With the 2020 Summer approaching many sports programs, venues and leagues have been impacted due to the health and safety risks from Covid19.

The Empire League is one of the organizations that has been minimally impacted by the pandemic and league officials are ready to make the necessary adjustments to make the 2020 season a possibility. All though the league has kept cautious attention to all restrictions and health concerns due to the Covid19 threat, the reopening process will still have its challenges.

The league has mentioned that they have a high probability of playing a 2020 season, however several temporary adjustments will likely be made to make the season happen this year. The list of adjustments includes, possibly operating the entire league out of one facility or one region to limit travel risk for players and fans. If no sports are allowed in the State of NY then the season can take place in any state that allows for Sports facility use, even if in the privacy of a complex without fan interaction.

The league looks to probably play a shortened under 2 month season as most leagues are doing. The Covid19 pandemic has also caused delays in the finalization of the newly formed Georgia Rhinos Franchise with the league, the impact could cause the Franchise to be debuting in 2021 when business operations get back to normal and the Franchise agreement can be finalized.

Nothing is set in stone as of now, we only know that if the Pro Leagues are playing then we have a role of preparing players for those leagues therefore we have to get our guys prepared and developed. Fans and followers of the Empire League can expect a speedy schedule created and start of the program once sports are back allowed to operate.

Article by Empire Media

SARANAC LAKE, NY –  League officials made a decision on the Pro Baseball showcase  and league training camp.  With the unfortunate situation that surrounds the Country due to Covid-19 pandemic, the league is making an adjustment to make a 2020 season possible.   The annual league tryout camp will be pushed back to a  later date in the same original month of June.  Instead of event taking place in the first week of June as it has every single year,  it will likely be moved to the last week of June.

The League will continue to monitor and evaluate the situation and will comply with State regulations  to make sure that  all necessary steps are taken to be able to get back on the field.  League official have confirmed that there will be a showcase camp to help many players as all the Pro Leagues that are operating will need players ready to be signed.

“We are willing to move the camp to anywhere in the country that can accommodate us if necessary and at a date that is convenient for the showcase capability of our players. We will have this camp for the simple reason that if the high level Professional leagues are going to be having their season, then we need to be able to provide them with players as needed and that’s the key of our existence .   Our mission is to showcase the talent of the players so that they can be signed to professional contracts.   We will gladly move date and location to the safest possible place where players can show their talent and we will help many players get the opportunity they deserve.   We are going to wait until possibly May 15th when government  authorities will update us and announce if sports can happen and at that point we will determine the final camp date and location in May. But we are confident that we  will have a camp and we will have Empire Baseball this year.  It could be in New York , or Florida but it will be somewhere where baseball can be played.”

With the pro showcase camp being pushed back means  the start of the Empire Baseball League season will be pushed back to follow the camp.  Players need to be prepared to make the necessary adjustments for camp changes. Any questions  feel free to email baseball@empireproleague.com

Camp registration deadlines are still in place . Those looking to take one of the remaining spots available,   click here and register today.

Article by Empire Media

SARANAC LAKE, NY – Empire Baseball Leagues key free agent infielder Raul Shah has been invited to spring training with the Southern Maryland Bluecrabs of the Atlantic League.

Raul Shah hit .287 last season with the New York Bucks  including 4 Home Runs and 12 Runs Batted In. Shah is coming off another strong season in the Empire League.

In 111 plate appearances, Shah registered 94 official at bats with  5 doubles.

Raul had the quickest hands when turning a double playing up the middle. He was a fun player to watch and I wish nothing but success during camp with the Bluecrabs”. – VP of Baseball Jerry Gonzalez

When baseball resumes in  2020, Shah will have the best opportunity of his career in the Atlantic League.

I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity the EBL provides – without it, I wouldn’t have this opportunity today.  Going into spring training with the Blue Crabs is incredibly exciting and I can’t wait to compete. Being from Maryland, this is a special achievement for me as I can invite my family and friends to watch me do what I love.  Thanks to the EBL, I have got an opportunity to play at the highest level of independent baseball this year.

Article by Empire Media

TUPPER LAKE, NY – The village asked for it, the community wanted it, the people named it, and The Empire League brought it! Welcome to the Empire League, Tupper Lake Riverpigs.

The Empire League, an Independent Professional Baseball Developmental League officially introduces it’s newest franchise coming to the Adirondacks, the Tupper Lake Riverpigs.

The League as an organization has operated over the last few years in parts of the north country and is growing as a huge positive influence in many communities. As the League has looked to improve its operations, it has also looked to improve geographically by settling in locations that desire this level of community fun. In 2019 the Surge Baseball team became the league’s organization of the year after moving into the Village of Saranac Lake in the Adirondacks region of New York. When the league was in search of a location to place a team, the Village of Saranac Lake answered the call and wanted a baseball team. They welcomed the Surge and Empire League with open arms and tremendous support.

After experiencing the great value that the league brought to Saranac Lake the Village of Tupper Lake wanted the same. Many of the Tupper Lake Village board members expressed huge desire to bring the Empire League experience to Tupper Lake NY.

Tupper Lake Village board member Haji Maroun was a regular game attendee in Saranac Lake, and was among the first members of the Village board to express a desire to get a team in Tupper Lake. “I loved seeing great baseball, while the players and league over all helped inspire kids in the community. My kid enjoyed engaging and learning from the players and was fortunate to be the team’s bat boy on many occasions. During the summer, kids were putting down the video games or negative activities and we’re getting out to the ball field to learn and enjoy Baseball. It was just wonderful to see, and we want that here in the Village of Tupper Lake” said Mr Maroun.

After several meetings with Mayor Dave Maroun and the village board members the long awaited baseball dream for many will come true.

“There was a little jump of the gun negative public reaction at the beginning stages of this whole idea, when a news article was released that made national headlines about the team’s initial brainstormed suggestion for a name. It was simply an initial suggestion” said Mr Gonzalez. One of several names were discussed between league ambassador and mentor Jed Carrier of NY and Mr. Gonzalez. It was then presented as a candidate in a meeting and to this day no one knows how it made national headlines since we are just now officially confirming the team entering the league and officially confirming the name Riverpigs” said Mr. Gonzalez.

Ultimately the organization established a great committee and worked hard over the last few months to make this possible. The committee allowed for all members in the community to come out and vote on the team name and voters got what they chose. The name Riverpigs was the most voted name and the team name is now in the history books. The team will call Municipal Park home and depending on national restrictions from the world pandemic of covid-19 there should be Baseball played this summer of 2020.

The Empire League is committed to providing a huge opportunity for young up and coming players but also to being great ambassadors and attraction to wonderful communities.

”We thank all supportive entities helping us make this happen, the Village of Tupper Lake, the local Businesses and most of all the fans in the community for wanting this” said Mr. Gonzalez.

The league looks forwards to gaining great partners and making a difference for time to come.

To be a strong supporter of this program, a sponsor, or to give a donation, contact us via email at Baseball@empireproleague.com or contact the Tupper Lake Riverpigs Committee anytime.

Article by Empire Media

SARANAC LAKE, NY –   2020 Top Empire League pitching prospect Juan Mateo will no longer be participating at this years Pro Baseball Showcase and League training camp. That’s because Juan has officially signed a Pro contract with the Cleveland Indians this week.

After attempting and failing to earn a Pro Baseball Contract for nearly a decade with other sources and coaches, Juan decided to trust in the work of Pro Baseball Instructor and Player Consultant Eddie Gonzalez. Eddie helped Juan improve velocity from the mid 90’s to comfortably and consistently reaching 100 miles per hour. During the process he work diligently at exposing Juan to MLB proper scouting with his highly respected scouting networks and connections.

Juan spent most winter months training and getting in the best physical shape of his life. Following a Professional Nutrition and Fitness plan with trainer Omar Cintron and the NutriSpot in Brandon Florida.

Juan’s Story is an inspiration to so many. “If you truly want to achieve something the secret is never giving up and surrounding yourself with the correct people. But put God first!” said Juan.

Coaches staff and the Empire Baseball Family is proud of Juan for his efforts and wish him the best of luck during his journey.

Empire League showcase directors and scouting personnel look forward to continuing helping guys like Juan achieve the next level.

To showcase your player skills in front of Mr. Gonzalez and the Entire Empire scouting system, players can enroll and register for this years Pro Baseball Independent showcase camp by clicking here.

Article by Empire Media