Fort Scott Unveils Finalists in Name the Team Contest
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Nick Weisenborn
Tel: (636) 577-5953
Fort Scott Unveils Finalists in "Name the Team" Contest
Fort Scott, KS – After receiving hundreds of creative, quirky, and community-driven submissions from baseball fans across Bourbon County, the team is thrilled to announce the finalists in the "Name the Team" Contest. The list has been narrowed down to six (6) finalists that reflect the history, culture, and personality of Fort Scott. The final voting begins today at 10:00am at www.fortscottbaseball.com. The fan whose submission is ultimately chosen will receive two (2) lifetime season tickets for the Fort Scott franchise.
The six (6) finalists are:
- Calvary
During the Civil War, Fort Scott, Kansas served as a key supply base and training center for Union troops, including cavalry units. The 6th Kansas Cavalry, for example, was organized and trained there. Fort Scott also housed a quartermaster supply depot, a U.S. Army district headquarters, and a recruitment station.
- Dragoons
A dragoon was a mounted soldier, specifically a member of the U.S. Army's mounted troops, trained to fight on horseback and on foot. They were considered an elite fighting force. The term "dragoon" comes from the French word "dragon," referring to a short musketoon or carbine with a dragon-head decoration, a weapon often used by dragoon soldiers.
- Marmots
The Marmaton River winds through Bourbon County and Fort Scott and is critical to the community's founding and roots. River access was essential to Fort Scott being built in 1842, and the river was the backdrop to the fort during the Civil War as the area served as the Union's supply base, hospital, training ground, and recruiting center in their defense of the middle border. The Marmaton River was named after French trappers who saw prairie dogs along the river. They were called marmots and evolved into "Marmaton."
- Sentinels
A sentinel is a soldier or guard whose job is to stand and keep watch. Sentinels played a major role in the defense of Fort Scott as a military outpost during the 19th century, particularly during the period of "Bleeding Kansas" preceding the Civil War. Fort Scott was a U.S. Army fort established in 1842 and served as a symbol of federal authority in a volatile region.
- Saber Rattlers
A combination of a calvary soldier's saber and the prevalent rattlesnake that can be found in the area.
- Hay Balers
Hay baler technology was crucial to Fort Scott, and the surrounding agricultural areas because it significantly improved efficiency and reduced labor requirements for hay production. The technology enabled farmers to create larger, more manageable bales of hay, which were easier to store, transport, and distribute, ultimately boosting the region's hay production and economy.
"These six names stood out for their originality, connection to Fort Scott's story, and the energy they bring to the ballpark," said Nick Weisenborn, Executive Director for the Mid America League. "We're excited to take the next step and let the fans have their say."
Fort Scott's new team will be part of the Mid America League, bringing baseball excitement to southeast Kansas for the first time in decades. The team will play 32 home games starting in May 2026 at the LaRoche Baseball Complex which features fixed seating for 500, multiple party and picnic areas, and a first-class natural playing surface. With grass berms and a general admission area, the complex can accommodate up to 3,500 patrons for games. The facility also includes a top-notch locker room/clubhouse area, a pro-style batting tunnel, a spacious press box with room for multiple staff members, a dedicated umpire room, and a full-service concession stand. Fans interested in season tickets can email the team at nick@malbaseball.com.
To kick off baseball in Fort Scott, the Mid America League will host a regular-season series this summer from July 11-13, with games starting at 7:05 PM between the Texarkana Rhinos and the Joplin Outlaws. Tickets for the series are now on sale at www.joplinoutlaws.com.
Launched in 2024, the Mid America League has quickly become one of the premier independent summer baseball leagues in America. The league features top collegiate players alongside post-college players pursuing professional baseball careers. These athletes include players who were undrafted, unsigned free agents, or former professionals working to return to affiliated baseball. The league compensates its players through a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) program, which is closely monitored by the league.
The Mid America League currently consists of franchises in: Joplin, MO; Fort Smith, AR; Texarkana, TX; White Oak/Longview, TX; Sherman, TX; Abilene, TX with a goal of expanding to 12 teams by 2026, the Mid America League is committed to growing and strengthening independent baseball in the region.