RINCON, PR –  Opening day was one to remember as the New Hampshire Wild defeated the Explorers by a score of 5 to 2.

The New Hampshire Wild took an early 2-0 lead  in the top of the 2nd innings  when rookie outfielder Cody Den Beste singled, stole third base after a Sean Washington hit and scored  on a sacrifice fly by Mark Shkrelja . Sean Washington scored on an error by  Explorers shortstop.

The Wild would tack on two more runs in the top of the 4th inning when Cody Den Beste doubled to the right center gap, stole second base and third base and was driven  in by Augustus Constantino’s 2 out triple.  Constantino would then score on a clutch double by Wild Catcher Ricardo Sanjurjo to the right field line.

Josh Lavender would score in the 5th on a passed ball after a smoked double to the right center gap and a stolen base.

Alex Dockery would score for the Explorers in the bottom of the 4th inning  after a lead off walk and a stolen base led to a first and third situation in which a stolen base throw to second scored Dockery from third.

The Explorers would then go on to add one more run  in the 7th after a lead off single by Robert Brown who scored on a sac fly by  lead off hitter Ryan Rivera.

Wild starter Matt Vogel was phenomenal through 6 innings and would earn his first victory of the season allowing just one run on 2 hits and striking out 13 Explorers.

Matthew Cassinelli earned the save for the Wild handing Explorers starter Mike Melendez his first loss of the season.

The Explorers are back in action at 4pm. Catch the action Live by clicking the Live Games link located on the website sidebar.

GEORGETOWN, DE – The Plattsburgh RedBirds selected Michael Deeb former linebacker for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the 2018 EPBL Draft and he is just 2 days away from finding out if he will sign a pro baseball contract with the Plattsburgh RedBirds.

Deeb, from Plantation, Florida, was a First-team linebacker on Fort Lauderdale Sun- Sentinel Class 5A-4A 3A-2A squad for 2012, first-team linebacker on Miami Herald All- Broward County 5A-Indiana all-star squad, standout at linebacker for American Heritage School in Plantation, Florida, ranked 34th player nationally on Rivals.com list of inside linebackers, ranked 25th among middle linebackers on Scout 300 by Scout.com, made 95 tackles, four sacks and an interception as senior in 2012, ranked fifth among all Broward County prospects coming into 2012 by Miami Herald, made 90 tackles, two sacks, three interceptions and forced five fumbles as a junior in 2011.

He played in two games for the Irish (at USC on Nov. 29 and vs. No. 22 LSU on Dec. 30) in which the Irish won both games. The 6’2″ 255lbs Outfielder Prospect is looking for an opportunity to play professional baseball for the first time in his young career.

“I had the opportunity to speak with him today and he’s just a very educated, strong, energetic and talented individual. He’s got an incredible attitude, mindset and work ethic. We will see what coach Young decides to do on Friday.” VP Jerry Gonzalez

The Empire League rosters will be released on Friday and prospects all around the league like Deeb are all hoping for an opportunity in the Empire League.

Article by Empire Media

GEORGETOWN, DE – Empire Leagues top 10 prospect Tony Holton gets the call to play in the Frontier League for the Normal Cornbelters at camp.

Tony, a rookie outfielder with plus arm, speed, contact fielding and power, went through what the EPBL calls the process. He attended the PRIBL program during the fall where many frontier league managers were in attendance and then was invited to come to the Empire Professional Baseball league.

After a 14 hour drive from Georgia, Holton was put back in his car and sent on his way to Normal to become a member of the Normal Cornbelters,

“I saw Tony in the fall and i kept telling everyone this guy needs to be playing high level baseball. I was hoping he would come to the EPBL so he could begin getting the experience required to make it to the next level and after one day at camp, it looks like hes going to get a shot at a higher level” VP Jerry Gonzalez

Tony will report and start at center field immediately as the team is currently sitting in last place looking to bounce back and turn it around.

The Empire League would like to congratulate and wish Tony the best of luck moving forward.

Article by Empire Media

TAMPA, FL – The Empire League has become firmly established as the premier league that gets guys ready for the next level.

To make this happen, the league hosts the Nation’s largest Professional Independent Level and released Affiliated players Showcase Camp.

Every year, players are signed from camp directly to high level leagues like the Atlantic League, the CanAm League, the American Association and even MLB Affiliated organizations or are given the chance to play in the EPBL. The top prospects are either signed or drafted to play in the Empire League for a chance to earn a call up to the bigger leagues.

This months WBP-Worldwide Baseball Prospects TOP PROSPECT list has been released.

1- Anthony Wiggins : L/L Above Average Bat, 5-Tool Outfielder, 90 MPH LHP
2- JJ Bissell : 2017- EPBL MVP Power L/L Bat
3- Wendell Floranus : RHP 93-94 WBC Netherlands
4- Matt Vogel : RHP University of South Carolina MiLB Rays 92-93mph
5- Tony Holton : R/R OF Strong Bat, Arm, Speed
6- Dominic Dominguez : L/R Power Bat, Corner
7- Raul Shah : .314avg in EPBL, INF, Frontier League
8- Abel Medina : INF, Above Average Fielding, 6.6 60yd Dash
9- Ricky Schafer : RHP 92-93 MPH
10- Josh Martinez : 92mph RHP, Shortstop two way player
11- Juan C Avila : OF Phillies 6.4 60yd Dash
12- Matt Quintana : Atlantic League Bridgeport Bluefish Prospect
13- Mitch Hillert : LHP 88-90mph, Ireland National Team
14- Dimitri Nuñez : LHP Dominant Pitcher, 7 pitches
15- Austin Baker .450 Avg D1 NAIA

TAMPA, FL – The League announced today that Scheduling adjustments are in place to make it possible.

The Western cities of Aguada and Rincón Puerto Rico have a tremendous tourism reputation and are known to the world as premier surfing destinations with great baseball history. But now a new Baseball agenda can be added to the sports history, as for the first time in history an American base, independent professional baseball league of Rookie level play will attempt to experience the baseball market for this level of play in the beautiful island of enchantment!

The Empire League is a Independent first level league that primarily focuses on providing players an opportunity to play after college and put up numbers to Showcases their skills to the high level Professional leagues and Major League Baseball organizations. At this level players enroll in our showcase camps and those selected are placed in Teams through a draft process. They compete in a 50-60 game season, all while being trained and kept ready for the call up to the bigger leagues.

“Baseball is the blood of this island and after the devastation from the hurricanes in 2017 there is nothing more rewarding than doing something positive for the island like attempting to revive a culture of this great game in areas that could benefit from it. Helping with the movement of lifting the island up means doing everything in our power to bring tourism, re-establish a baseball tradition and doing everything possible to make an economic impact not only in the region but the entire island. The best way for the EPBL to do its part and help the island stand up again is by putting all of our efforts into bringing visitors from all parts of America to the island.” – Eddie Gonzalez

As a league we are continuing to work hard and improve on all aspects of operations, however if we can actually get the right supporting partners and sponsoring endorsements this could become a long terms endevour.

It is great to see that after a year long journey filled with uncertainty of approval, and not having specific location availability, the Puerto Rico Islanders have found a home. We are grateful for the cities of Rincón and Aguada, the Sports administrators and Recreational sports departments for accepting and permitting the use of facilities by the EPBL.

Puerto Rico Islanders GM Carlos Nuñez is deserving of much credit for his efforts put forth to making Empire League games a possibility in Puerto Rico. This comes after great works for the cities, and surrounding communities during his PRIBL baseball developmental training and leagues for up and coming prospects. Carlos has a passion for Baseball and the traditions in his hometown. We encourage high school players looking to showcase for College to train and play in PRIBL programs as well as the College guys getting ready for their seasons and preparing for pro opportunities.

The Empire League and its officials are extremely excited to be able to keep guys playing and developing for the next levels in the amazing island of Puerto Rico.

We welcome fans of all ages to come enjoy fun family affordable entertainment as the Pride of Puerto Rico is exposed in stands.

Today we say Bienvenido PR Islanders to Rincon, and the Explorers who will make Aguada a location for experimental home games this Summer.