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There are so many reasons to go to a baseball game; the food, fan atmosphere, the weather. However, the players and quality of play are arguably the most important aspect of going to a ballgame, and that’s what the United Shore Professional Baseball League (USPBL) is striving to give baseball fans.
The league, now in its third season at Jimmy John’s Field, consists of four teams: the Eastside Diamond Hoppers, Utica Unicorns, Westside Wooly Mammoths, and the Birmingham Bloomfield Beavers. The teams rotate playing each other every week and even compete for a championship in September, but it’s the development of its players that USPBL focuses on.
USPBL prides itself on finding overlooked quality college baseball players that need to refine their skills in order to make that next step. Whether it’s exciting pitchers, quality hitters, or all-around good players, the league is evolving into not only a local place to showcase great talent, but it has the national attention too.
The league has had 21 players sign to Major League Baseball contracts in just its first three seasons. The league celebrated another signing recently as Diamond Hoppers pitcher Tyler Palm signed with the Minnesota Twins organization back on Saturday, June 9. The Director of Baseball Operations, Justin Orenduff, said that these signings always remind him and his staff of what the ultimate goal is.
“Tyler Palm embodies what we are trying to do with our players. It shows that if our players learn through the process and understand the unique and specific blueprint we have laid out, they can get better and potentially signed,” Orenduff said.
As the talent pool continues to grow for the league, so does the quality and overall play of the game. The season has already seen a couple of incredible noteworthy plays that got national attention, and there is reason to believe that will continue throughout the summer. USPBL provides baseball fans the chance to see up-and-coming players in a local, fun environment in downtown Utica.
“There is going to be one or two prospects that shine and are going to give you highlight-worthy plans. It’s the equivalent Low-A baseball and the players will provide great baseball entertainment.” Orenduff said.
The USPBL regular season runs through Sunday, September 2, with the playoffs beginning on Friday, September 7. Be sure to check our their schedule to stay up to date with the latest deals and promos. More information can be also be seen on the league’s Facebook and Twitter pages.
