Japanese talent thrives under Empire League Partnership

Tampa, Florida — October 25, 2025

The Empire League Japan Showcase Platform continues to make a major impact on professional baseball, producing some of the most exciting Japanese talent to compete in America. As an innovative online recruitment system that connects players from Japan with opportunities in the Empire Baseball League (EBL) each summer, the program is proving to be a powerful bridge between international prospects and professional contracts.

Over the past four years, standout athletes such as outfielder Hiroki Itakura, infielder Katzuya Arai, Power Bat Wataru Kumagai and ambidextrous pitcher Mizuki Akatsuka have successfully transitioned from the Empire League to contracts in the Frontier League, demonstrating the program’s effectiveness in developing professional-level players.

This year’s spotlight belongs to Ryoh Satoh, who captured the Empire League MVP title for the 2025 season. His performance has placed him firmly on the radar of scouts and executives, with multiple teams expected to compete for his signing ahead of the 2026 season.

With demand for Japanese players on the rise, the Empire League Baseball (EBL) organization plans to expand its reach even further. In preparation for 2026, the league is scheduling private international tryouts in Japan, Canada, and the United States, designed to identify and contract the next wave of Japanese prospects ready to make their mark in professional baseball.

For more information and updates on upcoming international tryouts, visit EmpireProLeague.com

Empire Baseball League Continues to Gain World-Class Recognition

Tampa, FL — The Empire Professional Baseball Development League (EBL) and its Instructional Training Camps continue to receive world-class recognition for their exceptional role in player development and advancement to professional baseball.

Major League Baseball (MLB) Partner League commissioners and Professional team owners from across the country work closely with the Empire League and its scouting executives, creating a vital bridge for players seeking to reach the professional level.

The recognition extends beyond being one of the nation’s premier player development and showcase platforms. The Empire League has also become a top international player portal, welcoming athletes from across the globe who aspire to launch or continue their professional baseball careers in America.

Operating during the summer months, the EBL provides MLB Partner League teams with a reliable, high-quality pool of players to draw from when roster needs arise due to injuries or midseason openings. Each year, approximately 30–35% of Empire League players earn professional baseball contracts, proving the league’s effectiveness as a true pathway to the pros.

“The Empire League continues to bridge the gap between amateur and professional baseball,” said Jonathan Albaladejo, who is a former NY Yankee and current MLB partner League Manager. “Our mission has always been to provide players with a legitimate platform to develop, compete, and earn their shot at the next level — and the results speak for themselves.” Said Empire Director Eddie Gonzalez.

MLB scouts, coaches, and executives from MLB Partner Leagues consistently recommend that aspiring professionals attend their nearest Empire League camp or showcase for the best opportunity to get signed.

For more information on upcoming camps and tryouts, visit empireproleague.com

Mason Collins Named 2025 Empire League Finals MVP

MALONE, N.Y. – After delivering one of the most clutch hits in Empire League history, Mason Collins has been named the 2025 Empire League Finals MVP.

Collins capped off an incredible championship series with a two-RBI walk-off single in Game 3, sealing the Malone Border Hounds’ sweep of the defending champion Tupper Lake Riverpigs. Throughout the series, the Border Hounds’ utility was a constant spark — driving in key runs, playing flawless defense, pitching and setting the tone in every at-bat.

“Mason was locked in all series,” said Border Hounds manager Jason Laflesh. “He wanted the ball in big moments, and he delivered every single time.”

With his MVP performance, Collins has cemented his name in Border Hounds and Empire League history.

Malone Border Hounds are 2025 EBL Champions

MALONE, N.Y. – The Malone Border Hounds are officially the kings of the Empire Baseball League. With a dominant 28-9 regular season record and a commanding postseason run, the Border Hounds capped off their 2025 campaign by sweeping the defending champion Tupper Lake Riverpigs in the best-of-five Championship Series.

Game 3, played before a packed and roaring Malone crowd, ended in dramatic fashion. Tied in the bottom of the ninth, utility man Mason Collins delivered the biggest swing of the season — a two-RBI walk-off single that sent teammates spilling onto the field in celebration.

The Border Hounds’ playoff dominance was a statement in itself. They never trailed in the series, combining explosive offense with airtight defense and clutch pitching to put away a Riverpigs team that had ruled the league in recent years.

The championship marks the second in franchise history for the Border Hounds and signals a power shift in the Empire League hierarchy. The Riverpigs, long considered the standard of excellence, were dethroned in decisive fashion by a team that blended veteran leadership, rising talent, and an unshakable will to win.

Michael Torniero Wins Empire League Defensive Player of the Year

When the ball was hit to center field, Michael Torniero made sure it stayed out of trouble. The Tupper Lake Riverpigs outfielder has been named the Empire League Defensive Player of the Year, a testament to his flawless play and game-changing presence in the outfield.

In 28 games, Torniero was a human highlight reel — tracking down deep drives, cutting off extra-base hits, and gunning down runners with precision. His instincts, range, and arm strength anchored the Riverpigs’ defense all season long.

2025 Defensive Stats:

  • Games Played: 28
  • Putouts: 43
  • Assists: 5
  • Errors: 0

Torniero’s perfect fielding percentage speaks volumes. Not once did he flinch under pressure or misplay a ball — an incredible feat in a league loaded with speed and power.

Whether it was diving into the gap or throwing out a runner trying to take an extra base, Torniero brought elite defense every single day. His consistency and hustle set the tone for Tupper Lake and made him one of the most respected defenders in the Empire League.

Michael Torniero didn’t just play defense — he owned the outfield.