The 2025 Empire League season belonged to one man — Ryo Satoh, the electrifying outfielder for the North Country Thunderbirds, who has officially been named the Empire League’s Most Valuable Player.

Satoh was nothing short of spectacular all season long, consistently delivering in the clutch and anchoring the Thunderbirds both offensively and defensively. A dynamic threat at the plate and a leader in the dugout, Satoh’s MVP honors come as no surprise to anyone who watched him dominate in 2025.

2025 Season Stats:

• Batting Average: .364
• Home Runs: 4
• RBIs: 27
• Stolen Bases: 6
• Runs Scored: 34

Satoh ranked among the league leaders in nearly every offensive category, showcasing a rare blend of power, speed, and plate discipline. His ability to drive the ball to all fields, combined with his defensive consistency at shortstop, made him an irreplaceable piece of North Country’s success.

Thunderbirds manager praised Satoh as “the heartbeat of the team,” while fans across the league quickly grew to admire his intensity, work ethic, and love for the game.

With his MVP campaign complete, Ryo Satoh’s name is now etched into Empire League history — and his future in professional baseball looks brighter than ever.

The 2025 Empire League regular season has officially come to a close, and the playoff picture is locked in. After weeks of intense competition, four teams have clinched their spot in the postseason — with one left on the outside looking in.

Clinched Playoff Teams:

1. Malone Border Hounds (23-9)
   The Border Hounds claimed the Regular Season Championship, dominating from start to finish behind elite pitching and timely hitting. With the league’s best record, they enter the playoffs as the top seed and clear favorites.
2. Los Angeles Bullies (19-4)
   Despite playing every game on the road, the Bullies put together a remarkable season. Their 19-4 record gives them the second seed, and their explosive offense will be a major threat in the postseason.
3. Tupper Lake Riverpigs (18-4)
   Just behind the Bullies in win total, the Riverpigs locked up the third seed and enter the playoffs with momentum. Their well-balanced roster and strong defense make them a dangerous contender.
4. North Country Thunderbirds (13-19)
   The Thunderbirds fought hard down the stretch to secure the final playoff spot. Led by MVP Ryo Satoh, they’ll look to make noise as the underdogs.

Eliminated:

• Saranac Lake Surge (7-24)
  The Surge struggled to find consistency throughout the season and fell short of the postseason cut. They’ll look to regroup and rebuild for next year.

With the bracket set, all eyes now turn to the playoffs — where anything can happen and a new Empire League champion will soon be crowned.

The North Country Thunderbirds have officially announced the hiring of Wilson Matos as their new manager for the upcoming season. Matos, who spent the last four years as an assistant coach with the SUNY Canton baseball program, brings a wealth of experience and a strong developmental background to the Thunderbirds.

During his tenure at SUNY Canton, Matos played a crucial role in player development, focusing on both hitting and defensive strategies. His work helped elevate the program, making it more competitive in regional play. Prior to his coaching career, Matos had a successful playing career, bringing firsthand knowledge of the game’s demands to his coaching approach.

“We are excited to welcome Wilson to the Thunderbirds organization,” said the team’s general manager. “His dedication to player development and his experience at the collegiate level make him a perfect fit to lead our team. We believe he will have an immediate impact on our players and help establish a winning culture.”

Matos will take the helm as the Thunderbirds prepare for the upcoming season, looking to make a strong push in league competition. His emphasis on fundamentals, team chemistry, and disciplined play aligns well with the organization’s goals.

“I’m honored to join the North Country Thunderbirds and eager to get started,” said Matos. “This is a great opportunity to work with talented players and help them reach their potential. I look forward to building a competitive and hardworking team that fans will be proud to support.”

With Matos now leading the way, the Thunderbirds are set to enter the season with renewed energy and high expectations. Fans can look forward to an exciting summer of baseball under his guidance.

The anticipation for the 2025 Empire League season is officially underway as the first four selections have been revealed. Each of the teams made significant moves to bolster their rosters, showcasing the league’s commitment to developing talent and fostering competitive baseball. Here’s a breakdown of the top picks:

1. Tupper Lake Riverpigs – Alex Pup (Shortstop)

The Riverpigs kicked off the selections by selecting Alex Pup, a highly skilled shortstop known for his defensive prowess and consistent bat. Pup’s range and quick hands make him a standout in the field, while his ability to make contact at the plate adds depth to Tupper Lake’s lineup. The Riverpigs are banking on Pup’s leadership and energy to set the tone for their 2025 campaign.

2. Malone Border Hounds – Garrett Musey (First Baseman)

The Border Hounds added a powerful presence to their lineup in Garrett Musey. Known for his ability to hit for power and average, Musey brings a big bat and a solid glove to first base. His plate discipline and knack for driving in runs make him a game-changing addition for Malone, who are looking to build a dominant offensive unit this season.

3. North Country Thunderbirds – Jordi Dominguez (2-Way Player)

The Thunderbirds made a bold statement by selecting Jordi Dominguez, a rare and talented two-way player. Dominguez excels both as a pitcher and a position player, giving North Country flexibility and depth on their roster. His pitching arsenal features an electric fastball and sharp breaking pitches, while his hitting ability adds another dynamic element to the Thunderbirds’ lineup.

4. Saranac Lake Surge – Nick Chuisano (Catcher)

Rounding out the top four, the Surge selected Nick Chuisano, a catcher with a reputation for his defensive skills and game-calling acumen. Chuisano’s ability to work with pitchers and control the running game makes him an invaluable asset behind the plate. His offensive potential further solidifies him as a key contributor for Saranac Lake as they aim to improve their standing in 2025.

A Promising Season Ahead

The first four picks highlight the Empire League’s dedication to finding and showcasing talent across all aspects of the game. These players not only bring unique skill sets to their respective teams but also represent the bright future of independent baseball. As the league gears up for the new season, fans can expect intense competition and thrilling moments on the diamond.

Stay tuned for further updates on the 2025 Empire League season as teams finalize their rosters and prepare for opening day!

The North Country Thunderbirds are making headlines with an astonishing 11-game winning streak in the Empire League, showcasing their dominance over rivals Tupper Lake Riverpigs, Malone Border Hounds, and Saranac Lake Surge. This remarkable run has not only solidified their position at the top of the standings but has also ignited the enthusiasm of their fans and the local community.

The streak began with a thrilling victory against the Tupper Lake Riverpigs. The Thunderbirds’ offense came alive, with clutch hits and timely base running that overwhelmed the Riverpigs’ defense. Key performances from star players and strategic management by the coaching staff ensured a comprehensive win, setting the tone for what would become a historic run.

Next in line were the Malone Border Hounds, a team known for their resilience and competitive spirit. The Thunderbirds faced them with confidence, leveraging their strong pitching rotation and dynamic batting lineup. Each game saw the Thunderbirds display exceptional teamwork and an unwavering focus, outplaying the Border Hounds in every aspect of the game. The series against Malone highlighted the depth of the Thunderbirds’ roster, with contributions coming from both seasoned veterans and emerging talents.

The Saranac Lake Surge, another formidable opponent, were the final hurdle in this impressive streak. The Surge, known for their aggressive playing style, posed a significant challenge. However, the Thunderbirds rose to the occasion, executing their game plan to perfection. The pitching staff, led by standout performances from their starters and bullpen, kept the Surge’s hitters at bay. Meanwhile, the Thunderbirds’ hitters continued to shine, delivering key hits in crucial moments to secure victories.

Throughout this 11-game stretch, the Thunderbirds have displayed a perfect blend of skill, strategy, and determination. The team’s chemistry has been evident both on and off the field, with players supporting each other and maintaining a positive atmosphere. This camaraderie has translated into cohesive and effective gameplay, allowing the Thunderbirds to maintain their winning momentum.

Managerial decisions have also played a critical role in this success. The coaching staff’s ability to adapt and make strategic adjustments during games has been instrumental in outmaneuvering their opponents. Whether it’s making the right call on pitching changes or setting up effective defensive alignments, the Thunderbirds’ coaches have demonstrated exceptional insight and leadership.

The North Country Thunderbirds’ 11-game win streak has not only brought excitement to their fans but has also set a new standard of excellence in the Empire League. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on the Thunderbirds to see if they can maintain their remarkable form and continue their march towards the championship.