The �ۿ۴�ý (AAPB) today announced a new multi-year partnership with Catch, officially naming the company a Preferred Supplier of the League.��

The partnership positions Catch as a core technology provider across the AAPB, helping member clubs streamline operations, unify data, and modernize how they manage payments, concessions, and fan transactions.��

Under the agreement, Catch will serve as the League’s preferred partner for point-of-sale (POS) systems, online ordering, and mobile ordering for both pickup and delivery. Catch will also work closely with league leadership and member clubs to deploy its full payments and operations platform across current teams and future expansion markets.��

As part of the partnership, Catch will be featured on AABaseball.TV broadcasts—including coverage of the Baseball Champions League—and will receive visibility across AAPB digital and social media platforms throughout the season.��

AAPB Commissioner Joshua Schaub expressed enthusiasm for the new collaboration:��

“We’re excited to welcome Catch into the AAPB family. Their innovative platform and commitment to service align with our mission to support our teams on and off the field.”��

Catch CEO Vince Surdo added:��

“We at Catch could not be more excited to be partnering with the �ۿ۴�ý. Today, sports organizations and venues are complex businesses driven by data, operations, and fan transactions. At Catch, our mission is to give those organizations a modern platform—from payments and point of sale to front office operations and real-time data insights.��

The AAPB continues to show strong leadership as a league that embraces innovation and forward-thinking operations. We’re proud to work alongside the league and its clubs to help modernize systems, unlock new revenue opportunities, and give teams the tools they need to operate more efficiently and grow.��

The future of sports organizations will be built on unified data, operations, and payments—and we’re excited to help lead that charge.”��

— Vince Surdo, Chief Executive Officer, Catch

The partnership was brokered by SRS Partners, the exclusive sponsorship agency for the �ۿ۴�ý.��

ABOUT THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF PROFESSIONAL BASEBALL��

The �ۿ۴�ý (www.aabaseball.com and www.aabaseball.tv) is a Major League Baseball Partner League operating in nine U.S. states and one Canadian province. Formed in 2006, the league consists of twelve member clubs, many of which began play as early as 1993. Through the 2025 season, 483 player contracts have been transferred to MLB organizations. In addition, 60 AAPB alumni have reached the Major Leagues, including 17 who appeared in 2025.��

ABOUT CATCH��

Catch is the modern operating system for sports organizations, powering point-of-sale, payments, and front office operations for teams and venues across North America. Trusted by more than 55 organizations and processing hundreds of thousands of transactions each year, Catch replaces fragmented tools with a unified platform—delivering real-time insights, streamlined operations, and better fan experiences.��

ABOUT SRS PARTNERS��

SRS Partners is a boutique sports and entertainment agency specializing in sponsorship sales, consulting, and brand advisory. Founded by Seth Frankenthal, SRS Partners has served as the exclusive sponsorship agency of the �ۿ۴�ý since 2021.��

For more information, visit www.srspartners.com or contact Sponsorship@srspartners.com.��

MEDIA CONTACT��

Joe Favorito��

Email: joefavorito2@gmail.com��

Phone: 917-566-8345

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The Kane County Cougars earned a thrilling 9-7 victory over Los Dantos de Managua of Nicaragua on Saturday in the Baseball Champions League, powered by a dramatic three-run pinch-hit home run by Jabari Henry in the eighth inning.

Claudio Finol’s to run home run to deep center field keyed a six run sixth inning as The Kane County Cougars etched their names in the baseball history books, defeating The Mexican League Champions ��Diablos Rojos del México 7-3 in the Finals of the 2026 Baseball Champions League at ��Alfredo Harp Stadium in Mexico City.

“The players showed up every day here. They were not intimidated playing the Diablos in their home park with a raucous crowd, said Kane County Manager George Tsamis. “ We walk away champions and we couldn’t be more proud to being this Baseball Champions League title back to Kane County and the American Association.”

The Cougars grabbed an early 1-0 first inning lead on a Dillon Thomas home run, but Mexico City tied the game at 1-1when Bryan Antonio Roque Gonazlez went deep against KC’s Konnor Ash . That set the stage for Kane County’s six run outburst in the bottom of the sixth, which began with a Josh Allen leadoff double, a ��Thomas RBI single, a run scoring single by Josh Rehwaldt, and then after two outs, the Finol dinger that broke the game open.

Ash allowed a run on just five hits in 4 2/3 innings and got great support from five relievers, with Jake Gozzo closing the game with a 1-2-3 ninth.

The Cougars advanced to the championship in thrilling fashion Saturday, riding Jabari Henry’s three run eighth inning homer to a 9-7 victory over Los Dantos de Managua of Nicaragua on Saturday.

Kane County went 6-0 in the series, 4-0 in round robin play before sweeping the weekend, becoming the first American Association Club to run the table in the BCS.

“I could not be prouder of what Kane County accomplished here in Mexico this week,” said American Association Commissioner Josh Schaub. “It shows not just the quality of play we have and the high level coaching and the dedication of ownership, but it shows the commitment our league has to this growing event, and sets the table for what should be a thrilling season starting in May.”

For more information on the American Association and Baseball Champions League, visit�������Ի���.

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Jabari Henry launches a pinch hit 3 run home run in the 8th��to break a tie

The Kane County Cougars earned a thrilling 9-7 victory over Los Dantos de Managua of Nicaragua on Saturday in the Baseball Champions League, powered by a dramatic three-run pinch-hit home run by Jabari Henry in the eighth inning.

With the win, the Cougars advance to the Baseball Champions League championship game, which will be played Sunday, March 29 at 2 p.m. Mexico City time / 4 p.m. EDT in Mexico City at Alfredo Harp Stadium. Kane County delivered in key moments throughout the contest, and Henry’s clutch late-inning blast provided the decisive momentum as the Cougars secured a spot in the championship game.

“We showed a lot of toughness today,” said Kane County manager George Tsamis. “Our guys stayed focused, kept competing, and Jabari came through with a huge swing when we needed it most. That’s the kind of team effort that gets you to a championship game.”

Fans can watch the Baseball Champions League championship game on��RYZ, the Unbeaten Sports, FTF, Bally’s, and��.

The Cougars now await their opponent for Sunday’s championship matchup as they look to finish their Baseball Champions League run with a title.

For more information on the American Association and Baseball Champions League, visit�������Ի���.

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The American Association is set to almost double the broadcast distribution for 2026

The �ۿ۴�ý (AAPB) today announced new and renewed broadcast agreements with RYZ, Bally’s Corporation, NLSE, FTF Sports (For the Fans), and SLVR Sports and Entertainment, expanding the league’s national and international media footprint across digital and linear platforms.

Under the terms of the agreements, RYZ, NLSE, FTF Sports, and SLVR will carry a slate of AAPB regular season and postseason games, along with coverage of the Baseball Champions League (BCL). Bally’s Corporation will exclusively feature Baseball Champions League broadcasts on their Bally Sports Live apps (iPhone, Android, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Google TV), ballysports.com

The deal with RYZ represents a renewal of an existing partnership, continuing the strong collaboration between the league and the innovative sports media platform. RYZ viewers will continue to enjoy high-quality game coverage, digital exclusives, and behind-the-scenes AAPB content throughout the 2026 season.

“These partnerships reflect the increasing demand for AAPB baseball and our commitment to bringing fans closer to the game,” said Joshua Schaub, Commissioner of the �ۿ۴�ý. “By working with RYZ, Bally’s Corporation, NLSE, FTF Sports, and SLVR, in addition to our already existing partners including Gray Media and Unbeaten, we’re ensuring broader access to our games across more screens and more markets than ever before.” The expanded distribution is projected to drive viewership growth from 10 million in 2025 to 18 million in 2026. The 2026 distribution slate also represents the largest footprint for distribution in league history.��

The agreements strengthen the AAPB’s position as the premier MLB Partner League and underscore its role in growing the sport through strategic media distribution and international collaboration.��

Broadcast schedules and platform-specific details will be announced closer to Opening Day.

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The Kane County Cougars, 2026 Wolff Cup Champions of the American Association, will represent the United States at the��2026 Baseball Champions League Americas (BCL Americas)��in Mexico City next week.

This international tournament brings together champion clubs from across the Americas to compete for continental supremacy.

Location: Alfredo Harp Helú Stadium – Mexico City, Mexico
Dates: March 24–29, 2026

Participating Teams

• Kane County Cougars (USA – American Association Champions)
• Diablos Rojos del México (Mexico – LMB Champions)
• CTBC Brothers (Chinese Taipei – CPBL Runner-Up)
• Dantos de Managua (Nicaragua – Liga Pomares Champions)
• Matanzas Cocodrilos (Cuba – Serie Nacional Champions)

Tournament Format

• Round-robin format (each team plays four games)
• Two games per day
• Each team receives one rest day
• Top two teams advance to the Championship Game

Kane County Cougars Schedule

(All times Central Time)

• March 24 vs. Diablos Rojos del México – 7:00 PM CT
• March 26 vs. CTBC Brothers – 10:00 AM CT
• March 27 vs. Dantos de Managua – 12:00 PM CT
• March 28 vs. Matanzas Cocodrilos – 10:00 AM CT

Championship Game (if qualified): March 29 – 2:00 PM CT

Where to Watch

Full broadcast details for the 2026 Baseball Champions League Americas will be announced soon. All Kane County Cougars games will be available live and for free on .

Fans can follow along via:

• Official American Association social media channels
• Kane County Cougars social media channels

Cougars Coaching Staff

• Manager: George Tsamis
• Bench Coach: Chris Coste
• Hitting Coach: Matt Passerelle
• Pitching Coach: David Holmberg
• Bullpen Coach: Robbie Lopez
• Athletic Trainer: Scott Ellis
• Clubhouse Manager: Austin Jankowiak

Cougars Roster

• Pitchers
  • Konnor Ash
  • Derrick Cherry
  • Kyle Crigger
  • Jake Dykhoff
  • Charlie Hasty
  • Brandon Komar
  • Jordan Martinson
  • Logan Nissen
  • Brady Puckett
  • Vinny Timpanelli
  • Zach Veen
  • Art Warren
• Catchers
  • Juan Fernandez
  • Jaxx Groshans
• Infielders
  • Josh Allen
  • Sam Dexter
  • Claudio Finol
  • Todd Lott
  • Elvis Peralta
  • Josh Rehwaldt
• Outfielders
  • Jabari Henry
  • Max Murphy
  • Dillon Thomas
  • Armond Upshaw
  • Ray Zuberer III

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In collaboration with the �ۿ۴�ý, the Lincoln Saltdogs have announced that they will serve as the host city for the 2026 American Association All-Star Game.�� Haymarket Park, voted the best playing surface in the American Association for the last 24 seasons, and home to the Lincoln Saltdogs will be the venue for a series of All-Star festivities Monday, July 13th through Wednesday, July 15th.����

“We’re thrilled to bring the 2026 American Association All-Star Game to Lincoln,” said Josh Schaub, Commissioner of the �ۿ۴�ý. “Haymarket Park is one of the premier venues in our league, and the Saltdogs organization has a tremendous track record of delivering first-class events. This showcase will celebrate the best talent in the American Association and the incredible fan support that makes Lincoln such a special baseball community.

This year’s celebration will be the first time Lincoln has hosted the event since 2003.�� Events throughout the week include an All-Star Youth Clinic, Tours and Experiences of Lincoln, Hall of Fame Dinner Banquet on Tuesday, July 14th with the Home Run Derby and �ۿ۴�ý All-Star Game on Wednesday, July 15h, followed by a Fireworks Show.������

“For a quarter of a century, Lincoln and the Saltdogs have brought baseball and fun to the local area, showing Lincoln’s ongoing love for America’s favorite pastime,” says Jeff Maul, Executive Director and Vice President of Visit Lincoln.��

“Haymarket Park continues to stand out among its peers as one of the very best ballparks in the country, year after year, and welcomes thousands of visitors to Lincoln for baseball and more. We are extremely excited to host this year’s American Association All-Star Game—this will truly be a summer to remember for baseball in our community and one we talk about for years to come,” Maul concludes.

Haymarket Park will welcome more than 50 of the American Association’s best and brightest, as Lincoln hosts this premier event. The celebration begins with a three-round, single-elimination Home Run Derby featuring eight All-Stars with the All-Star game to follow.

“Being selected to host the 2026 American Association All-Star Game��during��our 25th anniversary season is a tremendous honor,” said Saltdogs General Manager Shane Tritz. “It’s an opportunity��to celebrate the players and their accomplishments,��while also��celebrating our fans, our community, and all our marketing partners who have supported the Lincoln Saltdogs over the past 25 years. We’re excited to welcome the league to Lincoln to highlight our great city and we look forward to creating an unforgettable experience for everyone.”��

Ticket information and a complete schedule of events will follow via the Saltdogs and American Association, at a later date.

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American Association champion set to compete in Mexico City in WBSC-sanctioned global club tournament immediately following World Baseball Classic

The �ۿ۴�ý proudly announces that the Kane County Cougars will again represent the United States in the 2026 Baseball Champions League (BCL), the world’s only professional club championship tournament for baseball. The event will take place March 24–29, 2026, in Mexico City, and is hosted by the Mexico City Red Devils (Diablos Rojo del México), the 2025 Liga Mexicana de Béisbol (LMB) champions and 2025 BCL Americas winners

The event is sanctioned by the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC), the same international governing body that oversees the World Baseball Classic and the Olympics. BCL unites title-winning professional clubs from around the world in one elite competition. Coming on the heels of the World Baseball Classic this spring, the event extends baseball’s global spotlight by showcasing the world’s top professional teams, not national squads.��

The 2026 field will feature league champions the Kane County Cougars of the �ۿ۴�ý in the United States; Diablos Rojos del México of Liga Mexican de Béisbol in Mexico; Los Dantos de Managua from the Asociación Profesional de Béisbol Nicaragüense of Nicaragua; CTBC Brothers of Chinese Professional Baseball League in Taiwan; Cuban National Series of Cuba (Team TBA); and Liga Venezolana de Béisbol Profesional of Venezuela (Team TBA). The Taiwan representative is making a historic debut as Asia’s first representative. The event will maintain its round-robin and knockout format, building on the competitive intensity and success of the 2025 tournament.

“The Baseball Champions League is the world’s only global club championship, an event that celebrates the very best of professional baseball league champions at an international level,” said Josh Schaub, Commissioner of the American Association. “This is an opportunity to showcase the strength of American Association on a world stage, and we’re proud to see the Kane County Cougars carry that flag once again.”

The Kane County Cougars clinched their berth by winning the 2025 American Association Championship, earning the honor of representing both their league and the United States and Canada for the second straight year. Fargo Moorhead won the inaugural BCL Americas in 2023 with the RedHawks winning the first ever BCL title.

All Baseball Champions League games will be broadcast on ESPN Mexico, Unbeaten, and RYZ, with additional international broadcast and streaming partners to be announced in the weeks leading up to the event.

The 2023 and 2025 Baseball Champions League drew global attention as the first sanctioned event to unite professional champions from across the Americas. With the addition of Asia in 2026, the tournament marks a significant step forward for international professional club competition under the WBSC banner.

For more information on the American Association and Baseball Champions League, visit and .

Media Contact:
Joe Favorito, Director of Communications
�ۿ۴�ý
joefavorito2@gmail.com

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AAPB will use Engine, a modern business and group travel platform, as their preferred travel partner for 2026

The �ۿ۴�ý (AAPB) today announced a new partnership with Engine, which has been named the League’s Preferred Travel Booking Partner and a Preferred Supplier. This agreement, covering the 2026 season, represents an important advancement in delivering greater travel efficiency and cost savings for American Association clubs and stakeholders.��

Engine is a modern business and group travel platform on a mission to power connection through simplified travel. As a result of this partnership, AAPB teams, staff, and affiliates can take advantage of a simple, all-in-one booking platform with hotel savings and flexible booking when they travel for games and meetings. Engine also offers dedicated support for large group travel, which will make it easier for professional organizations like AAPB to plan offsites and team meetings with room blocks and meeting spaces.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Engine into the AAPB family,” said Joshua Schaub, Commissioner of the American Association. “Their innovative platform and commitment to service align perfectly with our mission to support our teams both on and off the field.”��

Under the terms of the partnership, Engine will receive brand visibility across AAPB digital platforms and AABaseball.TV broadcasts. Engine will also participate in the American Association’s Preferred Supplier Program (PSP) and Business Alliance (AABA), gaining access to networking opportunities and strategic introductions with league stakeholders.��

“At Engine, our goal is to save businesses time and money as they are booking travel. AAPB has complex travel needs across the country, from major metropolitan areas to rural towns, and this partnership will help their travelers focus less on logistical coordination and more in bringing value to their teams,” said Alex Melamud, CFO at Engine. “With Engine, AAPB travelers can take advantage of discounted and flexible hotel rates.�� We are proud to be part of the professional baseball ecosystem and to help teams and affiliates travel more efficiently throughout the season.”����

ABOUT THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION��

The �ۿ۴�ý () and () is a Major League Baseball Partner League that operates in nine state and one Canadian province.�� Formed in 2006, the league consists of twelve member clubs with many beginning play in 1993.�� Through the 2025 season, 483 player contracts have been transferred to MLB organizations.�� In addition, 60 AAPB alumni have reached the Majors, including 17 participating in 2025.��

ABOUT ENGINE

Engine is the modern business and group travel platform trusted by over one million travelers. Engine saves businesses time and money through an extensive travel network that connects to nearly every hotel, airline, and car rental company in the U.S. It offers single invoice billing, the flexibility to modify or cancel trips at any time without incurring additional fees, and a unified view of all company travel and spend. Customers rely on Engine to not only make travel easier to manage but also to make it enjoyable for everyone involved. Additionally, Engine helps coordinate room blocks for corporate offsites, sports teams, weddings, family reunions and more to help people get together in person. The company is backed by Telescope Partners, Blackstone, Elefund, and Permira. Learn more at engine.com.

ABOUT SRS PARTNERS��

SRS Partners, founded by Seth Frankenthal, focuses on properties, brands, and rightsholder negotiations.�� As the exclusive sponsorship agency of the American Association, SRS has led all the league sponsorships since 2021.�� For more information, visit or contact Sponsorship@srspartner.com��

��

For media inquiries please contact��

Joe Favorito at joefavorito2@gmail.com or 917-566-8345

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Extended Partnership will include airing the AAPB All-Star Game and additional “Game of the Week” broadcasts in major markets reaching more than 8 million television households

The �ۿ۴�ý (AAPB) today announced a one-year extension of the broadcast television agreement with Gray Media. As part of the extension, Gray will continue to deliver select AAPB games free over-the-air in key markets and across Gray’s local sports networks, including Arizona Family Sports (Arizona), Peachtree Sports Network (Georgia), and Silver State Sports and Entertainment Network (Nevada). The games will also air across Gray’s portfolio of local television stations, which collectively serve more than 100 markets nationwide. The AAPB, a Professional Partner League of Major League Baseball, builds on the successful partnership that debuted in 2024.��

Under the extended agreement, Gray intends to air the AAPB All-Star Game and additional “Game of the Week” broadcasts in major markets including Atlanta, GA; Las Vegas, NV; Portland, OR; and Cincinnati, OH, potentially reaching more than 8 million television households and further expanding exposure for AAPB’s elite athletes, many with Major League experience.

“This extension with Gray Media strengthens our commitment to growing the American Association brand nationwide, bringing our exciting summer baseball action and top-tier talent to even more fans across the U.S.,” said Joshua Schaub, Commissioner, �ۿ۴�ý.

About the American Association

The �ۿ۴�ý ( and ) is a Major League Baseball Partner League operating in nine U.S. states and one Canadian province. Formed in 2006, the league has seen more than 55 players reach MLB by the end of the 2023 season, with over 65 percent of its players having Double-A experience or higher.

About SRS Partners

SRS Partners, founded by Seth Frankenthal, is a sponsorship and rights consulting firm focused on properties, brands, and rightsholder negotiations. As the exclusive sponsorship sales agency of the AAPB since 2021, SRS Partners has led all league sponsorship sales and partnership development. For more information, visit or contact Sponsorship@srspartners.com.aabaseball+4��

Media Contacts

�ۿ۴�ý
Joshua Schaub, Commissioner
Jschaub@aabaseball.com

Media Relations
Joe Favorito
Joefavorito2@gmail.com

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Champro will become the Official On-field/Athleisure Partner of All-Star Weekend, the Official uniform supplier of the All-Star Game and the Official umpire uniform partner as well as other designations

Champro is thrilled to announce a significant expansion of its partnership with the �ۿ۴�ý (AAPB). This evolution solidifies Champro’s position as a key uniform and equipment supplier across multiple facets of the leading MLB Partner league in North America.

“Champro has quickly become an integral part of the American Association’s on-field identity through the Baseball Champions League and our All-Star Game, and this expanded partnership is a reflection of the trust and alignment we’ve built together,” said Joshua Schaub, Commissioner of the �ۿ۴�ý. “Champro’s commitment to quality, innovation and service ensures our players, coaches and umpires are outfitted at a championship level every time they take the field.”

Building on the success of the initial agreement, Champro is significantly expanding its partnership with the AAPB. Champro will continue its key roles — serving as the official uniform supplier for the Home Run Derby and the Baseball Champions League, and acting as a supporting partner of the All-Star Youth Clinic — while assuming several important new official partnership roles.

Specifically, Champro will become the Official On-field/Athleisure Partner of All-Star Weekend, the Official uniform supplier of the All-Star Game and the Official umpire uniform partner. Champro will also be the preferred supplier for catcher’s gear and bases going forward. This expanded role complements its previous and continued involvement, which included being the presenting partner of the Rising Players Combine during the AAPB’s 2025 All-Star Game.

“This expansion is a testament to what happens when two organizations share a passion for elevating the game and everyone who touches it,” said Shylo Farnsworth, vice president of marketing at Champro. “We’re thrilled to deepen our partnership with the AAPB and deliver the performance, innovation, and reliability that athletes and officials count on every day.”

This agreement underscores the deepening relationship between the AAPB and Champro, ensuring consistent, high-quality and professional representation across the league’s most visible components. Fans can expect to see the new Champro-branded uniforms and equipment on the field when the 2026 Baseball Champions League kicks off in March.

For more information about Champro, visit . To learn more about AAPB and to get tickets to games and All-Star events, visit .

About �ۿ۴�ý (AAPB)

The �ۿ۴�ý is an independent professional baseball league with teams located across the Midwestern United States and Canada. It is a Major League Baseball Partner League known for high-level competitive play and a commitment to fostering community engagement.

About Champro

Champro is a leading provider of high-quality sporting goods and team uniforms. Headquartered in Bannockburn, Ill., Champro has grown from a small line of baseball equipment to offering one of the most comprehensive lines of sporting goods in the industry, including extensive options for custom apparel. Since 1986, Champro has prioritized superior product quality, exceptional customer service, and fast turnarounds to ensure teams are game-ready with gear that helps them perform and feel their best.

About SRS Partners

SRS Partners, founded by Seth Frankenthal, focuses on properties, brands, and rightsholder negotiations.�� As the exclusive agency of the AAPB, SRS Partners has led all league sponsorship sales since 2021.�� For more information, visit or contact Sponsorship@srspartners.com

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