Mar. 29—Rochester — The Northwoods League announced Saturday the addition of a new team in Richmond, Indiana, set to begin play in the 2026 season.
The new team, whose name and branding will be unveiled at a later date, will join the Northwoods League's roster of 24 teams across the Upper Midwest and Canada. Richmond's entry into the League follows a lease agreement signed in September 2024 between Richmond Community Schools, the current owners of Don McBride Stadium, Richmond Baseball, LLC, and Northwoods League, Inc., with options to extend for additional terms.
"We are ecstatic to welcome Richmond to the Northwoods League family," said Ryan Voz, President and Commissioner of the Northwoods League in a press release. "This community has a rich baseball heritage, and Don McBride Stadium is the perfect venue to host our unique brand of summer collegiate baseball. We look forward to working with local partners to create memorable experiences for fans and players alike."
Richmond has a storied baseball past, having previously hosted the Richmond Roosters of the independent Frontier League from 1995 to 2005, as well as various minor league teams in the mid-20th century. The arrival of the Northwoods League team in 2026 will build on this legacy, bringing a fresh wave of competitive baseball to the region. The league's commitment to developing elite college players — more than 370 of whom have advanced to Major League Baseball — ensures that Richmond fans will witness top-tier talent on the field.
Richmond Community Schools Superintendent Curtis Wright expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, "We are very pleased the Northwoods League is bringing a new chapter of summer baseball to McBride Stadium. Bringing the Northwoods League to Richmond represents much more than just a game, it is an opportunity for our students, families, and the entire community. We are not just welcoming a new baseball team; we are embracing the future while honoring the rich tradition and history that McBride Stadium has carried for generations."
The 2025 NWL season kicks off Monday, May 26. The Rochester Honkers host the La Crosse Loggers at 6:35 p.m. at Mayo Field.
