Joe Becker Stadium is welcoming back a familiar team this summer, as the Joplin Outlaws (summer collegiate; MINK League) are returning to the ballpark on Friday.
Before the 2015 season, Joe Becker Stadium underwent a significant renovation to accommodate the newly-arrived Joplin Blasters (independent; American Association. The Blasters ultimately lasted two seasons before disbanding after the 2016 campaign.
Last fall, after it was confirmed that the Blasters would not return, it was reported that the Outlaws had reached an agreement with the city to use Joe Becker Stadium for the 2015 season. The Outlaws played at Joe Becker Stadium before the renovations, but had been using alternate facilities since that project was completed, including Wendell Redden Field in 2016.
Now set to return to their former home, the Outlaws are eager to begin their season. More from The Joplin Globe:
After spending last summer at Wendell Redden Field at the Joplin Athletic Complex, the Outlaws are returning to the historic downtown stadium they formerly called home.
And when the Outlaws officially begin their ninth season Friday night, they’ll be under the direction of Danny Weaver.
“It will be a new experience for me,” said Weaver, who is the head baseball coach and athletic director at Riverton High School. “I’ve helped out with some college summer teams in the past, but I was never the guy in charge. I thought it would give me an opportunity to do something different and I’m excited. Hopefully we’ll win some games and the guys will get better. That’s the goal.”
Joe Becker Stadium will host multiple games over the coming week. The Outlaws’ home opener on Friday will be followed by contests on Saturday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.
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