The hope this year is that the league will see an increase in the number of games played. The return of Clark and an enthusiastic preseason were steps in the right direction, but the league has been here before only to see mid and late season participation drop off. 

“We’re going to try hard to accommodate schedules.  We saw what it was like last year not playing and it wasn’t a good feeling,” said MLY Commissioner Andy Taylor.

Last year the league played a total of three games, including Opening Day.  Last year marked the first time an MLYCS was not completed since 1998 and no Wheeling Series was held since the series began in 2000. The league is hoping to bring in new talent from the ranks of Mott Community College to cover in times when one of several players cannot play.  “It’s down to relying on one guy showing up to play.  It’s better have more options than that,” said Shawn Brown, Mott CC’s men’s baseball coach.

Discussions are still ongoing within the MLY commission about Opening Day’s location—traditionally held at Bradley Park, which is now closed.  The park may be reopened for Opening Day, which will also serve at the farewell game that was not held at the park last year.  After Opening Day, all games will be scheduled for Brown Stadium, which was recently updated with improved night lighting.  Opening Day is tentative set for the first week of June, a full two months later than previous years.

Hoed Out List

1. Mike Jones

Could not play, had to continue 28-day Wendy's eating streak

2. Benny

Declined free steak.