Richard Dean
Updated on: October 8, 2024 11:55 pm GMT
Trustmark Park Welcomes New Frontier League Team Following Mississippi Braves Departure
PEARL, Miss. — In a surprising turn for local sports fans, Trustmark Park will soon become home to a new baseball team after the Mississippi Braves conclude their final season. The park’s officials revealed that an expansion team affiliated with the Frontier League will begin play in 2025, marking an exciting new chapter in Central Mississippi’s baseball landscape.
The Change is Here: Mississippi Braves Say Goodbye
The Mississippi Braves, who have been a staple in Pearl for the past 20 years, are set to play their last game at Trustmark Park on Sunday, September 15, 2024. This season has seen them announce their move to Columbus, Georgia, effectively concluding their run in the area. Pearl Mayor Jake Windham expressed hope for the local baseball culture, declaring, “We have fought long and hard for baseball here. The Braves have been a part of our community for 20 years and we wish them well.”
Final Farewell to a Local Favorite
Fans will gather for a momentous farewell as the Braves take the field one last time, with the final game scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. Gates will open at 1 p.m., and attendees will receive commemorative coins to celebrate the occasion. Despite the Braves’ exit, local officials are committed to maintaining the spirit of professional baseball in the area.
A New Era: Frontier League to Take Up Residence
Following the Braves’ departure, Trustmark Park will gain attention as it transitions into a new era. The Frontier League, established in 1993, operates as one of the seven independent baseball leagues in North America. The new team in Pearl will be the 17th member of the league, which boasts a competitive format where teams must recruit their own players, often focusing on undrafted collegiate athletes or former prospects seeking a resurgence.
Team Ownership and Vision
The new ownership has been introduced as Joe Engis, who is also the owner of the Gary Southshore RailCats in Indiana. Engis, who has a strong background in technology, shared his enthusiasm for bringing the Frontier League to Trustmark Park, stating, “Mississippi has great baseball culture, and we are so excited to bring the Frontier League to Trustmark Park.” Plans are underway to cement the team’s place in the heart of the community.
Name Your Team: Community Invited to Participate
Excitingly for fans, the community will have a unique opportunity to engage by voting on the new team’s name. Voting will be open from September 9 to September 27 through the website www.ondeck2025.com. The chosen name will be announced in early October, setting the stage for a fresh identity as the new team prepares for its inaugural season.
What to Expect in the Frontier League
The Frontier League teams compete within a structure that allows for a diverse player pool while maintaining competitive balances. With a roster typically cycled through various prospects and rookies, the league cultivates a dynamic playing environment. Each team will play a 96-game regular season during the warmer months of May to September, followed by a playoff tournament that decides the champion.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Trustmark Park
While the Mississippi Braves’ relocation marks the end of an era, the Frontier League’s embrace signifies a revitalization of professional baseball in Central Mississippi. The establishment of this new team offers hope that the local baseball culture will not only endure but thrive as new players and enthusiasts fill the stands at Trustmark Park.
The Legacy of Minor League Baseball in Mississippi
Minor league baseball has a storied history in Central Mississippi, with multiple teams and league affiliations over the decades. The ongoing trend of MLB franchises moving minor league teams closer to their main offices has impacted local fans significantly, as seen with the Braves’ departure. Despite these changes, baseball in the area continues to evolve, promising new opportunities for community engagement and sports entertainment.
Local Baseball Culture: More Than Just a Game
The significance of baseball in the region extends beyond the field. It serves as a unifying factor among residents, offering a place to gather, celebrate, and experience the thrill associated with America’s pastime. The arrival of a new team in 2025 is poised to keep that spirit alive, ensuring that the memories of the Mississippi Braves are complemented by new experiences under the Frontier League.
Final Thoughts: Embracing Change in Central Mississippi
As Trustmark Park prepares to welcome a fresh wave of baseball enthusiasm, the community stands ready to embrace the changes ahead. The collaborative effort to name the new team symbolizes a commitment to engaging local fans and ensuring that the love for baseball remains strong in Pearl. With the arrival of the Frontier League team, Trustmark Park is set to become a vibrant hub for baseball in the coming years, promising a bright future for sports fans in the region.
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