Everything old is new again: the new summer-collegiate Prospect League team playing at Russell E. Diethrick Jr. Park this year is the Jamestown Jammers.
The Jammers, of course, was the name of the NY-Penn League team departing this offseason for Morgantown, W.Va. and adopting the West Virginia Black Bears name. MKE Sports & Entertainment owner Mike Zimmerman partnered with Kevin Rhomberg to form Jamestown Baseball, LLC. Shortly thereafter, Jamestown Baseball and Minor League Baseball (MiLB) struck a deal for continued use of the Jamestown Jammers name, and Jamestown Baseball went ahead with new logos and uniforms.
“Jamestown is a city with a rich baseball tradition that is filled with folks who just love the game and are passionate about their team,” said City of Jamestown Mayor Sam Teresi. “I’m really looking forward to our new partnership with MKE Sports & Entertainment and can’t wait for opening day in May.”
“It’s very exciting and very important to the community that the Jammers will stay in Jamestown,” said Russell E. Diethrick. “I look forward to outstanding, fun baseball and a thrilling atmosphere at the stadium, in what will be a destination point for many people not only locally but to travelers visiting town.”
“This is another big day for the City of Jamestown,” Zimmerman said. “The new brand is strong and will certainly be a big success for merchandise sales. I am truly humbled and grateful that the city has chosen my group to represent the great city of Jamestown.”
The Jamestown Jammers will open up their inaugural Prospect League season at Russell E. Diethrick Jr. Park on May 27 against the Butler BlueSox.
MKE Sports & Entertainment is jumping into pro baseball this season; besides running the Jammers, it will also run the Rockford Aviators (independent; Frontier League) and the Kokomo Jackrabbits (summer collegiate; Prospect League).