Category: Empire Media

Roy Satoh wins Empire League MVP

The 2025 Empire League season belonged to one man — Ryo Satoh, the electrifying outfielder for the North Country Thunderbirds, who has officially been named the Empire League’s Most Valuable Player.

Satoh was nothing short of spectacular all season long, consistently delivering in the clutch and anchoring the Thunderbirds both offensively and defensively. A dynamic threat at the plate and a leader in the dugout, Satoh’s MVP honors come as no surprise to anyone who watched him dominate in 2025.

2025 Season Stats:

  • Batting Average: .364
  • Home Runs: 4
  • RBIs: 27
  • Stolen Bases: 6
  • Runs Scored: 34

Satoh ranked among the league leaders in nearly every offensive category, showcasing a rare blend of power, speed, and plate discipline. His ability to drive the ball to all fields, combined with his defensive consistency at shortstop, made him an irreplaceable piece of North Country’s success.

Thunderbirds manager praised Satoh as “the heartbeat of the team,” while fans across the league quickly grew to admire his intensity, work ethic, and love for the game.

With his MVP campaign complete, Ryo Satoh’s name is now etched into Empire League history — and his future in professional baseball looks brighter than ever.

Mickey Nunez takes home Batting Title

Batting Title Winner: Mickey Nunez Hits .400 for the Los Angeles Bullies

Despite the Los Angeles Bullies playing every game on the road in 2025, Mickey Nunez made himself right at home at the plate — earning the Empire League Batting Title after posting an astonishing .400 batting average over the season.

Meeting the league’s minimum threshold with 100 plate appearances, Nunez displayed elite bat-to-ball skills, consistency, and patience all year long. He became a nightmare for opposing pitchers, rarely missing and often finding the gaps with precision.

2025 Season Highlights:

  • Batting Average: .400
  • Plate Appearances: 153
  • Hits: 44
  • RBIs: 18
  • Runs Scored: 33
  • Strikeouts: Only 12 times

Nunez’s approach at the plate was pure professionalism — disciplined, confident, and relentless. Even as the Bullies traveled from city to city without a home stadium, he remained locked in, giving LA a spark in every game.

His .400 average not only led the Empire League but also placed him in rare territory, marking one of the highest single-season averages in recent league history.

Mickey Nunez proved that even under the toughest circumstances, greatness finds a way to shine.

Empire League Playoffs are set!

The 2025 Empire League regular season has officially come to a close, and the playoff picture is locked in. After weeks of intense competition, four teams have clinched their spot in the postseason — with one left on the outside looking in.

Clinched Playoff Teams:

  1. Malone Border Hounds (23-9)
    The Border Hounds claimed the Regular Season Championship, dominating from start to finish behind elite pitching and timely hitting. With the league’s best record, they enter the playoffs as the top seed and clear favorites.
  2. Los Angeles Bullies (19-4)
    Despite playing every game on the road, the Bullies put together a remarkable season. Their 19-4 record gives them the second seed, and their explosive offense will be a major threat in the postseason.
  3. Tupper Lake Riverpigs (18-4)
    Just behind the Bullies in win total, the Riverpigs locked up the third seed and enter the playoffs with momentum. Their well-balanced roster and strong defense make them a dangerous contender.
  4. North Country Thunderbirds (13-19)
    The Thunderbirds fought hard down the stretch to secure the final playoff spot. Led by MVP Ryo Satoh, they’ll look to make noise as the underdogs.

Eliminated:

  • Saranac Lake Surge (7-24)
    The Surge struggled to find consistency throughout the season and fell short of the postseason cut. They’ll look to regroup and rebuild for next year.

With the bracket set, all eyes now turn to the playoffs — where anything can happen and a new Empire League champion will soon be crowned.

LA Bullies Dominate Defending Champs on Opening Day

June 19, 2025 – Tupper Lake, NY
The Los Angeles Bullies made a thunderous Empire League debut Thursday night, routing the defending champion Tupper Lake Riverpigs 10-1 behind a dominant performance on both sides of the ball.

Carlos Drain led the charge offensively for L.A., crushing a home run and driving in two RBIs in a game that was never in doubt. Roman Robles chipped in with two hits, scored twice, and helped fuel a Bullies lineup that piled up timely hits and capitalized on Riverpigs miscues.

On the mound, Gavin Rosales was nearly untouchable in his season debut. The Bullies starter worked four shutout innings, striking out eight batters without issuing a walk. His electric fastball and sharp breaking ball had the Riverpigs flailing all night.

For the Riverpigs, rookie Michael Torniero was a bright spot, going 2-for-3 in his professional debut. But outside of his performance, Tupper Lake’s offense was quiet. Their only run came on a solo home run from Gabe Reboso, his first of the season, in the bottom of the seventh.

The defending champs were out-hit, out-pitched, and out-hustled as they struggled to find their rhythm against the newest team in the league.

The Bullies will look to keep the momentum rolling as they travel to Malone on Friday, June 20, to face the Malone Border Hounds at 5 p.m. Meanwhile, the Riverpigs will regroup and aim to bounce back in their next outing.

Thunderbirds Name Wilson Matos as Manager

The North Country Thunderbirds have officially announced the hiring of Wilson Matos as their new manager for the upcoming season. Matos, who spent the last four years as an assistant coach with the SUNY Canton baseball program, brings a wealth of experience and a strong developmental background to the Thunderbirds.

During his tenure at SUNY Canton, Matos played a crucial role in player development, focusing on both hitting and defensive strategies. His work helped elevate the program, making it more competitive in regional play. Prior to his coaching career, Matos had a successful playing career, bringing firsthand knowledge of the game’s demands to his coaching approach.

“We are excited to welcome Wilson to the Thunderbirds organization,” said the team’s general manager. “His dedication to player development and his experience at the collegiate level make him a perfect fit to lead our team. We believe he will have an immediate impact on our players and help establish a winning culture.”

Matos will take the helm as the Thunderbirds prepare for the upcoming season, looking to make a strong push in league competition. His emphasis on fundamentals, team chemistry, and disciplined play aligns well with the organization’s goals.

“I’m honored to join the North Country Thunderbirds and eager to get started,” said Matos. “This is a great opportunity to work with talented players and help them reach their potential. I look forward to building a competitive and hardworking team that fans will be proud to support.”

With Matos now leading the way, the Thunderbirds are set to enter the season with renewed energy and high expectations. Fans can look forward to an exciting summer of baseball under his guidance.