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Here are 15 minor league, independent baseball teams in Illinois

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Here are 15 minor league, independent baseball teams in Illinois


The Springfield Lucky Horseshoes gear up for their season opener May 27 against the Normal CornBelters, marking the centennial of historic Robin Roberts Stadium.The team, owned by Golden Rule Entertainment’s Capital City Baseball LLC, is part of the Prospect League, a collegiate summer league.

There are more than a dozen minor league-affiliated and independent league baseball teams around the state.

Here’s where to catch a ballgame this summer.

The Springfield Lucky Horseshoes' home, Robin Roberts Stadium, marks its centennial in 2025. It is the former site of Reservoir Park.

Chicago Dogs (Rosemont)

League: American Association of Independent Professional Baseball

Stadium: Impact Field, 9800 Balmoral Ave., Rosemont (seats 6,300)

Of note: According to its website, the Dogs are named after “Chicago’s favorite and oldest culinary tradition.”…Infielder Zion Pettigrew played at the University of Illinois Springfield, signing with the Washington Nationals as a free agent.

Website: thechicagodogs.com

Kane County Cougars (Geneva)

League: American Association of Independent Professional Baseball

Stadium: Northwestern Medicine Field, 34W002 Cherry Lane, Geneva (seats 10,923)

Of note: The franchise’s immediate descendant is the Wausau Timbers, but the team played for more than 75 seasons as the Decatur Commodores, or Commies…On Aug. 2, the Cougars hold a “No Soup for You” promotion with actor Larry Thomas, “the Soup Nazi” from “Seinfeld.”

Website: kccougars.com

The Decatur Commodores, known as the Commies, was a forerunner of the Kane County Cougars.

Gateway Grizzlies (Sauget)

League: Frontier League

Stadium: Grizzlies Ballpark, 2301 Grizzlie Bear Blvd., Sauget (seats 6,000)

Of note: During an Aug. 21, 2016, game, Grizzlies outfielder Brandon Thomas launched a grand slam home run, which smashed the windshield of his own truck…The Grizzlies sell a burger with a Krispy Kreme doughnut substituting as a bun, topped by melted cheese and bacon and checking in at 1,000 calories.

Website: gatewaygrizzlies.com

Jun 11, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Bill Murray sings "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" during the seventh inning stretch of a baseball game between the Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Joliet Slammers

League: Frontier League

Stadium: Slammers Stadium, 1 Mayor Art Schultz Drive, Joliet (seats 6,016)

Of note: The Slammers’ ownership includes Mike Veeck, architect of “Disco Demolition” at Comiskey Park; comedian Bill Murray and Veeck’s son, William “Night Train” Veeck…According to the Joliet News, duck and bacon-filled wantons are among new concession stand offerings.

Website: jolietslammers.com

Schaumburg Boomers

League: Frontier League

Stadium: Wintrust Field, 1999 Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg (seats 8,107)

Of note: The Boomers name honors the Greater Prairie Chicken, which was once prevalent around Schaumburg, but is now on the Illinois Endangered Species Protection Board. “Boomer” refers to the loud sound the bird makes as it “dances” to assert its dominance over other male birds during mating season…Wintrust Field has been named Stadium of the Year for the past three seasons.

Website: boomersbaseball.com

Windy City Thunderbolts (Crestwood)

League: Frontier League

Stadium: Ozinga Field, 14011 S. Kenton Ave., Crestwood (seats 4,200)

Of note: Former Chicago White Sox closer and 2005 World Series champion Bobby Jenks is the ‘Bolts field manager…The ‘Bolts were founded as the Cook County Cheetahs.

Website: wcthunderbolts.com

Jaison Andujar finishes his swing against the Jackson Rockabillys at Robin Roberts Stadium on July 20, 2024.

Peoria Chiefs

League: Midwest League

Stadium: Dozer Park, 730 SW Jefferson Ave., Peoria (seats 8,500)

Of note: St. Louis Cardinals great Albert Pujols made his pro debut with the Peoria Chiefs on Apr. 6, 2000…In 2005, the team re-branded its indigenous imagery associated with the Chiefs name, going to a logo of a dalmatian as a fire chief.

Website: milb.com/peoria

Springfield Lucky Horseshoes

League: Prospect League

Stadium: Robin Roberts Stadium at Lanphier Park, 1415 N. Grand Ave. E., (seats 6,000+)

Of Note: The ‘Shoes “Centennial Game,” making the park’s 100th anniversary, will be its opener, May 27 against Normal. Tickets are just $1…The ‘Shoes have gotten into the name, image, likeness (NIL) game, announcing a partnership last fall with NOCAP, which specializes in athlete branding…A Sam Antonacci Bobblehead Night (July 20) will honor the first ‘Shoes’ player to be drafted in the MLB draft.

Website: shoesbaseball.com

Danville Dans

League: Prospect League

Stadium: Danville Stadium, 610 Highland Blvd., Danville (seats 4,000)

Of note: “The Babe” (John Goodman) was filmed at the stadium in 1991… Gil Hodges, Duke Snider, Jackie Robinson and Pee Wee Reese were among the Brooklyn Dodgers to play against its minor league affiliate in Danville in 1947.

Website: danvilledans.org

Peoria Chiefs manager Roberto Espinoza, left, talks with baserunner Miguel Villarroel during a minor league baseball game against Quad City on Saturday, April 5, 2025 at Dozer Park.

Normal CornBelters

League: Prospect League

Stadium: The Corn Crib, 1000 W. Raab Road, Normal (seats 7,000)

Of note: The CornBelters share the Corn Crib with a team in the Kernal Collegiate League called the Normal GroundSloths…Former Major Leaguer Hal Lanier, the CornBelters’ manager for their inaugural season in 2010, piloted the Springfield Redbirds to the 1980 championship in the American Association.

Website: cornbeltersbaseball.com

Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp (Peru)

League: Prospect League

Stadium: Schweickert Stadium at Veterans Memorial Park, 2600 Plank Road, Peru (seats 2,200)

Of note: A pistol shrimp uses its snapping claw to emit a powerful sonic blast to stun or kill its prey, including small fish, crabs and other invertebrates. The team’s mascot is Southclaw Sam.

Website: pistolshrimpbaseball.com

Peoria Chiefs starting pitcher Gerardo Salas throws against Quad City in the home opener Saturday, April 5, 2025 at Dozer Park.

Quincy Doggy Paddlers

League: Prospect League

Stadium: QU Stadium, 1800 Sycamore Street, Quincy (seats 2,000)

Of note: Ownership adopted the team name the Doggy Paddlers after receiving over 1,000 name submissions. Its mascot is Barkley the Paddler…QU Stadium is known as “the Rockpile.”

Website: paddlersbaseball.com

Alton River Dragons

League: Prospect League

Stadium: Lloyd Hopkins Field (Gordon Moore Park), 95 Arnold Palmer Rd., Cottage Hills (seats 1,800)

Of note: The team is having a Tall People Celebration at the park on June 12 in honor of Alton native son Robert Wadlow, who stood 8-foot-11-inches…The River Dragon team name comes from the Piasa bird, a mythical monster depicted in a painting on a cliff overlooking the Mississippi River north of Alton.

Website: altonbaseball.com

Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp Brandon Mahler (19) reacts after getting on base during the Prospect League baseball game against the Lafayette Aviators, Saturday, June 29, 2024, at Loeb Stadium in Lafayette, Ind.

Thrillville Thrillbillies (Marion)

League: Prospect League

Stadium: Marion Stadium, 1000 Miners Drive, Marion (seats 7,000)

Of note: The team announced a $20 game ticket that includes unlimited access to ballpark food…The stadium has Sportexe Turf instead of regular grass and dirt.

Website: thrillbillies.com

Rockford Rivets (Loves Park)

League: Northwoods League

Stadium: Rivets Stadium, 4503 Interstate Blvd., Loves Park (seats 3,279)

Of note: The “Rivets” nickname is a nod to Rockford’s once-thriving production of rivets, screws and other fasteners, made by companies like National Lock. Many companies nationwide that employed women became popularized as “Rosie the Riveters” during World War II…The Northwoods League is a summer collegiate league, like the Prospect League.

Website: northwoodsleague.com/rockford-rivets

Contact Steven Spearie: 217-622-1788; sspearie@sj-r.com; X, twitter.com/@StevenSpearie.

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Quinasia Abercrombie Named PBC Women’s Basketball Player of the Week

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AUGUSTA, Ga –  Augusta women’s basketball sophomore Quinasia Abercrombia was named PBC Player of the Week

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Player of the Week

Quinasia Abercrombie, Augusta

Sophomore, Guard/ Forward

  • Averaged 21.50 points as Augusta went 2-0 on the week
  • Abercrombie scored 26 points while adding 10 rebounds, two assists and four steals in a 91-69 victory over Converse
  • Scored 17 points while adding four rebounds and two steals in a 53-47 victory over Middle Georgia
  • Abercrombie is averaging 15.6 points, good for fourth in the conference and 6.8 rebounds, good for ninth in the conference with a .530 field goal percentage which is good for second in the conference.

Fans of Jaguar Athletics can subscribe to the email listserve by clicking here. Fans can follow Augusta University at www.augustajags.com and receive short updates on Facebook at Augusta University Athletics and on Twitter at @AugustaJags





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Walton Named A-10 Player of the Week for Third Time

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WASHINGTON, D.C – Redshirt junior Zahirah Walton has been named the Atlantic 10 Player of the Week for the third time this season for her performance vs. Dayton on December 31.

Walton posted 25 points on 70% shooting, including 10-13 from the free throw line vs. the Flyers on New Years Eve. She scored 14 of those points in the fourth quarter to secure the Patriots’ 74-59 victory. Walton also scored four rebounds and dished out four assists. 

The Patriots went 2-0 last week, continuing their undefeated streak in conference play, and stretching their overall record to 8-6 on the season. 





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Brittnay Estes – Assistant Coach/Recruiting Coordinator – Women’s Volleyball Coaches

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Estes enteres her second season with the Wolfpack after being hired as an assistant coach/recruiting coordinator in February 2025. Her main focus is working with the middle blockers and running the Pack’s defense.

Brittnay is the perfect addition to our staff. She comes to us highly-recommended and is a very well-respected coach in the volleyball community. I am excited to add her energy, extreme enthusiasm and competitiveness to our gym,” said Wargo-Kearney. “Brittnay is a great relationship builder and will have the trust of our players, as well as future Wolfpack athletes. I have no doubt her impact on our program will make us stronger and she will continue to put together strong recruiting classes as our recruiting coordinator. I am fired up to welcome her to Raleigh!”

Estes joins the Pack after spending the last four seasons at her alma mater, Lipscomb. 

She helped coach the 2023 ASUN Player of the Year, Meg Mersman, to All-American, All-Region honors, in addition to three All-ASUN honors. 

In her first season with the Bison in 2020, she helped guide the squad to their seventh ASUN Regular Season Championship and seventh Tournament Championship after the group finished with a 14-2 overall record and 11-1 conference record. 

Prior to joining the staff in Nashville, Estes spent five years in Los Angeles, California where she played one season of beach volleyball for Loyola Marymount as a graduate student before playing pro for the Associate of Volleyball Professionals (AVP), the country’s most extensive premiere beach volleyball tour. 

A standout outside hitter for the Bison, the Palm Harbor, Florida native was a four year starter and was tabbed the 2015 Conference Player of the Year. During her senior campaign, she was tabbed the ASUN Tournament MVP. She remains in the top-five in the Lipscomb record book for several stats, including kills per set and kills per set in a five set match. 

Over the course of her time in Nashville, she collected two All-Conference selections, two All-Tournament team nods, and four Player of the Week honors. She was also a two-time AVCA All-Region honoree. In 2020, she was named to the ASUN All-Decade team.

Estes graduated from Lipscomb in 2016 with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and New Media. She also earned her master’s degree from Loyola Marymount in Educational Studies. 



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This Week in Wake Forest Women’s Athletics – Presented by Truist (Jan. 5-11)

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WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Truist, a longstanding partner of Wake Forest University who is An Official Banking Partner of Wake Forest Athletics and the Presenting Partner of Wake Forest Women’s Athletics brings Deacon Nation this weekly update from the Demon Deacons women’s programs: 

  • Women’s Basketball: 

    • Wake Forest began the month with a 74-55 victory over Pitt on Jan. 1, as the Demon Deacons shared the ball at an elite rate, assisting on 26 of the 29 made baskets in the win over the Panthers.
    • It marked the first time since the 2019-20 season that the Deacs started ACC play at 2-1. 
    • The Demon Deacons now turn the attention to the California swing, first facing Stanford on Thursday before concluding the trip against Cal on Sunday. 

  • Track & Field: 

    • The Wake Forest women’s track and field team are set to return to action with three meets during the month of January.

      • The Demon Deacons begin 2026 by competing in the Mondo College Invitational (Jan. 17) at the JDL Fast Track in Winston-Salem.
      • The Deacs will then have a dual slate during the final week of the month, with one group heading to Lynchburg, Va. to compete at the Brant Tolsma Invitational (Jan. 30-31), while another group traveling to Boston for the John Thomas Terrier Classic (Jan. 31).

  • Volleyball:

    • Head coach Jeff Hulsmeyer and Demon Deacons volleyball recently announced three additions in middle blocker Catherine Burke, libero Andrea Roman and outside hitter Amina N’Diaye.

      • Burke comes to Wake Forest from Penn State, where she was a member of the Nittany Lions’ 2024 National Championship team. Off the court, she earned a spot on the 2024 Academic All-Big Ten Team.
      • Roman was one of the country’s top defenders this past fall as a junior at Little Rock, finishing second in the NCAA in total digs (632) while being named the OVC Defensive Player of the Year. The Humacao, Puerto Rico, native earned multiple all-OVC honors during her three years with the Trojans.
      • N’Diaye spent her freshman season at Miami, helping the Hurricanes rank as a top-15 team nationally for the majority of the fall en route to making an appearance in the second round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament. A key piece of Miami’s core of hitters, she was third on the roster in kills (139) in 27 matches.

About Truist
Truist Financial Corporation is a purpose-driven financial services company committed to inspiring and building better lives and communities. Truist has leading market share in many high-growth markets in the country, and offers a wide range of products and services through our retail and small business banking, commercial banking, corporate and investment banking, insurance, wealth management, and specialized lending businesses. Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Truist is a top 10 U.S. commercial bank with total assets of $574 billion as of March 31, 2023. Truist Bank, Member FDIC. Learn more at Truist.com.

About Wake Forest University

Wake Forest University is known for its distinctive combination of world-class academics, unrivaled campus experience, intimate learning environment and Power 4 athletics in a top-growing metro market. A Charter member of the Atlantic Coast Conference, the Demon Deacons have won 59 conference titles and are one of nine ACC schools to win 11 or more national championships. Additionally, with 1.7 million people within 30 miles of campus, Wake Forest anchors the Winston-Salem and Triad market, which ranks as ESPN’s seventh-best nationally from a viewership perspective.

Wake Forest’s comprehensive excellence includes its highly regarded school of medicine, business school, law school, innovative department of engineering and its nationally renowned Program for Leadership and Character, which prepares students to live with purpose, integrity and courage. Additionally, Wake Forest has campuses across Winston-Salem, Charlotte and Washington, D.C. – providing many academic offerings to students from across the nation and around the world.

Learn more about Wake Forest University at www.wfu.edu and at GoDeacs.com.



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Tyler Legacy lands 5 on 6A All-State volleyball team

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LONGVIEW — Five Tyler Legacy volleyball players earned honors on the Blue Bell/Texas Sports Writers Association Class 6A All-State Volleyball Team, the organization announced on Monday.

Taylor Woods and Maddie Goin were honorable mention selections as outside hitters. Mikel Reed and Aubrey Felton earned honorable mention honors at middle blocker. Kate Priest was an honorable mention pick at libero/defensive specialist.

Woods, a Louisiana Tech signee, had 379 kills, 285 digs, 25 blocks, 44 aces, 497 serve/receive receptions and a 2.08 average. Goin had 235 kills, 194 digs, 21 blocks, 300 serve/receive receptions and a 2.04 average. Reed had 124 kills, 52 blocks and 48 digs. Felton had 112 kills, 62 blocks, 13 aces and 41 digs. Priest had 328 digs, 419 serve/receive receptions and a 2.11 average.

The Lady Raiders went 22-10, qualified for the playoffs for the first time since 2021 and won a playoff match for the first time since 2007.

Longview’s Triniti Jackson was a third-team pick at setter. Teammates Alyssa Grissom, Jaharia Hunter and Landry Tubb were honorable mention selections at middle blocker, outside hitter and libero/defensive specialist, respectively.

Jackson had 702 assists, 401 kills, 313 digs, 45 blocks and 60 aces. Grissom had 201 kills, 91 blocks, 31 aces and 56 digs. Hunter had 331 kills, 222 digs and 32 blocks. Tubb had 628 digs, 28 aces and 42 assists.

State champions Byron Nelson (Division I) and Southlake Carroll (Division II) earned the top superlatives in voting. Byron Nelson’s Sophee Peterson was named Player of the Year in Class 6A, and Leslie Jackson of Southlake Carroll earned Coach of the Year honors.

Voting was conducted by TSWA members based on nominations from coaches and TSWA members from around the state.

COACH OF THE YEAR: Leslie Jackson, Southlake Carroll

PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Sophee Peterson, Byron Nelson

FIRST TEAM

Middle Blockers: Kinsley Young, Southlake Carroll; Camille Presley, Austin; Kerington Thornton, Round Rock

Outside Hitters: Layla Austin, Southlake Carroll; Avery Koonsen, Pearland Dawson; Marlee Lightsey, Comal Canyon

Setter: Sophee Peterson, Byron Nelson

Libero/Defensive Specialist: Jenna Thedford, Pearland Dawson

SECOND TEAM

Middle Blockers: Taliah Angwekwe, Stony Point; Callie Funk, Katy Tompkins; Keaton Points, Pearland Dawson

Outside Hitters: Kylie Kleckner, Byron Nelson; Riley Malloy, Austin; Saniya Reynolds, Cy Ranch

Setter: Logan Sanders, Comal Canyon

Libero/Defensive Specialist: Taylor Wright, Copperas Cove

THIRD TEAM

Middle Blockers: Ryea Jackson, Duncanville; (tie) Madyson Carr, Cy Ranch; (tie) Micah Rusher, Oak Ridge

Outside Hitters: Kylie Rodriguez, Forney; Ashley Seay, Byron Nelson; Jaylyn Tuiasosopo, O’Connor

Setter: (tie) Triniti Jackson, Longview; Audrey Cook, Stratford

Libero/Defensive Specialist: Emerson Chang, Manvel

HONORABLE MENTION

Middle Blockers: Carinne Bouie, Goose Creek Memorial; Mikel Reed, Tyler Legacy; Aubrey Felton, Tyler Legacy; Khadijah Blue, Cibolo Steele; Mia Carrasco, Eastlake; Alyssa Grissom, Longview; Carolina Elizondo, Laredo Alexander; Jocelyn Joyner, O’Connor

Outside Hitters: Jaharia Hunter, Longview; Taylor Woods, Tyler Legacy; Nevah English, Manvel; Karina Deylen Mendivil, James Madison; Sloane Ranney, Pearland Dawson; Simone Heard, Plano East; Giselle Gandara, Eastlake; Leila Ceaser, Oak Ridge; Jasmyn Walker, Manvel; Peyton Smith, Duncanville; Maddie Goin, Tyler Legacy; Elisa St. Rose, Katy Thompson; Halle Thompson, Grand Oaks; Gwen Koss, Stafford; Mary-Christine Crutcher, Mansfield

Setter: Olivia Pena, O’Connor; Maggie McCarroll, Austin; Tinsley Welker, Fort Bend Austin; London King, Manvel

Libero/Defensive Specialist: Kaylee Parker, Cy Ranch; Landry Tubb, Longview; Isabella Cordaway-Dreier, Round Rock; Lainey Monroe, Katy Tompkins; Kate Priest, Tyler Legacy



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HPISD Board of Trustees Honors Volleyball Team

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The Highland Park ISD board of trustees recognized the district’s history-making volleyball team at its Dec. 16 meeting.

Head coach Michael Dearman called the Class 5A Division I state champions “a very special team.”

“We, of course, were chock full of talent. You’re looking at several All Americans here. But that’s not the real story about this team. The real story about this team is about closeness, and the family, and the trust that we had with one another,” he said. “They played for each other. It was an amazing, amazing experience.”

Dearman recognized each Lady Scot and the team’s coaches individually.



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