2020 Mid-Plains League Season Preview
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2020 Mid-Plains League Season Preview
Baldwin City 2019 Record: 8-18
Potential Returners:
Blues Brandon Van Becelaere (.321/.441)
Jamie Mitchell (Pittsburg State)
The 2020 Blues have high expectations, and General Manager Michael
Moore feels that it is about time for the Cowdin Cup to come to Baldwin
City. While the founding member club has yet to win a championship in the
Mid-Plains League, many Baldwin City alumni have gone on to find success
in the professional ranks. Former Blues have been drafted by the
Cardinals, Tigers, Rays, Pirates, Royals, and Nationals. Blues have also
played professionally for independent teams, including the local favorite
Kansas City T-Bones.
Junction City 2019 Record: 21-5
Potential Returners:
Brigade Tyler Halstead (25 RBI, 21 R)
Zane Schmidt (Texas A&M)
Junction City stands out among the Mid-Plains League's best when it comes to
fan experience. Just down the road from Fort Riley, home to over 15,000
active duty military members, you can find the stands packed and the beer
garden buzzing as fans gather to watch Junction City's premier baseball club
dominate series after series against their foes from throughout Kansas and
Missouri. Junction City enters the 2020 season with plenty to look forward
to, as they are set to battle for their third straight championship despite
facing the task of replacing the two-time MPL Manager of the Year in Derek
Francis.
Kansas City 2019 Record: 15-11
Potential Returners:
Knights Nick Michael (CP, 5 SV)
Taylor Foss (Baker University)
The Knights had no trouble fitting right in through their first two seasons
as a member of the Mid-Plains League. The Knights were led by Mike Holmes,
as well as former MLB standout Freddie Patek. Patek, a three time MLB All-
Star, led the American League in stolen bases in 1977 on his way to cementing
a spot in the Kansas City Royals Hall of Fame. In 2019, the Knights were one
win away from a trip to their first ever Cowdin Cup Championship Series,
before ultimately falling to the eventual champion. You can catch every
Knights' game live on KNGT Radio- Home of the Kansas City Knights.
Kansas City 2019 Record: 9-5
Potential Returners:
Monarchs Daryl Graham (.344/.475)
Morgan Johann (.378/.531)
The Kansas City Monarchs serve as the "at-large" team in the Mid-Plains
League. The Monarch roster is comprised of former collegiate and ex-
professional players, and combines for more playing experience than any
other MPL club. With players aged from their mid-20s all the way to 40-
plus, the Monarchs respond well to the leadership of player/manager
Johnathan Krysa. Krysa is entering his tenth year at the helm, as he
continues to make a name for himself across the country. The Kansas City
club has been crowned national champions in four of the last nine years,
most recently at
Midwest 2019 Record: 19-7
Potential Returners:
A's Zach Pratt (MPL Pitcher of the Year)
Sam Tatum (22 RBI, 30 R, .297 AVG)
The Midwest A's fell just short of their first Cowdin Cup Championship in
2019, and face the heavy task of replacing a veteran-filled lineup.
Shortstop Dusty Stroup managed to run away with the "Mid-Plains League
Player of the Year" award, but will be playing his final collegiate season
in the spring of 2020. Fortunately for Belton's finest, the bullpen looks
to be as solid as ever. Jeremy Husband, the pride of Kingwood, TX, is
eligible to return to Belton for his third year with the A's. While the
prospect of facing Husband is enough of a nightmare for opposing bats,
the A's also have a pair of dangerous right-handed sophomores in Zach
Pratt and Gabe Combs. Expect the A's to be a contender once again if they
are able to re-sign their top gunslingers.
Sabetha 2019 Record: 4-22
Potential Returners:
Bravos Brock Renter (60 K)
Ivan Medina (Venezuela)
The Sabetha Bravos survived a rebuilding year in 2019, and are looking
forward to returning to the race for the Cowdin Cup. The majority of
Sabetha's roster is eligible to return to the Mid-Plains League in 2020.
With the Bravos' recruiting pipeline spanning into Central and South
America, and crafty veterans like Carlos Barrios and Ivan Medina, it is
only a matter of time until the Cowdin Cup makes the journey to the
league's northernmost city.
Topeka 2019 Record: 15-11
Potential Returners:
Golden Giants Mitch Lady (.306/.440)
Ty Honda (Hawaii-Hilo)
The Topeka Golden Giants will be led by a new manager for the second
straight year. Following tradition, Topeka ownership made the decision to
hire a former player to take over for J.B. Eary's staff. Between his local
roots, and the ability to work with players each year at Seaman High, Jacob
Kirmer will certainly be influential in terms of recruiting. 2019 MPL All-
Stars Mitch Lady, Zion Bowlin, and Casey Wulfkuhle are all eligible to
return next season. Attracting veterans back to Jerry Robertson Field
will be key for Kirmer, while fans can fall back on the hope that the
roster will be bolstered by the inevitable influx of former Seaman Viking
stars.
Community Involvement
As local baseball stars, MPL athletes and coaches are always taking
advantage of opportunities to give back to the communities that support
them. Some of the most memorable outings for the players are those
involving the sport they love, including softball exhibitions with special
olympics athletes and the opportunity to grow the game while coaching
local youth clinics.
Golden Giant Otto Sabetha Bravos Junction City's The MPL All-
Jones poses players pick up a biggest fans flock Stars tour the
following an paintbrush and their favorite Tiny Home
exhibition matchup assist in the players for development at
with Special Olympic restoration autographs the Veterans'
softball's Topeka effort of a local following the "2019 Community
Stars. apartment JC Brigade Baseball Project in
complex. Camp." Kansas City.
2019 Organization of the Year
The Junction City club has led
by example since the inception
of the Mid-Plains League, both
on the field and off. The
"Organization of the Year"
honors have twice been
awarded to the Brigade, who
have won four of the last six
GM: Cecil Aska league championships. Head
HC: Derek Francis Coach Derek Francis earned
the "Mid-Plains League
MEDIA: Ivy Stivers Manager of the Year" award in
2018 and 2019. Nothing
compares to the fan experience
at rathert stadium. If you're
lucky, you might even catch
one of the famous post-game
fireworks shows!
Rathert Stadium, built in 1937, is the most historic venue in the Mid-Plains League. Buck O'Neil, Satchel Paige,
and Jackie Robinson all once set foot on the hallowed grounds. In addition to a covered grandstand, the
stadium features a turf infield, beer garden, and Traditional clubhouse locker rooms.
For the fourth time since The beer garden is frequented by some of Junction City's most
2014, the Brigade earned the passionate fans. Opposing batters often fall victim to rambunctious
right to keep the Cowdin Cup crowds reacting to the "beer batter" promotion, in which a stadium-
in Junction City. wide discount is offered in exchange for tne strikeout of a
designated opponent.
Contact us today:
Mid Plains League - PO Box 643 Lawrence, Kansas 66044
Visit us online at https://www.midplainsleague.com
Mike Norris - 785.917.3869 - M.Norris@MidPlainsLeague.org
Bob Conlon - 630.846.0671 - B.Conlon@MidPlainsLeague.org
Ethan Lee - 952.303.1399 - E.Lee@MidPlainsLeague.org
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