For the 2014 summer college baseball season, the MINK League has added an additional team. The Branson Nationals out of Branson, MO give the league 7 teams from the Show Me state for the coming season. The “M” in MINK is getting larger every year. “We are thrilled to add a ninth team to the MINK League” said Dan Gerson owner of the Mustangs and Chairman of the MINK League’s expansion committee. “They have a proven track record of excellence and will challenge for the league title every year.” Gerson added that with the addition to the number of teams in the league, the MINK will play 2 more in-league contests increasing the total to 44 league games, 22 at home and 22 road games per team. “We wanted to give our fans more chances to watch MINK League games and we accomplished that” added Gerson. Opening night for the Mustangs will be May 30 vs Joplin.
The Mustangs head into their sixth season in 2014. They have two MINK League titles on their resume winning the crown in 2011 and 2012. They finished second in the North division in 2013. Matt Johnson returns for his sixth year at the helm of the ponies. He has had amazing success as the only head coach in team history. “Last season twenty players from our original roster either got hurt were drafted by Major League Baseball or signed with an independent league team. It was an amazing mountain to climb. It is a testament to our coaches and those players that were here that we still had a chance at the title until the last week of the season.” said Johnson.
Three doubleheaders dot the 26 home date slate with back to back doubleheaders on July 17 and 18. Also on the docket are the wildly popular US Military All Stars again on July 3, the annual clash with Sedalia on July 4, 8 Saturday night games, 7 Fridays and 6 Thursdays. Branson plays its first game in St Joseph on June 20 at 7pm. Another first will be June 6 when the Mustangs take on St Joe Mustangs alumni at 7pm. The final home game is July 19 vs defending league champion Clarinda. Playoffs will be the following weekend with the division winners squaring off in a 3 game series for the title.
Back for a second year will be a live boxing card on home plate with Legacy Boxing. This time however, the card will be during the Mustangs season on Friday June 13. Fighters and ticket information will follow later.
Season tickets are now on sale at Phil Welch Stadium or by calling 816 279 STJO (7856). Group plans, deck and party tent reservations are now available at the same number and address. The entire 2014 schedule is available online at www.stjoemustangs.com
Rick Muntean, General Manager of the Mustangs said “We will have many fun promotions lined up for this year and innovations that our fans have come to expect from their Mustangs. We will also have another championship pennant to fly after the 2014 season. Jump on board for a great ride.”
— Mustangs Press Release —