SARANAC LAKE, NY – The Plattsburgh Thunderbirds championship game winning pitcher Chris Tessitore who was moved up after season to the New Jersey Jackals has re-signed with the team for the 2020 regular season.

Tessitore, a 23 year old right handed pitcher, started 3 games for the Plattsburgh Thunderbirds in which one of those victories earned the Thunderbirds its second Empire Baseball League Championship in its history.

When Tessitore signed with the Jackals in 2019, he also  won the 2019 CanAm League Championship. Yes, he won two championships in one season in a time which was very emotional for him and  his family.

The 6’4, 210 lb pitcher out of Baldwin, New York will continue his career with the Jackals .

Article by Empire Media

SARANAC LAKE, NY – Former two year power hitting outfielder Trey Hannam has officially transitioned his career from player to coach and he will be doing so in a New York Mets uniform.

Trey spent two seasons in the Empire League. His first stint was with the Puerto Rico Islanders  in 2017 where he hit 2 Home Runs in 55 at bats driving in 8 runs. He then was a part of the runner-up New York Bucks in 2018 where he had 185  plate appearances slamming 3 Home Runs and driving in 2 runners and led the team in doubles with 12.

Hannam,  only 24 years old, will be handling hitting duties in the minor league system.

The Empire Baseball League is extremely excited for Trey and  cannot wait to see his continued success as a coach in the game.

Article by Empire Media

SARANAC LAKE, NY – Former right handed starting pitcher for the Surge Baseball organization Johnnie LaRossa has climbed up the latter and earned his way to signing with the Milwaukee Brewers  organization.

The  North Massapequa, New York product  started 7 games in the Empire League  posting a (2-2) record. LaRossa had one complete game with one shutout. In 38 innings of work, LaRossa struck out 43 batters.

The EBL congratulates Johnnie and hopes to see him continue to build his empire.

Article by Empire Media

SARANAC LAKE, NY –  Manager of the New York Explorers for the previous two seasons moves on to coach with the Quintana Roo Tigres of the Mexican Baseball League in Cancun, Mexico

The Quintana Roo Tigers, formerly known as the Mexico Tigers are a Triple-A Minor League Baseball team located in Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico. The team is part of the Southern Division of the Mexican Baseball League. The Tigres were founded in Mexico City in 1955 and played there through the 2006 season.

Joey had his first professional experience with the Empire League starting in 2018 with hopes to build his resume and he did just that for two seasons.  He will now move on to do great things in Mexico and the Empire League could not be more thrilled as this is what the Empire League is all about.

Article by Empire Media

SARANAC LAKE, NY – The Empire League is set to officially welcome its first ever expansion organization pending the agreement. The League is currently finalizing the operating agreement that would allow for the newly formed and privately owned organization “The Georgia Rhinos” to participate in official league play beginning June of 2020 .

The Franchise headquarters are in Conyers, Georgia where the team looks to host its inaugural games at Henson Carr Legion Field. Team owners and co-founders CEO Dr. David L. Scott Jr and COO Rick Turpin Sr. believe the Empire League platform is absolutely perfect to meet the needs of players looking to take that first step into pursuing a Professional Baseball career and feel that its what independent baseball should truly be all about.

“Developing and giving guys repetitions as a true opportunity at learning how to become professionals is what is needed in many areas of this country. That education and knowledge is priceless” says Dr. Scott.

The Team front office is as qualified as any Professional Ball club in the country and its roster is as follows:

Dr. David L. Scott Jr.- Chairman/CEO

Rick Turpin Sr. – Vice Chairman/COO

Joseph Pelligrino – President

Miles Fore – General Manager

Keith Childs – Senior Vice-President

Linda Thompson- Executive Operations Manager

Kevin Early – Executive Advisor

Mike Fair- Marketing Director

Seth Coleman – VP Public Relations & Media

Dr. Tony Gayles- Team/League Physician

John Lewis- Speed & Conditioning

Rodriguez Davis – Strength and Conditioning

The Team has hired Tim Raines Jr. as field manager, son of former MLB star and Hall of Famer Tim Raines.

The Georgia Rhinos will host teams from Puerto Rico, New Hampshire and New York this coming summer as part of the regularly scheduled matches.

“The Empire League is still a league on its beginning stages, we are just now starting to touch the surface of growth and expansion as we look to continue improving these levels of Professional baseball development programs. We have a big vision where the league will grow in a way that can be truly defined as the biggest platform to help players achieve the high levels of professional Baseball.” said League Director Eddie Gonzalez

The Rhinos will host League Base tryouts starting in March, Players interested in showcasing their skills to the Independent Baseball industry or playing in the Empire League must attend a team or League Tryout camp to be selected.

For information visit Empireproleague.com