortstop Seattle Mariners: “They’ve taken the beauty of the game away from baseball.”

Roger Angell, late baseball writer for the New Yorker: “I hate modern baseball.”

Buck Showalter, four-time manager of the year: “It’s just boring faster.”

AAPB will host All Elite Wrestling for Summer Ballpark Tour Featuring AEW Stars live in stadiums

The American Association of Professional Baseball (AAPB) and All Elite Wrestling (AEW) are joining forces to bring an electrifying mix of professional baseball and wrestling entertainment to fans across the country this summer. AEW talent will make in-person appearances at AAPB stadiums as part of a multi-market activation blending America’s pastime with one of the most dynamic forces in global sports entertainment.

AEW stars will participate in VIP first pitches, live game broadcast interviews, in-stadium autograph and photo sessions, help lead the 7th inning stretch alongside team emcees, and deliver other exhilarating moments throughout the stadiums. These ballpark experiences are designed to create unforgettable moments for fans of all ages.

“This partnership is about creating energy and excitement showcasing the American Association not as just a great baseball experience, but a great entertainment experience,” said Joshua Schaub, Commissioner of the American Association of Professional Baseball. “AEW is one of the most recognizable brands in sports entertainment, and bringing their talent into our ballparks adds another layer of fun and fan engagement to the AAPB experience. It’s bold, it’s different, and it’s a perfect fit for how we see the future of live sports.”

The 2025 AEW x AAPB ballpark tour includes:

  • July 21 and 22 – Fargo, N.D. (American Association All Star Game: WWE Hall of Famer and AEW star Jeff Jarrett along with AEW star Wheeler Yuta
  • July 24 – Geneva, Ill. (Kane County Cougars): AEW stars Jay Lethal and Satnam Singh Bhamara
  • July 24 – Gary, Ind. (Gary SouthShore RailCats): The Outrunners

“We’re excited to partner with the American Association and bring AEW’s powerhouse roster directly to fans in some of the most passionate baseball markets in the country,” said Chris Terranova, Vice President of Consumer Products at AEW. “These appearances are about more than just a moment, they’re about connecting with communities, giving back to fans, and creating memories that blend the action of the ring with the magic of the diamond.”

All activations will be featured across AAPB broadcasts and social media platforms.

For tickets and more information, visit aabaseball.com or that above team’s websites.

Olson’s Walk-Off Hit Gives N.L. All-Star Game Triumph In Strat-O-Matic Simulation

Atlanta first baseman Matt Olson laced a one-out single, plating Cincinnati’s Elly De La Cruz with the winning run in the bottom of the 10th inning in his hometown stadium, Truist Park, to lift the National League to a 3-2 triumph over the American League in a simulation of the All-Star Game via Strat-O-Matic (@strat-o-matic), the market leader in sports simulations.

In the simulation, the A.L. scored first on a third-inning leadoff home run by Tampa Bay third baseman Junior Caminero. The N.L. answered with two in the bottom of the fourth, with Los Angeles catcher Will Smith and Chicago outfielder Kyle Tucker plating runs with consecutive RBI hits. After the Junior Circuit tied it in the fifth on Caminero’s second solo homer of the game, the game remained even until Olson’s game-winner off Boston’s Aroldis Chapman brought in automatic runner De La Cruz.

San Diego reliever Jason Adam earned the win with a scoreless 10th inning, aided when Colorado catcher Hunter Goodman threw out automatic runner Jonathan Aranda of Tampa Bay attempting to steal third with one out. Adam then fanned Toronto catcher Alejandro Kirk to keep the game tied and set up Olson’s heroics in the bottom of the frame.

Olson and Arizona 2B Ketel Marte had two hits each to lead the N.L. Seattle closer Andrés Muñoz struck out the side in a scoreless eighth to pace the A.L. pitchers.

American…….. 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 – 2 8 0
National…….. 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 – 3 10 1
WP: Adam; LP: Chapman
HR: Caminero 2

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).

Rose, Jackson, Black Sox Take on Bonds, Other Outcasts in Strat-O-Matic Simulation

The recent reinstatement of Pete Rose, Shoeless Joe Jackson, the rest of the famed 1919 Chicago “Black Sox” and a few other long-deceased and long-forgotten players from more than a century ago made big news in baseball circles this month. Commentary continues on the Hall of Fame-worthiness of Rose, Jackson and perhaps a couple of the newly un-banned standouts.

Lurking too is the discussion about Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Jose Canseco, Alex Rodriguez and a few others whose career numbers would get them to Cooperstown easily but whose off-field activities, primarily connections with performance enhancing substances, have kept them out of the Hall and, in some cases, out of baseball.

Just how good were the newly reinstated players compared to the “shadow-banned” stars of more recent vintage? Strat-O-Matic (@strat-o-matic), the market leader in sports simulations, put it to the test with a contest between squads made up of the best players from those two groups. Taking the hill for the “Shadow Banned” stars was Clemens, facing Eddie Cicotte, famed for being among the ringleaders of the group throwing the 1919 World Series.

Dotted with multi-time All-Stars like Bonds, Canseco, Rodriguez, Robinson Cano, Mark McGwire and others, the modern team looked on paper like a more accomplished squad than Rose, Buck Weaver, Chick Gandil, Happy Felsch and the others. But in the Strat-O-Matic simulation, it was Cicotte who held that juggernaut team to six hits over seven innings, getting relief help from co-conspirator (and three-game loser in the ‘19 Series) Lefty Williams for a 4-2 Reinstated Team triumph.

Rodriguez led off the game with a solo home run, and Bonds hit one out in the fifth for a 2-0 lead. But Jackson drove in two runs with a sixth-inning double, and shortstop Swede Risberg brought in the go-ahead marker with a double in the seventh, followed by unheralded catcher Gene Paulette’s RBI single for the final margin.

The eight reinstated Black Sox make up a significant portion of that 1919 Chicago team that is one of the eight teams in the Strat-O-Matic Deadball Diamond Gems set releasing next month, with eight extensively researched and fully super-advanced squads from that era.

Shadow Banned… 1 0 0  0 1 0  0 0 0  –  2  7  0

Reinstated…… 0 0 0  0 0 2  2 0    –  4  5  1

WP: Cicotte; LP: Clemens; SV: Williams

HR: Rodriguez, Bonds

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:

BCL Americas Opens Today: Ten Things to Know in the American Association This Week

The Baseball Champions League (BCL) Americas gets underway today at Estadio Alfredo Harp Helú in Mexico City, with a team made up mostly of players from the American Association of Professional Baseball (@AA_Baseball) reigning champion Kane County Cougars representing the league in the six-team international competition.

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

  • Hosted by the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) in conjunction with the Mexican Baseball League (LMB), the 2025 BCL Americas features the Cougars and five other champion clubs:
    • Leñadores de Las Tunas (Cuba) – Serie Nacional Champions
    • Pirates de Santa Maria (Curaçao) – Curaçao Baseball League Champions
    • Tigres de Chinandega (Nicaragua) – Liga de Béisbol Profesional Nacional
    • Titanes de Florida (Puerto Rico) – Liga de Béisbol Superior Doble A
    • Diablos Rojos del México (Mexico) – Mexican Baseball League (LMB) Champions and tournament hosts
  • These teams are divided into two groups:
    • Group A: Diablos Rojos del México, Tigres de Chinandega, Titanes de Florida
    • Group B: Kane County Cougars, Leñadores de Las Tunas, Pirates de Santa Maria
  • Play begins today in the Round Robin portion of the contest, with the Cougars taking on Santa Maria at 4 p.m. ET (3 p.m. CT). Vin Timpanelli (Staten Island, N.Y. / Ramapo (N.J.) College; 1-2. 2.70 for Kane County last year) gets the starting assignment on the mound
  • Some of the notable players on other teams competing in the event include:
    • Aristides Aquino, Diablos Rojos del México
    • Robinson Canó, Diablos Rojos del México
    • Francisco Mejía, Diablos Rojos del México
    • Jose Pirela, Diablos Rojos del México
    • Jonathan Schoop, Santa María Pirates
    • Andrelton Simmons, Santa María Pirates
  • The format includes two group-stage games for each team (today through Thursday), followed by crossover games between second- and third-place finishers (Friday). Winners from those matchups advance to the semifinals (Saturday), and the championship game will take place on Sunday at 4 p.m ET / 3 p.m. CT.
  • Kane County also plays on Thursday vs. Leñadores (4 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. CT) before QF/Semifinal matchups the next two days.
  • All BCL games involving the Cougars are available for free live viewing at aabaseball.tv, as well as broadcast partners Fubo, Unbeaten, Ryz Sports Network and Gray TV.
  • There are several companies that are helping support the American Association and its players in participating in the Baseball Champions League:
    • Carbliss – ​Carbliss is a Wisconsin-based company offering premium, ready-to-drink, handcrafted cocktails that are zero carbs, zero sugar, gluten-free, and only 100 calories per serving
    • CAPX – CapX Lab is a headwear innovation company offering a range of customizable hats designed with intention
    • Champro – Champro is a sporting goods manufacturer founded in 1986, providing high-quality sports apparel, uniforms, equipment, and accessories for youth, women, and men across various sports
    • VensureHR – Vensure is a leading provider of human resources services and technology, offering comprehensive solutions including payroll processing, employee benefits, risk management, and compliance assistance to small and mid-sized businesses
  • In the inaugural 2023 edition of the BCL, the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks captured the international baseball world’s attention by storming through the field in Mérida, Mexico, and claiming the first-ever title
  • The AAPB season gets underway on Thursday, May 8, when Kane County hosts Sioux City and Cleburne entertains Winnipeg.
  • The original American Association was formed in 1902 as an independent minor league circuit for Midwestern U.S. cities like Minneapolis, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Louisville and others. After several iterations, the realignment of Major League Baseball in 1997 spelled the end of the venerable league in that form. But in 2006, a new league formed using that great name, the result of a merger between two other “independent” leagues. Today, the AAPB is 12 teams strong and is a Major League Baseball Partner League operating in nine states and one Canadian province.

Chicago Wins Championship in 2025 Baseball Strat-O-Matic Simulation

A lot has been made of how, on paper, Los Angeles seems to have cornered the market on so many stars that it would be prohibitive favorites to win, or at least reach, this year’s baseball championship. But, as the saying goes, that’s why they play the games–or, in this case–simulate the games, as Strat-O-Matic (@strat-o-matic), the market leader in sports simulation games, today released its annual Opening Day projection of the 2025 baseball season. 

With 107 wins, Los Angeles breezed to the #1 seed in the N.L, but suffered a five-game defeat to Wild Card Milwaukee in the Division Series to end its season. Chicago, 91-game winners to take the Central, swept East champ Atlanta, then dispatched Milwaukee in six to reach the final, where the Chicagolanders swept A.L. winner Toronto (A.L. East champion, 92-70) for the title.

The other division winners in Strat-O-Matic’s simulation were Minnesota (92-70) and Seattle (94-68). The Wild Cards were New York (84-78), Houston (84-78) and Kansas City (84-78) in the American and New York (95-67) and San Francisco (88-74).
Major award winners in the American League are Toronto’s Vladimir Guerrero (.321, 45 HR, 130 RBI, 1.024OPS), while Minnesota’s Pablo Lopez turns in a 16-8 mark with 3.23 ERA and 212 strikeouts to win the Cy Young. In the N.L., Shohei Ohtani of L.A. collected another MVP, at .298 with 38 HR and 124 RBI and .998 OPS, and his teammate Yoshinobu Yamamoto earned the top pitching award by posting a 20-7 record and 2.96 ERA with 190 whiffs.

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

CAPX Named Official Hat of American Association and Preferred Supplier

The American Association of Professional Baseball (AAPB) and CAPX are pleased to announce a league wide partnership beginning in 2025.

The multi-year agreement names CAPX as the official hat, exclusive headwear marketing partner, and preferred headwear supplier of the league. As part of the partnership, CAPX will serve as the official hat provider for AAPB championship teams competing in the WBSC Baseball Champions League (BCL), starting this April with the reigning AAPB Champion Kane County Cougars.

“We are extremely excited to partner with CAPX. Their team’s resume of 35+ years in design and headwear innovation are unparalleled in the industry,” said American Association Commissioner Joshua Schaub. “We look forward to growing together.”

“At CAPX, we are thrilled to join forces with the American Association as their official hat partner,” said David Gormley, Founder of CAPX. “Our team is dedicated to delivering cutting-edge designs, superior craftmanship, and innovative headwear solutions for athletes and fans alike. We look forward to seeing our caps on the field and being part of the league’s continued success.”

In addition to its official designation, CAPX will offer AAPB team-branded hats for sale at stadiums throughout the League. CAPX will also be prominently featured in promotions across the league’s AABaseball.TV broadcast assets, social media platforms, and marquee events, including the All-Star Game, Home Run Derby, and Miles Wolff Cup Playoffs/Final.

The partnership was brokered by SRS Partners, the exclusive sponsorship sales agency for the Amercian Association.

Tim Kurkjian Among ‘Hal Richman Strat-O-Matic Hall of Fame’ Inductees on SOM Opening Day, Feb. 21

A time-honored tradition for thousands of fans throughout the years, Strat-O-Matic Opening Day is set for Friday, February 21, at company Headquarters in Glen Head, N.Y. There, Strat-O-Matic’s greatest enthusiasts line up along Railroad Avenue in the Long Island hamlet to be among the first to get their hands on new 2025 baseball games as well as the debut of numerous product offerings from the market leader in sports simulations.

For the third straight year, Opening Day will also serve as Induction Friday, with four new members joining the ranks of the “Hal Richman Strat-O-Matic Hall of Fame.” This year, legendary baseball media member and longtime SOM player Tim Kurkjian, Lamanna Baseball Bulletin creator John Lamanna, “Original Strat-O-Matic Ambassador” Tom Swank and longtime SOM game tester Ken Wenger will be honored on the 21st with enshrinement.

Kurkjian, who began playing Strat-O-Matic at age 13, also introduced the game to his son Jeff. Together they share baseball stories on their popular podcast “Is This A Great Game, or What?,” on which they also discuss a customized Strat-O-Matic simulation every week during the season.

In 2024, fans from as far away as Las Vegas began lining up as early as 2 a.m., braving less than temperate conditions to pick up their orders as well as gain the honor of meeting the Strat-O-Matic founder and creator, Hal Richman, who enjoys hearing fans talk about the decades of enjoyment that the game has brought them.

This year, fans who preordered will be able to go home with their purchases, including the new 2024 baseball season cards, “Diamond Gems” series featuring 16 great teams from the 2000-2009 decade, the full super-advanced 1970 baseball season, and the “True Blue Strat” designed t-shirt. Windows products including the 2025 game, numerous Negro League seasons, Cuban All-Time Stars teams and updated Hall of Fame roster will be released on Feb. 24.

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 Announces Agreement With RYZ Sports Network

The American Association of Professional Baseball (AAPB) and RYZ Sports Network are pleased to announce a groundbreaking league-wide television partnership beginning in 2025.

The partnership kicks off with television broadcasts featuring the 2024 AAPB Champion Kane County Cougars, who will represent the AAPB, the United States, and Canada in the prestigious Baseball Champions League. This event, hosted by the World Baseball Softball Confederation, is scheduled for April 8–13, 2025, in Mexico City, Mexico, at Alfredo Harp Stadium. The tournament’s second edition, hosted by the Mexico City Diablos, will showcase six championship clubs from the highest professional baseball leagues in Cuba, Curaçao, Nicaragua, Puerto Rico, Mexico, and the United States/Canada.

During the 2025 regular season, the RYZ Sports Network will televise two games per week featuring teams from across the American Association. Following the conclusion of the regular season, RYZ will also broadcast the AAPB playoffs, where teams will compete for the coveted Miles Wolff Cup.

The RYZ Sports Network is a live 24/7 sports network that is currently available on Samsung Plus TV and will be available on Xumo Play on Google TV beginning on January 9th.

“This agreement extends the television reach of the American Association and significantly expands our viewership in the United States beyond our 12 home markets. This is a win for our players, our fans, and our sponsors,” said Joshua Schaub, AAPB Commissioner.

“The American Association of Professional Baseball embodies the essence and purity of America’s game, and we are thrilled to be showcasing them on RYZ Sports Network for years to come,” said Hammad Zaidi, Co-Founder and CEO of RYZ Sports Network.

Los Angeles Edges New York In Seven In Strat-O-Matic Simulation

Tommy Edman had a series-best .435 average, hit two home runs and drove in six runs, Teoscar Hernandez plated seven and Mookie Betts had 10 hits as Los Angeles topped New York, four games to three, as Strat-O-Matic (@strat-o-matic), the market leader in sports simulation games, simulated the championship series which begins tonight.

In the decisive Game Seven, Hernandez’s single plated Betts with the go-ahead run that gave L.A. a 2-1 edge. The hosts would add another in the bottom of the sixth on a solo home run by Will Smith, and on a bullpen day, Blake Treinen pitched two perfect innings, fanning four, as the last of eight Los Angeles pitchers in the game, for his third save of the series.

Los Angeles rallied from a 3-1 series deficit, getting five-inning starts from Jack Flaherty and Yoshinobu Yamamoto in Games Five and Six to send it to the winner-take-all contest in L.A. 

Betts hit .370 in the seven games with a home run and seven RBI. In the battle between probable league MVPs, New York’s Aaron Judge (.346, two home runs, three RBI) and Shohei Ohtani (.231, two HR, six RBI) were fairly even, while Giancarlo Stanton had three home runs and drove in six in the series.

Game 1

New York……. 1 0 1  0 0 1  0 0 0  –  3  6  4

Los Angeles…. 0 0 1  0 2 0  1 0    –  4  7  0

WP: Vesia; LP: Hill; SV: Treinen

HR: Soto, Stanton

Game 2

New York……. 0 3 2  1 4 1  0 0 2  – 13 15  0

Los Angeles…. 0 0 2  0 2 0  0 0 0  –  4  8  0

WP: Leiter; LP: Yamamoto

HR: Wells, Chisholm, Volpe, Rizzo, T. Hernandez

Game 3

Los Angeles…. 1 2 0  0 0 0  1 0 0  –  4  7  0

New York……. 1 0 0  0 0 3  0 0 1  –  5  8  0

WP: Weaver; LP: Kopech

HR: Edman, Judge

Game 4

Los Angeles…. 0 0 0  0 0 0  1 0 0  –  1  4  2

New York……. 2 0 0  0 0 0  4 1    –  7  7  0

WP: Gil; LP: Brasier

HR: T. Hernandez, Soto

Game 5

Los Angeles…. 0 0 2  0 3 0  0 0 0  –  5  8  0

New York……. 0 0 0  1 0 0  1 0 2  –  4  5  1

WP: Flaherty; LP: Cole; SV: Treinen

HR: Ohtani 2, Wells 2, Stanton

Game 6

New York……. 0 1 0  0 0 0  0 0 0  –  1  8  0

Los Angeles…. 3 1 0  0 0 1  0 2    –  7 11  0

WP: Yamamoto; LP: Rodon

HR: Stanton, Betts, Edman

Game 7

New York……. 1 0 0  0 0 0  0 0 0  –  1  2  0

Los Angeles…. 1 0 1  0 0 1  0 0    –  3  7  0

WP: Banda; LP: Schmidt; SV: Treinen

HR: Judge, Smith

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.”

$2 Million Ruth ‘Called Shot’ Jersey Heads New Auction

There have been historic Sports auctions, legendary Sports auctions, landmark Sports auctions. But there has never been anything like Heritage’s August 23-25 Summer Platinum Night Sports Auction, which could become the biggest Sports auction ever.

There have already been countless headlines about its centerpiece: the New York Yankees jersey Babe Ruth wore when he called his shot (or not?) against the Chicago Cubs in Game 3 of the 1932 World Series. The jersey, photo-matched more than any ever worn during a mythic moment, is even scheduled to return to Wrigley Field on July 23. The jersey’s $30 million estimate garners as many knowing nods as wide eyes. As Heritage’s Director of Sports, Chris Ivy, said this spring, when the jersey’s auction was first announced, “Ruth’s World Series jersey is the most significant piece of American sports memorabilia to be offered at auction in decades.”

Collectors wholeheartedly agree: Bids crossed the $10 million mark just hours after the auction opened for bidding Saturday.

But this auction’s highlights are seemingly endless, spanning jerseys worn by titans, bats swung by legends, balls smashed (and signed) by folk heroes, even the bases trodden by baseball’s home-run record-setter and an authenticated Yankees cap The Babe wore during the early 1930s. Every piece tells a story behind a statistic, conjures a memory of a milestone moment and shares its place in history with the heroes of diamonds, hardwood and gridiron.

Where even to begin? Perhaps with the virtual visit to Monument Park and the Murderers’ Row of jerseys worn by legendary Yankees — Gehrig, Mantle and DiMaggio joining Ruth — during history-making moments.

Gehrig shares this auction’s spotlight with Ruth, with whom he played more than 1,300 regular-season games. Heritage is honored to present a road Yankees jersey photo-matched to the 1938 season, which was toward the end of Gehrig’s 2,130 consecutive games-played streak.

During the back half of that year, The Iron Horse was noticeably and admittedly weakened by his yet-undiagnosed ALS. “I don’t know why,” he said toward the season’s end, “but I just couldn’t get going again.” Wrote biographer Jonathan Eig, “Though he played the entire 1938 season and helped the Yankees win the World Series, he knew something was wrong.” About a month into the 1939 season, Gehrig benched himself, never to return to the field until his immortal farewell at Yankee Stadium on July 4, 1939.

This jersey has been matched to three photos from The Iron Horse’s final full season.