To Our Loyal Midwest League Fans:
After a challenging winter in the Midwest, Spring is here and with it Midwest League baseball.
Our game is a treasure and each of our communities in the Midwest League is blessed to be able
to attend games and enjoy the exciting atmosphere, and the young stars who will some day
populate the Major Leagues.
To the Millions of Midwest League Fans:
I am thrilled to begin my 4th season as Midwest League President. Each day I realize
how lucky I am to have the privilege of working with our 16 teams who are the best in
Minor League Baseball. We have consistently exceeded 4 million fans coming though
Midwest League Park gates each season. Therefore, I have the luxury of welcoming
our fans in a way which highlights the fact each of you are not only “1 in a million”, but
1 in 4 million!!!
The success of the Midwest League does not happen by accident. Each time I visit the
parks around the League I find smiling faces, families holding hands and laughing at the
entertainment, and cheering the play on the field. This affordable opportunity each of
our Clubs provide to our fans is done with a welcoming smile and a true desire to treat
you all as valued guests.
What makes me most proud is how our Clubs are excellent corporate citizens and each
year either lead or are among the top 2 or 3 Leagues in Charitable Contributions of all of
Minor League Baseball. In fact, more than a dollar per ticket goes back to worthy causes
in each of our cities. For this philanthropy I thank our Clubs and fans.
We had a great 2017 Championship Season with the Whitecaps maintaining the best
record for a Minor League Team, the TinCaps fielding the youngest team in Minor
League Baseball and making it to the final Championship Series, and our Astros affiliate
Quad Cities River Bandits winning it all, just like the parent Club in Houston.
So, saddle up, and get ready for another exciting season in the Midwest League; 2018 will
be the best ever! A new set of players and teams will be thrilling our fans April through
September. Don’t miss an opportunity to take in a Midwest League game, as you’ll
experience a lifetime of memories. Play Ball!!!
Sincerely,
Richard A. Nussbaum, II, President
To the Millions of Midwest League Fans:
I am thrilled to begin my 4th season as Midwest League President. Each day I realize
how lucky I am to have the privilege of working with our 16 teams who are the best in
Minor League Baseball. We have consistently exceeded 4 million fans coming though
Midwest League Park gates each season. Therefore, I have the luxury of welcoming
our fans in a way which highlights the fact each of you are not only “1 in a million”, but
1 in 4 million!!!
The success of the Midwest League does not happen by accident. Each time I visit the
parks around the League I find smiling faces, families holding hands and laughing at the
entertainment, and cheering the play on the field. This affordable opportunity each of
our Clubs provide to our fans is done with a welcoming smile and a true desire to treat
you all as valued guests.
What makes me most proud is how our Clubs are excellent corporate citizens and each
year either lead or are among the top 2 or 3 Leagues in Charitable Contributions of all of
Minor League Baseball. In fact, more than a dollar per ticket goes back to worthy causes
in each of our cities. For this philanthropy I thank our Clubs and fans.
We had a great 2017 Championship Season with the Whitecaps maintaining the best
record for a Minor League Team, the TinCaps fielding the youngest team in Minor
League Baseball and making it to the final Championship Series, and our Astros affiliate
Quad Cities River Bandits winning it all, just like the parent Club in Houston.
So, saddle up, and get ready for another exciting season in the Midwest League; 2018 will
be the best ever! A new set of players and teams will be thrilling our fans April through
September. Don’t miss an opportunity to take in a Midwest League game, as you’ll
experience a lifetime of memories. Play Ball!!!
Sincerely,
Richard A. Nussbaum, II, President
One aspect of the Midwest League many may not know about, is we lead Minor League Baseball
in “GBs”. What is a GB you might ask? It is Give Backs. Last year our Clubs gave back to their
communities, donations which amounted to over 7 million dollars. The Cougars in Kane County
contributed over 1 million dollars, and Quad Cities led all of Minor League Baseball in cash
donations. Lake County has a wonderful Miracle Field right next to their ballpark. The rest of
our Clubs have great stories to tell as well. Bottom line, Midwest League Clubs are a shining
example of corporate citizenship. Every ticket you buy will yield a return on investment in our
own home towns for those who are in need.
Speaking of home towns, mine will host the All-Star Game on Tuesday, June 18. It will be in
South Bend for the first time in 30 years. I invite all of you to take a road trip or drive down the
street to see the premier event of the year in our League. Lansing last year and Midland the year
before have set the bar really high. I look forward to how South Bend meets the challenge.
This year marks the 20th season for Midwest League Baseball in Dayton. In the prior 19 seasons
they have had 1,316 straight sell outs – a professional sports record by a long shot. It is a success
story we in our League love to tell. Each of our Clubs offer something special as well.
Get out soon and often with your family to watch as each Club tries to supplant the Bowling Green
Hot Rods, the 2018 Midwest League Champion, and Baseball America’s Minor League Team of
the Year. Laugh at the entertainment. Have a hot dog and soda and just smile. Thank you for your
wonderful support. See you at the Park. Play Ball!!!
The Midwest League of Professional Baseball Clubs
The Midwest League of Professional Baseball Clubs
210 S. Michigan Street - Fifth Floor, South Bend, IN 46601 • 574-532-1221 • midwestleague.com
210 S. Michigan Street - Fifth Floor, South Bend, IN 46601 • 574-532-1221 • midwestleague.com
6 Midwest League 2019
Sincerely,
Richard A. Nussbaum, II, President
The Midwest League of Professional Baseball Clubs
210 S. Michigan Street - Fifth Floor, South Bend, IN 46601 574-532-1221 midwestleague.com
/midwestleague.com