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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 16^th 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).
- Moore had six scoreless outings (8 2/3 innings, two hits, 15 strikeouts) for Kansas City this season after splitting 2025 between the Monarchs and Jaguayas de Nagarit of the Mexican League. He previously pitched for Lincoln in 2022 and 2023. “It is an amazing part of this job to be able to tell them that one of their dreams has come true.” Monarchs manager Joe Calfapietra said. “We wish Steffon all the best!”
- Carreras slashed .338/.412/.581 with seven doubles and 15 RBI in 18 games for Lake Country. “We wish you all the best in your continued chase of your MLB dream,” noted Dockhounds Instagram.
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:
- Fox6 in Milwaukee caught up with former DockHounds standout Brady Kais, who took a turn with his new team, the Party Animals, in Banana Ball at American Family Field. TMJ4 added former Milkmen catcher Erik Ostberg’s tie to the region in their report.
- The Tribune (Calif.) likened the Chicago Dogs’ proximity to their MLB counterpart the Cubs (13 miles) to the Las Vegas Aviators, with the Athletics scheduled to move across Sin City when their ballpark is constructed.
- The Crescent-News (Ohio) is keeping tabs on local hero Art Warren, noting his scoreless frame of work for Kane County vs. Cleburne last week.
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:

Big crowds were the norm, with Chicago, Lincoln, Kane County and Winnipeg all attracting announced crowds of 5,000 or more for their openers, topped by Kane County’s 8,093 on Friday vs. Kansas City and Chicago netting a sellout of 7,128, also on Friday.
With a home runs in back-to-back games against Cleburne on Tuesday and Wednesday and after four homers in four wins over Cleburne in which Fargo-Moorhead scored 42 runs, the RedHawks’ José Sermo (Austin, Texas) now has 147 career AAPB homers, passing Reggie Abercrombie for second-most in league history. Sermo’s 12 RBI move him up to fourth in league career history with 512.
Ryan Hernandez’s first-inning grand salami and three-run shot in the sixth vs. Sioux Falls on Tuesday brings his total to a franchise-leading 50 home runs with the Lake Country DockHounds.
A look at the Opening Day rosters yielded some interesting tidbits:
- 6’9 Milwaukee Milkmen right-handed pitcher Brady Puckett (Murfreesboro, Tenn.) is the tallest player in the AAPB. He formerly played college baseball at Lipscomb University in Nashville, getting drafted in the 15th round of the 2017 MLB Draft by the Miami Marlins. The two shortest, at 5’7, are both international players: catcher Juan Fernandez (Valencia, Venezuela) of Fargo-Moorhead and left-handed pitcher Ryo Kohigashi (Kyoto, Japan) of Winnipeg.
- Mitchell Lambson (Montclair, Calif.), a seven-year veteran of the Winnipeg Goldeyes, is the oldest player in the league at 35, while Sioux Falls Canaries catcher, TJ Racherbaumer (Hermann, Mo.) checks in as the youngest at 22.
Sioux City righty LJ Waco (Cary, Ill.) has been transferred to the Washington Nationals organization. He becomes the 34th player moved since Explorers Manager Steve Montgomery took over the reins of the ball club in 2014. Waco made his pro debut for the X’s on Friday.
The Nationals were busy scooping up AAPB players, as Winnipeg RHP Noah Millikan (Berkeley, Calif.) and Chicago RHP Adam Bogosian (Brooklyn, N.Y.) were also transferred to the organization.
The Lake Country Dockhounds will adopt the name “Wisconsin Dive Bars” for contests July 7-9, with new jerseys on the way for those dates.
Kane County’s “Ozzie” mascot raced alongside the Northern Illinois Food Bank’s new mascot “Clementine” in the 13^th Annual Fight Hunger Run. It is said they became “fast” friends.
The Sioux Falls Canaries played an exhibition game on May 10 in Humboldt, S.D., a fundraiser for the families of Reed Harter and Chandler Bakley, two former Dakota Wesleyan baseball players who were killed in a car accident back in January
Media interest in AAPB remains strong. Some of the recent articles on teams include:
- KSDK.com had this look at former Milwaukee Milkmen star Bryan Torres, who is one step away from the majors at AAA Memphis.
- The Daily Herald previewed Kane County’s season with a piece on how many key players are returning, and they consider themselves “a big family.” The outlet gave equal time to the Chicago Dogs, noting the reuniting of twins Stan (manager) and Stu Cliburn (pitching coach) on the Dogs’ coaching staff.
- CHVN.com touted the re-signing of Puerto Rico native Roby Enriquez for this season.
- The Asbury Park Press selected Monarchs’ lefty Jay Groome (Barnegat, N.J.) on its all-time best Jersey Shore players list.
- KSCJ highlighted Travis Lee’s first season as Sioux City’s General Manager.
- Sioux Falls’ Dylan Kirkeby (Pierre, S.D.) will be inducted into the South Dakota High School Baseball Association (SDHSBA) Hall of Fame Class of 2026.
- Royals Review let fans know they can watch Monarchs games live all year on AABaseball.tv.
- WorldBaseball discussed the evolving relationship between the AAPB and MLB with Commissioner Joshua Schaub.
- Dakota News Now noted that the Canaries will have a revamped roster in 2026.
- Fox32 in Chicago says Dogs games are among their “40 Things to Do.”
A few team promotions of note are:
- Nebraska Game and Parks Night celebrates Nebraska’s natural resources, outdoor recreation and conservation efforts, Lincoln Saldogs, Thursday
- Hawai’ian Jersey Giveaway, Fargo-Moorhead, Saturday
- North Dakota Autism Center Night, Fargo-Moorhead, Sunday
- Winnipeg Transit Appreciation Day, Sunday
- Home Run For Education, STEM Curriculum activities, Chicago Dogs, Wednesday

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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