AGUADA, PR –  The Empire League and the Puerto Rico National team has agreed to play a series of exhibition games in preparation for the 2019 Olympic Games. These games will be played in the historic stadium of San Juan Hiram Bithorn where most Major League Puerto Rico series are played.

These games will provide exposure to the Empire League players looking to play in national teams. The dates will be July 4, July 9th and July 11th. The team that will be participating in these games will be a combination of the Puerto Rico Islanders with reinforcements of the Plattsburgh Thunderbirds who will be playing in a series down in Puerto Rico.

The Empire League played in these exhibition games last year and came up short in a well fought games as the Puerto Rico national team defeated the Empire League select team 4-3 in the bottom of the 9th inning.

“Its about opportunities for everyone. The national team needs good competition to practice and they got it last year from us and they went on to win Gold. Puerto Rico Islanders catcher Yordany Salva won a gold medal last season as a part of that national team.  It should be fun and exciting to watch and  we are happy for the exposure our guys will get as well as the competition we will provide the national team as they prepare for world competition.” – Jerry Gonzalez Director of Baseball

These guys will be streamed lived through facebook and other social medias. Follow us at Empire Pro League on facebook for more.

Article by Empire Media

NEW YORK – Raul Shah of the New York Bucks franchise of the Empire League has been moved to the Ottawa Champions of the CanAm League. This is another big opportunity for Raul Shah to continue his career at the next level as he has proven he deserves a shot.

The Utility infielder comes off a strong start to the season with the New York Bucks  as he batted  3 for 4 with 2 doubles and an RBI.

Shah will have another opportunity to prove himself at the next level with a quality organization like the Ottawa Champions.

Article by Empire Media

TAMPA, FL – The Empire League kicked off its 2019 regular season of baseball and it was an exciting one. The Plattsburgh Thunderbirds defeated the New York Bucks in blowout fashion, Saranac Lake Surge earn first win in franchise history as new  city, and Road City Explorers break a long losing streak by defeating the Puerto Rico Islanders in Puerto Rico.

The Plattsburgh Thunderbirds win over the New York Bucks was one you didn’t want to miss as third baseman Danny Muller belted 3 Home Runs which is a league record for most home runs in a game. Cas Silber tossed 4 innings striking out 9 batters before exiting due to tightness in his hamstring. The team also set a record for most home runs in a game with a total of 7. Johann Paniagua, Mohammed Hussein, Adam Tricarico and Gavin Stupienski all  hit their first of their seasons in a 17-9 victory over the Bucks

In Puerto Rico, it was the Julio Eusebio show for the Road City Explorers as he starts off the season with a complete game 1 run victory over the Puerto Rico Islanders. Eusebio struck out 11 batters to end the long losing streak of the Explorers. However the winning the streak against the Puerto Rico Islanders continues.

The newest franchise of the Empire League, Saranac Lake Surge, won their first game this evening in Concord, New Hampshire  by the score of 7-3. This was the city’s first victory as a team in Saranac Lake and also the first for first year manager Ken Matzusaka.  Catcher Tyler Hill of the Surge led the offensive attack going 3 for 3 with a run and a RBI, while Right hander Ricky Schafer tossed a 7 innings  allowing just 1 earned run .

7 homers in one game, 1 complete games thrown, first victory for manager and franchise and most home runs in a game completes day one of Empire League play.

Game times for tomorrow are 12:00pm Thunderbirds vs Bucks at Lefty Wilson Field, 2:00pm Surge vs Wild in Concord New Hampshire and 7:30pm Explorers vs Wild in Aguada, Puerto Rico.

Article by Empire Media

TAMPA, FL – The Empire League Grays team that will be competing in the CanAm League series has announced two players that have been selected for the games.

Alex Vargas, a right handed pitcher consistently throwing 94-95 mph and topping out at 97 mph, will join last years top hitting second baseman John Tierney Jr  from the now Saranac Lake Surge .

The final players are still being carefully  looked at and discussed. Final roster will be throughout the month.

Article By Empire Media

TAMPA, FL –    An umpiring demand in Independent  Baseball is opening doors for those looking to break in to the professional umpiring industry.  With the  industry  shifting and veteran umpires retiring, opportunities are opening up at the high level pro leagues for guys that are newly graduated from umpire schools or the Pro Baseball  Umpires Academy.

The Empire League  is known as a first step league for those looking to get into professional baseball,  players , coaches and even interns are not the only ones that can benefit.   Federation Leagues  are all looking to provide opportunities to new faces in the umpiring industry and they want guys getting experience and quality evaluations.   For that Reason, the Empire League has a great short season opportunity for  men or women looking for a career in Pro Baseball umpiring.

The Empire League has several  requirements that could provide the path to a rewarding career.

• Graduated from a Umpires School or Academy
• Be able to Travel
• Understand the commitment of possibly one to two months

The EPBL  will provide professional Independent Leagues and affiliated   umpire organizations the formalized evaluations of the Umpires performances.    This will allow for immediate calls  up to the high level leagues directly from umpiring at the Empire League.

For  those interested in jumping into a pro baseball officiating career, here is an opportunity for you!!

EPBL Umpiring  Opportunity comes with:  Housing, and game compensation valued at nearly $5,000 for the Summer.

Contact us via email at Baseball@empireproleague.com