ST. LOUIS, MO – Trevor Jaunich of the Empire League was drafted by the River City Rascals of the Frontier League.

Trevor was the ace pitcher of the New Hampshire Wild under former manager Jerry Gonzalez during the 2016 Empire League Season. He started 8 games pitching 44.1 Innings striking out 42 Batters and winning 2 games.

“I’m so happy for Trev, he was my ace last year and one of my top picks in the league draft. The guy can pitch and is one of the best clubhouse guys around. He deserves this shot and I’m glad our friends in River City saw that in him. I wish Trev the best of luck and great success moving forward in his career.” – VP Jerry Gonzalez

Trevor is to report to spring training with the team immediately.

Article by Empire League Media

TAMPA, FL – Kevin Putkonen, player / manager of the 2016 Empire League Champions Sullivan Explorers has signed with the New Britain bees for the 2017 season.

After a great season with the Sullivan Explorers Kevin made the best out of his Atlantic League Spring training invitation and really impressed swinging the stick.

“I couldn’t be more happy for Kevin. The guy deserves it big time! He crushed last year, he’s a smart player and a winner! This is a huge step in his career and we wish Kevin the best! -VP Jerry Gonzalez

Kevin was invited to the Bees Spring training where he was able to prove his abilities and will begin the season as a member of the team.

Article by Empire Media

TAMPA, FL – Empire League American Team Pitcher who traveled with the league to Italy for the Empire League vs Italian Professional baseball  Drue Bravo and Old Orchard Beach Third baseman Luc Pomales have now signed prior to camp to Liga Norte Mexico League.

Both players, who were committed to the Empire League Spring Training for the 2017 season have been sent to the Mexican League. The Empire League together with the PRIBL Winter League program have worked together to start the 2017 season helping young men move up in their careers.

Pictured to the left are Drue Bravo and Luc Pomales together posing for the Empire League and  PRIBL  for their help in getting into the Mexico League.

“This is a huge step for them, These Mexican leagues are equivalent to the Atlantic League and American Association levels. Which are far superior then the Frontier and CanAm in my eyes. These boys are now playing at a level where their success could lead them to a huge advancement in baseball. I would like to congratulate them and wish them the best of luck in their careers.” VP Jerry Gonzalez.

Along with Luc and Drue, the Empire League has also sent RHP Toby Eigner who was originally registered for camp with hopes to making a team, to the Texas Airhogs of the American Association. The Empire League and PRIBL had other plans for him as he  was considered as one of those guys who deserves to be playing high level of baseball.

“Our goal for the Empire League is not to hang on to players but  to help them  advance in their baseball careers. That’s why we are doing this. We have success when players have success so we want to help them as much as we can continue to play in higher level leagues. ” CEO Eddie Gonzalez

Spring Training for the Empire League is just around the corner on June 4-8 and June 18-21 for those players looking to play  professional baseball and begin building their “EMPIRE”. Those interested in attending camp, Click Here.

Article by Empire League Media

KANSAS CITY, MO – The Kansas City Royals join Major League Baseball in raising awareness for autism by hosting Autism Awareness Night tomorrow night when the club hosts the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Throughout the evening, the Royals will highlight new initiatives at the stadium to provide a more inclusive environment, including Quiet Zones and Exceptional Concession Stands.

Eight Quiet Zones have been designated throughout the stadium in areas that are generally quieter than other areas to allow guests to have a break from over-stimulation and sensory overload. Signs have been posted in each of these zones to encourage guests to be courteous of those in the area.
Three Exceptional Concession Stands (Section 116 – Dugout Concourse, Section 203 – Price Chopper Marketplace and Section 323 – Lexus Level) have also been created to encourage those who are on the spectrum or have other disabilities to develop social skills in making a transaction. Staff in these designated concession stands have been trained on the best ways to interact with each guest.

Throwing out the honorary First Pitch Friday will be Tarik El-Abour, special guest of former Royals player Reggie Sanders and the Reggie Sanders Foundation. El-Abour is the first person with autism to sign a professional baseball contract and played with the Sullivan Explorers of the Empire Pro Baseball League in 2016. El-Abour will also take batting practice with the Royals earlier in the day. Other elements of the pregame Friday will bring awareness to autism, including the National Anthem, Buck O’Neil Legacy Seat and the “Play Ball” kid. Several displays, including a “sensory tent,” will have information and activities available in the Outfield Experience across from the Royals Hall of Fame.
On Sundays following Royals home games, kids with Autism Spectrum Disorder will be able to get a Fun Run Sensory Pass. This pass will allow children who are unable to wait for long periods of time go to the front of the line for the Fun Run. Throughout the season, fans can pick up the Fun Run Sensory passes and check-out noise-reducing ear muffs and weighted lap pads from the Guest Services offices on the Plaza and View Level.
During the offseason, Royals Game Day Staff was trained on Autism Awareness, which was designed to educate employees on best practices to make the ballpark more enjoyable and comfortable for those who are affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder. Trainings will continue throughout the season.
Members of the media may contact the Royals Publicity Department at (816) 921-8000.

RINCON, PR –  Dalphie Correa, a former Frontier League coach, Atlantic League coach, minor league baseball coach, and current coach with the Puerto Rico Roberto Clemente Professional Winter  League, 4 time Serie del Caribe Champions Mayaguez Indios, has been named Manager  of the Puerto Rico Islanders.

Dalphie is a well known coach for bringing players incredible baseball knowledge and instruction. He has been the first base coach for one of the most recognized  Winter Leagues in the Roberto Clemente Winter League.  The Roberto Clemente league is where most  Major League Baseball players play during The  Major League  Baseball off season. Mexico, Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Colombia all have similar leagues during the off season. Puerto Rico has the most  Serie Del Caribe Championships in Caribbean Series history with 15.

“We are excited to have another extremely well qualified coach and mentor to the young men attempting to play in the Empire League. Having another coach that is very capable of providing opportunities for players whether is by taking them with him  to the winter leagues or referring players to high level leagues is what out league is all about.” -Eddie Gonzalez

Puerto Rico will play as a road team this year until negotiations on a  permanent home are finalized  in Puerto Rico.  Although Puerto Rico will be on the road, they will still play half of their games as a Home team.

Article by Empire Media