Avon, OH - The Lake Erie Crushers have extended the contract for field manager Jared Lemieux into the 2027 season. Lemieux joined the Crushers in 2023, and in 2024 he led the franchise to its first playoff appearance in five years with a 51-44 record and a top three pitching staff in tow. With the team parched for their first playoff win since 2013, the Crushers skipper urged Lake Erie to a remarkable 10-8 victory over the Gateway Grizzlies in the Wild Card Game to send his squad to the Divisional Round. Lemieux’s second offseason saw the addition of many key pieces to a very successful 2025 squad. The imports of Dylan Spain, Brandyn Sittinger, Davie Morgan, and Derek Vegas paired with the mid-season acquisitions of Dario Gomez and Kenen Irizarry were crucial to the team’s success. The snake-bitten offense of 2024 was patched up and made playable by Lemieux’s offseason efforts, and another top three pitching staff in the Frontier League powered the Crushers to a 52-41 record, the team’s most wins in a season since 2019. Jared Lemieux became the first manager in Lake Erie Crushers history to make the playoffs in back-to-back seasons, and his 103-86 record over the last two seasons speaks to the trajectory he has set the organization on. Perhaps the most impactful and telling quote from his quotebook, Lemieux’s favorite philosophy is: “Baseball is a game, and games are meant to be fun…but it’s always more fun when you win.” Fresh off his induction into the Maine Baseball Hall of Fame in 2024, Skipper Jared Lemieux looks to continue the winning standard in Avon in 2026 and beyond - looking for that next, elusive Frontier League title for Lake Erie since 2009. The Lake Erie Crushers will open their 17th season at newly named ForeFront Field in Avon on Friday, May 8th, 2026 in a playoff rematch against the Schaumburg Boomers. For information on season ticket memberships visit lakeeriecrushers.com , and be sure to follow our socials @LECrushers on Instagram/Facebook/X.

JOLIET, IL - On Thursday, April 30th, the Joliet Slammers will be locked in the gates of the Old Joliet Prison as they take the field for a one-of-a-kind exhibition game. This event will serve as the official kickoff to the Route 66 Centennial Celebration with a 3:05pm first pitch. The exhibition game will adopt the name “The Big House Ballgame” to represent the long history of organized baseball played at the prison. The first game was introduced in 1914 by Warden Edmund Allen as a way to improve morale and encourage good behavior. Baseball remained a constant at the Joliet Prison for nearly a century until the facility closed in 2002. The Slammers are proud to be a part of a once in a lifetime celebration of the famous Route 66 and excited to help usher in a new era of baseball and community connections in Joliet. “The Big House Ballgame” will serve as the kickoff to a full slate of programs and community-wide activities throughout the city. “The Big House Ballgame” is locally supported by Will County Government, Heritage Corridor Destinations, and Sportsfields Inc. “‘The Big House Ballgame’ is exactly the kind of big idea event that gets us fired up as a team,” said Night Train Veeck. “We love being a part of these special moments that bring people together, surprise them a little, and give them a memory they’ll be talking about for a long time. We can’t think of a better way to celebrate the Route 66 Centennial, Joliet’s storied history and Slammers Opening Week.” Keep an eye out in the upcoming weeks for information on tickets and event details! If you are interested in attending the game, please visit https://jolietslammers.com/bhbg/ to sign up early. Looking for more information on partnerships or all things “The Big House Ballgame” please email bighouseballgame@jolietslammers.com .

SAUGET, ILL. – The Gateway Grizzlies announce that Kyle Gaedele will take over as the club’s field manager in 2026, making him the seventh manager in team history. The change is effective immediately. Gaedele will take over for Steve Brook, who will become the Grizzlies’ Director of Baseball Operations following four successful seasons as manager that included three straight playoff appearances from 2023-25. In this new role, Brook will assist Gaedele with player procurement among other duties. “Kyle has shown that he is a natural leader in his various roles with the organization,” Grizzlies general manager Kurt Ringkamp said. “His knowledge of the game and everyday commitment will lead to success, both on and off the field.” Originally from the Chicago area and now residing in Arizona, Gaedele has served as the Grizzlies’ hitting coach for the last three seasons, spearheading an offense that has consistently ranked among the best in the Frontier League. In 2023 and 2024, he also was a player-coach, notably hitting .286 with 11 home runs and 32 RBIs in only 37 games down the stretch in 2023 (his first on-field action in five years) to help lead the Grizzlies to their first West Division title in 16 years. Gaedele first came to the Frontier League as a player for Brook in 2016 with the River City Rascals, putting up all-star caliber numbers after a five-year career in the San Diego Padres organization where he advanced as high as Double-A. He was a sixth-round pick of the Padres in 2011 out of Valparaiso University in Indiana. “I want to extend my sincere gratitude to the Sauget family for the opportunity to build upon the standard set by Steve, Kurt, and the entire Gateway Grizzlies organization,” Gaedele said. “I am excited for the work ahead, and deeply appreciative for the chance to contribute to the success and culture of this team.” The rest of the Grizzlies’ coaching staff will be finalized at a later date. Be sure to follow along on GatewayGrizzlies.com or on the Grizzlies’ social media accounts for updates throughout the offseason as they prepare for 2026!

TROY, NY — The Tri-City ValleyCats announced their latest Building the Roster Update presented by Curtis Lumber, headlined by 2025 All-Star 3B Ian Walters, who is returning for his fourth season. Tri-City also handed extensions to the following players: RHP Austin Dill, RHP Gino Sabatine, OF Dylan Broderick, INF Josh Leslie, INF Amani Larry, RHP Nate Nabholz, UTL Jancarlos Colon, C Ranko Stevanovic, and OF David Glancy. Additionally, the ‘Cats signed C Mike Campagna, who played for the Yuba-Sutter High Wheelers in the Pioneer Baseball League last season. Walters earned his second Midsummer Classic nomination, and first since 2022 when he was with the Washington Wild Things. Originally acquired by Tri-City in a 2023 midseason trade, Walters has been one of the best defenders at the hot corner in the Frontier League. The Southern Illinois University product took his offensive game to the next level this season, putting together career highs in nearly every category, batting .288 with 17 big flies and 76 RBI. Highlights for the Paducah, KY native this year included driving in the go-ahead run at the Frontier League All-Star Game presented by Rensselaer County IDA at Joseph L. Bruno Stadium. He also crushed the first postseason home run for the ‘Cats in Frontier League history and went deep in each of the first three games in the playoffs. Dill, Sabatine, and Broderick are returning for their third season. Dill sealed the ValleyCats second consecutive postseason berth, nailing down the save over the New York Boulders in a twinbill sweep at “The Joe” on August 21st. Sabatine was utilized in high-leverage situations, working 33.1 innings in 2025, and finishing 11 games. Meanwhile, Broderick has reached base at a .360 clip during his first two years in the Capital Region, and his power numbers improved upon the 2024 campaign. Leslie, Larry, Nabholz, Colon, Stevanovic, and Glancy are suiting up for their second campaign. Stevanovic, Leslie, and Larry batted .300 or higher. Leslie paced the team with 31 stolen bases as the everyday shortstop. Glancy also hit for average in the postseason, batting .375, and played in all six playoff games. Additionally, Nabholz pitched to a 2.61 ERA over 31 frames, racking up 30 strikeouts. Meanwhile, Colon provided solid defense primarily as a middle infielder. Campagna more than held his own for the High Wheelers in 2025. The backstop hit .284 with seven home runs and 27 RBI through 49 games. The University of San Francisco product collected nearly as many walks than strikeouts, a rarity in today’s game. These transactions follow the earlier signings of OF Aaron Whitley and LHP Luis Misla, two players with local ties, as well as a contract extension for manager, Greg Tagert. The 2026 season begins on Friday, May 8th as the ‘Cats travel to New Jersey. Opening Night at “The Joe” is scheduled for Friday, May 15th with Tri-City hosting the Québec Capitales in a rematch of the Atlantic Conference Finals.

Pomona, NY – The New York Boulders are thrilled to announce that manager TJ Stanton has agreed to a contract for the upcoming 2026 Frontier League season, which will be his sixth at the helm and tie Jamie Keefe (2013-2018) for the longest tenure in franchise history. The 44-year-old Florida native guided the ball club to a second straight 52-win campaign this past season – and its first playoff appearance since 2022. On June 26, 2025, in a 4-2 win at Brockton vs. the Rox, Stanton reached a milestone by collecting his 400th career regular season managerial victory. He said “I am extremely grateful and excited to be leading the Boulders in this new chapter at Clover Stadium. The new turf (currently being installed) is an absolute game changer and liYs up our organization to the very best possible home field in all of independent baseball.” The Boulders are 258-219 in TJ’s five regular seasons and have posted 50+ wins each of the last four years.The 2026 Frontier League calendar features an expanded 102-game schedule, with the Boulders set to play a league-high 54 home games. Opening night is scheduled for May 7th against the Brockton Rox.

Paterson, NJ — The New Jersey Jackals announce the return of Bobby M. Jones to the organization as Field Manager for the 2026 season. Reinforcing the team’s commitment to building a club that reflects the energy, history, and diversity of Paterson, Passaic County and North Jersey. A New Jersey native and respected baseball veteran, Jones previously led the Jackals in 2022, guiding the team as General Manager during its move to historic Hinchliffe Stadium. His return comes as the organization enters a new era under President and Chairman Baye Adofo-Wilson, whose leadership emphasizes community engagement and cultural celebration. “I’m honored to return to the team as Manager, to work with Baye and our front office,” said Jones. “Their vision—to celebrate Paterson’s culture and make the Jackals a source of local pride—is something I genuinely believe in. I will instill in our players that connection to this community every time they take the field.” Jones will lead the team’s efforts to play exciting, fan-friendly, competitive baseball while expanding relationships with local organizations, schools, and youth programs.  “Bobby understands the game, understands this community, and believes baseball can bring people together across cultures and generations, said Adofo-Wilson. “As we write a new chapter for the Jackals at historic Hinchliffe Stadium, Bobby’s experience and leadership make him the ideal person to guide our players and inspire our fans.” The Jackals’ 2026 season will be their fourth at Hinchliffe Stadium—one of the last remaining Negro Leagues ballparks. Through expanded cultural events, community nights, and educational programming they will honor the stadium’s unique place in baseball and Paterson’s history. About the New Jersey Jackals: Founded in 1998, the Jackals are New Jersey’s longest tenured professional baseball team. They compete in the Frontier League, a partner league of Major League Baseball and are committed to providing fun, affordable, and family-friendly entertainment to a diverse audience while supporting the growth of professional baseball.

TROY, NY - The Tri-City ValleyCats have announced that Field Manager Greg Tagert has been extended through the 2028 season. 2026 will mark the third year Tagert has been at the helm with Tri-City. This Building the Roster update is brought to you by Curtis Lumber. The ValleyCats are coming off a 62-34 regular season campaign, which included a single-season franchise record number of wins and their first Frontier League postseason series victory. It was the second consecutive year the ‘Cats made the playoffs. “We are thrilled to announce this contract extension with Greg,” said ValleyCats Vice President & General Manager, Matt Callahan. “This has been a tremendous fit and partnership over the past two years. 2025 was a special season in Tri-City and we are excited to build on that success for the future.” The 62-year-old skipper has amassed a 115-75 record with Tri-City. Under Tagert, RHP Nick DeCarlo and C Miguel Useche were signed by the Milwaukee Brewers and Chicago Cubs organizations this season. Tagert was named the manager of this year’s Atlantic Conference All-Star team. C Oscar Campos, 3B Ian Walters, RHP Arlo Marynczak, and RHP Easton Klein all represented Tri-City at Joseph L. Bruno Stadium for the Frontier League All-Star Game presented by Rensselaer County IDA. Additionally, ValleyCats Pitching Coach Tom Thornton and Hitting Coach David Robinson were a part of Tagert’s All-Star coaching staff. The Vacaville, CA native joined Pete Incaviglia (159), Ed Romero (134), and Gregg Langbehn (127) as the fourth skipper to win 100-plus games. His .605 win percentage ranks first among all skippers in the ValleyCats 23-season history. Entering 2026, Tagert will become only the fourth manager to be at the helm for three seasons with the ‘Cats. He has compiled a 1430-1258 record (.532 win percentage) across 30 seasons as a manager in professional baseball, including 11 years in the Frontier League. “When I joined the ValleyCats organization,” said Tagert. “I was certainly aware of the proud history of the franchise, along with the stellar reputation of the ownership and front office. These past two years have given me a first-hand look at what the ValleyCats are all about. Treating every fan, player, partner, employee in a first-class manner. “It’s been an absolute wonderful experience for me here in the Capital Region. One that I’m not sure I envisioned being in at this stage of my career. I want to thank the Gladstones, Rick Murphy, and Matt Callahan for entrusting me for at least the next three years to manage our ball club. I can’t wait for the 2026 season and the years to follow. As our team and front office provides many more special moments for our fans at “The Joe”.” The Frontier League has expanded to a 102-game season, so there are six more contests than the 2025 campaign. The ValleyCats home opener is on Friday, May 15th and they face the Québec Capitales in a rematch of the Atlantic Conference Finals. Join the ValleyCats for their 24th season in the Capital Region. There will be 25% off all merchandise and a special holiday ticket package during our Black Friday sale from Friday, November 28th through Monday, December 1st. To learn more about 2026 Group Tickets, Season Tickets, Mini-Plans, and Flex Vouchers, log onto tcvalleycats.com , call 518-629-CATS (2287), or visit the Joseph L. Bruno Stadium Box Office.

CRESTWOOD, IL – The Windy City ThunderBolts are excited to announce that Tom Carcione has been named field manager for the 27th season of ThunderBolts baseball in 2026.  A veteran of the Frontier League and Partner League baseball, Carcione comes to the ThunderBolts from the Ottawa Titans, where he served a variety of roles over a four-year stint working with manager Bobby Brown. Most recently, he was the hitting coach in 2025. During his four years in Ottawa, the Titans made two trips to the playoffs and were eliminatedin the final weekend this past season. “The ThunderBolts are thrilled to welcome Tom Carcione to the Chicago Southland as our new manager,” said ThunderBolts owner David DelBello. “Tom's many years of experience in professional baseball, along with his local ties to the area, make him the perfect choice to lead the team. I am confident Tom will bring winning ThunderBoltsbaseball back to Crestwood.” “Tom has been in the professional ranks of baseball for over 35 years,” added GM Mike VerSchave. “He has the background, temperament and knowledge to create a winning culture for our organization. I have known Tom personally for over a decade and cannot think of someone more qualified to lead the ThunderBolts in 2026 and beyond.” Prior to his four years in Ottawa, Carcione spent one season (2021) as the hitting coach for the Southern Illinois Miners and four years (2016-2019) working with Brown as the hitting coach for the Lincoln Saltdogs of the American Association. Windy City fans may remember him best as the hitting coach of the 2015 ThunderBolts. Under his leadership, that offense produced many highlights, including a team-record stretch of four straight games scoring ten or more runs. Austin Gallagher also set a franchise record that season with a .602 slugging percentage. “I am excited and honored to be named the manager of Windy City,” Carcione said. “I want to thank our owner David DelBello and general manager Mike VerSchave for this opportunity. I’m committed to building a winning culture, supporting our players and connecting with the fans who make this game special.” Carcione’s extensive career in baseball also includes a brief managerial stint, in 2008, when he was the interim skipper for the Ottawa Rapides of the Can-Am League. He was named the full-time manager after the season but the team folded prior to the 2009 campaign. A veteran of the college game as well, he compiled a 50-40 record in two years (2010-2011) as head coach at Metro State University in Denver and served for six years over two stints as an assistant coach at Northern Illinois University. Carcione is a native of River Grove, Illinois, and played collegiately at Texas A&M University before being drafted as a catcher in the tenth round of the 1988 MLB Draft by the Oakland Athletics. He spent five years in the Oakland system, rising as high as Double-A before closing his playing career with five years of independent ball. As the 22nd manager in franchise history, Carcione replaces Bobby Jenks, who passed away in July of 2025. Toby Hall piloted the Bolts in an interim capacity in 2025. "We want to thank Toby Hall for his time as interim manager of the ThunderBolts,” VerSchave said. “Toby was the perfect individual to guide our club under very difficultcircumstances. He kept our team united during an emotional summer for not just them, but him personally once his friend Bobby became ill. We wish him nothing but the best as his future in baseball evolves.” The ThunderBolts begin their 27th Frontier League season on May 7, 2026, when they host the Washington Wild Things. More information can be found at wcthunderbolts.com or by calling 708.489.2255.