The Herrmannator: MLB Veteran Backstop Herrmann Joins Monarchs

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KANSAS CITY, Kan. — The Kansas City Monarchs have made another big-league splash as their 2023 season nears, this time at catcher.

Chris Herrmann, who spent parts of eight seasons in the major leagues, has signed with the American Association club, the Monarchs announced Wednesday.

Herrmann, 35, has eight years of big-league experience with the Twins, Diamondbacks, Mariners and Athletics. His most recent action in the US came with Triple-A Rochester in the Nationals system in 2022.

Herrmann is the seventh former major leaguer to sign with the Monarchs for 2023. Their season starts May 12 with the club’s home opener set for May 19. The Monarchs have won three straight division titles.

Monarchs manager Joe Calfapietra said he’s excited to add Herrmann, a player with “great pedigree and great character,” to the Monarchs’ roster. Herrmann and fellow catcher Gavin Collins (signed on April 5) will be a formidable combination once the season gets going.

“We feel we have two really great players at that position that are versatile, that can play not only the catching position but other positions also,” Calfapietra said. “We feel we can get them both everyday at-bats and be really strong behind the plate every day.”

Herrmann can play the outfield (88 MLB appearances) and Collins has over 200 games of pro experience at third base.

The Twins drafted Herrmann in the sixth round in 2009 out of the University of Miami. He made his big-league debut three years later, getting into seven games with the Twins in 2012. He’d spend the next three seasons between the big leagues and Triple-A with Minnesota before being traded to the Diamondbacks in November 2015.

The Tomball, Texas native spent part of 2015 and all of 2016 with the Diamondbacks, hitting an MLB career-high 10 home runs in his 2017 campaign. By then, D-Backs fans had nicknamed him The Herrmannator.

Herrmann moved to the Mariners organization in 2018, then suited up for the Athletics in 2019. He spent 2020 in the Rays and Giants organizations, though he didn’t play any big-league games during the COVID-shortened season.

He produced a .759 OPS with Triple-A Worcester in the Red Sox system in 2021 before being signed by the Nationals.

Herrmann is the second former MLB position player on the Monarchs’ roster, along with outfielder Jacob Robson. Former big-league pitchers on the roster include Ryan Castellani, Brandon Finnegan, Carlos Sanabria, Jeff Singer and Patrick Weigel.

Fans can check out the team’s full roster at MonarchsBaseball.com/Roster.

About the Kansas City Monarchs

The Kansas City Monarchs are a professional baseball team in the American Association, an MLB Partner League. This year, they are celebrating their 20th year of baseball in Kansas City, Kansas. In 2020, the team partnered with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and changed their name from the T-Bones to the Monarchs in honor of the legendary Negro League franchise that played from 1920 to 1965. The Monarchs won ten Negro American League championships and two Negro League World Series championships in their history. The team featured numerous notable players over the years, including Hall of Famers Satchel Paige, Jackie Robinson, Ernie Banks, and Buck O’Neil.

About the American Association

The American Association of Professional Baseball played its first season in 2006. It is a professional partner league that is affiliated with Major League Baseball but not specifically with any one team. The league consists of 12 teams located primarily in the Midwest and the South of the United States. Its season runs from May to September and features players who are looking to showcase their talents for a chance to be signed by a major league team.

Monarchs Partner With 38 The Spot For Live Game Broadcasts

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FOR THE FIRST TIME, FANS WILL BE ABLE TO WATCH MANY GAMES LIVE ON 38 THE SPOT 

Kansas City, MO – KSHB 41 and 38 The Spot are proud to announce a new broadcast agreement with the Kansas City  Monarchs to become the official local television broadcast partner for the 2023 season. 

“We are thrilled to have the Kansas City Monarchs coming to 38 The Spot,” said Kathleen Choal, vice-president and  general manager of KSHB and KMCI. “It’s no secret Kansas City loves baseball, and for us to be able to offer several  games on 38 The Spot through the 2023 season, that are free and over-the-air, will provide a great opportunity for our  audience to capture every amazing moment. In addition, we are excited to be able to offer extended and exclusive  coverage on KSHB 41 across all platforms. This partnership solidifies our commitment to be the best spot for sports in  our community and for the team.” 

The Kansas City Monarchs’ broadcast schedule kicks off on 38 The Spot, Saturday May 20, 2023 as the team takes on  the Sioux Falls Canaries at Legends Field in Kansas City, Kansas. Coverage time begins at 6pm, CT. The full  broadcast schedule is featured below.  

“We are excited about our partnership with KSHB 41 and 38 The spot and the opportunity to bring live TV coverage of  our Kansas City Monarch’s baseball games during many weekends this summer on 38 the Spot,” said Mark McKee,  CEO of the Kansas City Monarchs. “This gives our growing fanbase one more way to connect to our team and exciting  baseball,” added McKee. 

38 The Spot and the Kansas City Monarchs are working to add additional games and fan opportunities during the 2023  season. “It is such an exciting time to be in Kansas City, and the family-friendly nature of these Kansas City Monarch  games are the perfect addition to our lineup,” added Choal.  

The Kansas City Monarchs are a professional baseball team in the American Association, an MLB Partner League. In  2020, the team partnered with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and changed their name from the T-Bones to the  Monarchs in honor of the legendary Negro League franchise that played from 1920 to 1965. 

The modern-day Monarchs will contend for their fourth straight division title in 2023 after finishing 2022 with the AAPB’s  best record. The club has won two American Association titles, in 2018 and 2021. 

Kansas City Monarch Broadcast Schedule on 38 The Spot 

DATE TIME & OPPONENT 

May 20 6pm CT vs. Sioux Falls Canaries 

June 4 6pm CT vs. Cleburne Railroaders 

June 24 6pm CT vs. Chicago Dogs 

July 1 6pm CT vs. Winnipeg Goldeyes 

July 15 6pm CT vs. Gary SouthShore RailCats 

August 5 6pm CT vs. Winnipeg Goldeyes 

August 19 6pm CT vs. Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks 

September 2 6pm CT vs. Lake County DockHounds

38 The Spot can be viewed on the following broadcast providers: 

Spectrum: Channel #8 Digital Channel #1230 

Comcast (Independence, MO): Channel #5 Digital Channel #807 

Google Fiber: Channel #38 Digital Channel #38 

Comcast (Olathe, KS): Channel #2 Digital Channel #807 

Consolidated: Channel #8 Digital Channel #632 

Dish Network: Channel #38 Digital Channel #38 

Direct TV: Channel #38 Digital Channel #38 

AT&T U-Verse: Channel #38 Digital Channel #1038 

Midco: Channel #15 Digital Channel #615 

Suddenlink (St. Joseph, MO): Channel #17 Digital Channel N / A 

Over-The-Air: Channel #38.1 Digital Channel #38.1 

Big-Game Arm Koch Returns To Monarchs

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KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Brandon Koch is built for big moments. In 2023, those will come with the Kansas City Monarchs.

The right-hander has re-signed with the American Association club for the upcoming season, the Monarchs announced Tuesday.

Koch, 29, returns for his second season with the Monarchs. He was one of the most dependable relievers in the American Association in 2022.

“There’s really no other place I’d want to play than Kansas City,” Koch said. “It’s going to be a fun year.”

The former star at Dallas Baptist University made 50 appearances for Kansas City last year, fourth-most in the league. He finished the campaign with a 4.22 ERA and 1.22 WHIP in 49 innings of work.

His time with the Monarchs was just the beginning of a stellar campaign. In the winter, he starred for Guasave in the Mexican Pacific Winter League.

The team’s closer, Koch racked up 19 saves (second-most in the league) in 38 appearances with a 1.59 ERA. He helped Guasave to a league finals appearance. The outstanding season earned him a chance to represent the Mexican league in the Caribbean Series, throwing two scoreless appearances.

“Every game feels like a playoff game because of the fans,” Koch said of winter ball. “When you’re playing in front of fans that care that much, it just makes you want to get the job done that much more. Every time I pitched, the game was on the line.”

Koch’s durability was a highlight of his 2022 season, appearing in 90 games between the Monarchs, the Mexican league and the Caribbean Series. The right-hander says that was a goal of his going in, especially after battling injuries in affiliated ball.

“I told Joe, ‘I want to throw every day.'” Koch said. “I think there was one time I asked for a day off, and that was after I’d thrown like three, four games in a row.”

“He always wanted the ball,” Monarchs manager Joe Calfapietra said of Koch. “He was really reliable for us, a high-strikeout guy.”

Koch has thrown out of the bullpen his entire career, going back to his days at DBU. He put up a 1.26 ERA as the Patriots’ closer in 2015, earning 14 saves in 26 total appearances.

Drafted in the fourth round by Tampa Bay in 2015, Koch has made it as high as Double-A in four seasons with the Rays and Twins organizations. He signed with the AAPB’s Milwaukee Milkmen in 2021 before inking a deal with Minnesota just before the Association season began.

Koch is the latest 2022 star to return to the Monarchs’ pitching staff. Alex Valdez, who was the team’s closer down the stretch last year, re-signed January 18. Matt Hartman, who started the 2022 AAPB All-Star Game, re-signed along with reliever Jordan Martinson earlier this month.

The Monarchs open their 2023 season on May 12 on the road. The club’s home opener is set for May 19. Fans can check out the team’s full roster at MonarchsBaseball.com/Roster.

About the Kansas City Monarchs

The Kansas City Monarchs are a professional baseball team in the American Association, an MLB Partner League. This year, they are celebrating their 20th year of baseball in Kansas City, Kansas. In 2020, the team partnered with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and changed their name from the T-Bones to the Monarchs in honor of the legendary Negro League franchise that played from 1920 to 1965. The Monarchs won ten Negro American League championships and two Negro League World Series championships in their history. The team featured numerous notable players over the years, including Hall of Famers Satchel Paige, Jackie Robinson, Ernie Banks, and Buck O’Neil.

About the American Association

The American Association of Professional Baseball played its first season in 2006. It is a professional partner league that is affiliated with Major League Baseball but not specifically with any one team. The league consists of 12 teams located primarily in the Midwest and the South of the United States. Its season runs from May to September and features players who are looking to showcase their talents for a chance to be signed by a major league team.

Return To KC: Former Royal Finnegan Signs With Monarchs

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KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Brandon Finnegan left his mark on Kansas City baseball when he helped the Royals to an American League pennant in 2014. Now, he’s returning to KC to help the Kansas City Monarchs in their quest for another title. 

The left-hander has signed a contract with the American Association club for the 2023 season, the Monarchs announced Tuesday. 

“We’re really looking forward to seeing Brandon in a Monarchs uniform, seeing everything that he can do,” Monarchs manager Joe Calfapietra said. “He’s still pitching at an extremely high level.”

The Monarchs have won three straight division titles in the AAPB, an MLB Partner League. The club has claimed two league championships, in 2018 and 2019. Their 100-game season starts on May 12 on the road, with the team’s home opener set for May 19. 

Called up to the majors late in the 2014 season just months after being drafted in the first round, Royals fans remember Finnegan as a key piece of Kansas City’s bullpen down the stretch. 

That included the Royals’ epic victory over Oakland in the 2014 AL Wild Card Game. After the Royals rallied from four runs down to send the game to extra innings, Finnegan put up scoreless frames in the 10th and 11th to keep his club in the game. The Royals went on to win 9-8. 

Later that postseason, Finnegan achieved an unprecedented feat: pitching in College World Series and MLB World Series in the same year. Finnegan made it to Omaha with TCU that season, earning a sparkling 2.04 ERA and 1.02 WHIP over 17 starts for the Horned Frogs. Drafted 17th overall that summer, Finnegan moved to the bullpen and joined the Royals September 1 at the age of 21.  

The Fort Worth, Texas native made 14 more appearances for the Royals in 2015 (2.96 ERA) while also spending time in Double-A and Triple-A. On July 26, he and two other pitchers were traded to Cincinnati for Johnny Cueto. 

Finnegan spent the full 2016 season with the Reds. He delivered a 3.98 ERA and 1.36 WHIP in 31 starts. 

Finnegan remained with the Reds organization through the 2021 season. He spent last season with Triple-A Charlotte in the White Sox system, where he was teammates with fellow Monarchs signee Micker Adolfo. 

In all, the 30-year-old has made 67 MLB appearances (44 starts) with a 4.11 ERA, 1.39 WHIP and 7.9 K/9.

Finnegan is the sixth major leaguer to sign with the Monarchs for the upcoming season. He joins pitchers Ryan Castellani, Carlos Sanabria, Jeff Singer and Patrick Weigel along with outfielder Jacob Robson. 

About the Kansas City Monarchs

The Kansas City Monarchs are a professional baseball team in the American Association, an MLB Partner League. This year, they are celebrating their 20th year of baseball in Kansas City, Kansas. In 2020, the team partnered with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and changed their name from the T-Bones to the Monarchs in honor of the legendary Negro League franchise that played from 1920 to 1965. The Monarchs won ten Negro American League championships and two Negro League World Series championships in their history. The team featured numerous notable players over the years, including Hall of Famers Satchel Paige, Jackie Robinson, Ernie Banks, and Buck O’Neil.

About the American Association

The American Association of Professional Baseball played its first season in 2006. It is a professional partner league that is affiliated with Major League Baseball but not specifically with any one team. The league consists of 12 teams located primarily in the Midwest and the South of the United States. Its season runs from May to September and features players who are looking to showcase their talents for a chance to be signed by a major league team.

Monarchs Re-Sign All-Stars Hartman, Martinson

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KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Two of the Kansas City Monarchs’ top pitchers from 2022 are back for the upcoming season.

In one of the club’s biggest moves of the offseason so far, All-Stars Matt Hartman and Jordan Martinson have both re-signed with the American Association team, the Monarchs announced Tuesday.

All-Star Starter Hartman Back In The Fold

Hartman made a name for himself as one of the top pitchers in the American Association at the start of the 2022 season.

Hartman got off to a scorching start to the 2022 campaign, starting in the Monarchs’ bullpen and moving into the starting rotation in mid-June. The righty entered the All-Star break with a 1.60 ERA over 14 games (six starts), enough to earn him the starting nod for the West Division team.

Hartman got the ball in one of the most important games of the Monarchs’ season: the penultimate game of the year against Fargo-Moorhead. With Kansas City needing a win to keep their hopes of a division title alive, Hartman threw six shutout innings with just three hits allowed. The Monarchs won the game 12-3 and took the season finale the next day to clinch their third straight division crown.

For the full 2022 season, Hartman posted a 4.71 ERA with 109 strikeouts in 99.1 innings. Batters hit just .232 against him for the year.

“Overall, Matt had a really good season for us,” Monarchs manager Joe Calfapietra said. “I’m excited to see him with another year under his belt and more time to stretch out”

Hartman made his winter ball debut this past winter for Monterrey in the Mexican Pacific Winter League. In 13 starts, Hartman delivered a 3.62 ERA and 1.30 WHIP on a team that featured six former major leaguers.

Undrafted out NAIA Westmont, Hartman signed with the Braves and spent three seasons in their system, making it as high as Double-A Mississippi in 2021. He owns a 5-8 record and 4.53 ERA in 35 affiliated games (17 starts).

Fans can hear from Hartman on the next episode of Reign Reborn with Carter Woodiel, airing Wednesday at noon on the Monarchs’ Facebook page.

Reliable Arm Martinson Returns

Martinson was one of the Monarchs’ most important bullpen arms in 2022. In 45 appearances (second-most on the team), Martinson earned a 3.39 ERA and .222 opponents’ batting average.

That included an impressive start to the season where the lefty allowed just one run in his first 14 appearances. He earned a spot in the AAPB All-Star Game, throwing 0.2 scoreless innings for the West Division side.

Martinson also made four appearances during the Monarchs’ playoff run, allowing one earned run in 4.1 innings.

“Jordan’s a strike thrower, a guy that we went to in a number of different situations,” Calfapietra said. “He’s able to get right-handers and left-handers out, so we always felt comfortable with him in the game.”

Martinson played four years of college ball at Dallas Baptist University. As a senior in 2019, he set a D1-era program record with 115 strikeouts in 16 starts (100 innings pitched). He finished the campaign with a 2.61 ERA and 1.08 WHIP on a team that made the NCAA Tournament.

An 11th-round draft pick by the Mets in 2019, Martinson did not come to an agreement with New York and instead signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He quickly moved up their system, suiting up for Triple-A Oklahoma City in just his second pro season in 2021. He played all of 2022 with the Monarchs.

In the fall of 2022, Martinson joined Team Germany in a World Baseball Classic qualifying tournament. Martinson tossed 2.2 innings in the event, allowing one unearned run.

Most recently, Martinson played with the Perth Heat in the Australian Baseball League, posting an impressive 2.31 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 10.8 K/9 in 22 relief appearances.

Hartman and Martinson are the second and third 2022 Monarchs pitchers to return to the club for the 2023 season. Alex Valdez, who served as the team’s closer down the stretch last year, re-signed with the Monarchs on January 18.

The Monarchs open their 2023 season on May 12 on the road. The club’s home opener is set for May 19. Fans can check out the team’s full roster at MonarchsBaseball.com/Roster.

About the American Association

The American Association of Professional Baseball played its first season in 2006. It is a professional partner league that is affiliated with Major League Baseball but not specifically with any one team. The league consists of 12 teams located primarily in the Midwest and the South of the United States. Its season runs from May to September and features players who are looking to showcase their talents for a chance to be signed by a major league team.

About the Kansas City Monarchs

The Kansas City Monarchs are a professional baseball team in the American Association, an MLB Partner League. This year, they are celebrating their 20th year of baseball in Kansas City, Kansas. In 2020, the team partnered with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and changed their name from the T-Bones to the Monarchs in honor of the legendary Negro League franchise that played from 1920 to 1965. The Monarchs won ten Negro American League championships and two Negro League World Series championships in their history. The team featured numerous notable players over the years, including Hall of Famers Satchel Paige, Jackie Robinson, Ernie Banks, and Buck O’Neil.

Monarchs Trade For All-Star Bat Wylie

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KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Another All-Star has joined the Kansas City Monarchs, this time through a trade.

The Monarchs have acquired Justin Wylie, an infielder who played in the Frontier League All-Star Game this past season, the American Association club announced Friday.

Wylie was a standout hitter for the New Jersey Jackals in 2022. He slashed .306/.398/.564 with 20 home runs, 19 doubles, and 12 stolen bases in 93 games.

The 26-year-old has also played for the Great Britain national team, helping the squad to victory in September 2022’s World Baseball Classic qualifier. He earned a spot on the roster for the 2023 WBC, playing in two games.

“Justin has showed some power, showed some success at different positions,” Monarchs manager Joe Calfapietra said. “We’re excited to see how he fits in with our club.”

Wylie is entering his fourth season of professional baseball. He was similarly impressive with New Jersey in 2021, with a .914 OPS and 15 home runs in 80 games.

Undrafted out of college, he made his pro debut in 2019 with Birmingham-Bloomfield in the Michigan-based United Shore League. He did not play pro ball in 2020.

Wylie played three years of college baseball at San Diego State before transferring to Arizona for his final season. He impressed with the Wildcats, posting a .342/.449/.634 slash line with five homers and 15 doubles over 46 games.

The Monarchs sent the Jackals RHP Nick Belzer and a player to be named later in exchange for Wiley.

“Nick was great for us last season; he was very reliable and part of a very good ball club,” Calfapietra said. “This is an opportunity for Nick to expand his horizons also, and we wish him the best.”

The Monarchs open their 2023 season on May 12 on the road. The club’s home opener is set for May 19. Fans can check out the team’s full roster at MonarchsBaseball.com/Roster.

About the American Association

The American Association of Professional Baseball played its first season in 2006. It is a professional partner league that is affiliated with Major League Baseball but not specifically with any one team. The league consists of 12 teams located primarily in the Midwest and the South of the United States. Its season runs from May to September and features players who are looking to showcase their talents for a chance to be signed by a major league team.

About the Kansas City Monarchs

The Kansas City Monarchs are a professional baseball team in the American Association, an MLB Partner League. This year, they are celebrating their 20th year of baseball in Kansas City, Kansas. In 2020, the team partnered with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and changed their name from the T-Bones to the Monarchs in honor of the legendary Negro League franchise that played from 1920 to 1965. The Monarchs won ten Negro American League championships and two Negro League World Series championships in their history. The team featured numerous notable players over the years, including Hall of Famers Satchel Paige, Jackie Robinson, Ernie Banks, and Buck O’Neil.

Monarchs Add Three Players To Growing Roster

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KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Three impact players have joined the Kansas City Monarchs as the club sets its sights on its fourth straight division championship. 

Catcher Gavin Collins, outfielder Dylan Rosa and lefty pitcher Trey Jeans have signed with the American Association club for the 2023 season, the Monarchs announced Thursday. 

They’re the latest names to join the club that finished with the best record in the AAPB in 2022. Monarchs fans can find the team’s up-to-date roster at MonarchsBaseball.com/Roster. 

‘Grinder’ Collins Brings Pedigree to KC

Collins is a native of Southern California who comes to the Monarchs from the Tampa Bay Rays organization. He appeared in 16 big-league spring training games earlier this year for the Rays. 

“He’s a grinder. He’s played at an extremely high level, and he can handle the guys on our pitching staff that can pitch at that high level,” Monarchs manager Joe Calfapietra said of the catcher. “He’s been there and done it, and that’s really exciting.”

Collins was a 13th-round draft pick by Cleveland in 2016 after an impressive college career at Mississippi State. 

In his last year with the Bulldogs in 2016, Collins hit .302 with an impressive .922 OPS. Collins was teammates with Monarchs outfielder and former major leaguer Jacob Robson at Mississippi State. 

Collins’ most recent pro action came at the Triple-A level with Columbus in Cleveland’s organization. He slashed .235/.326/.370 with the Clippers over 41 games last year, hitting four homers. 

A catcher by trade, Collins also has plenty of pro experience at third base (142 games in the minors). 

Rosa Takes Exciting Skillset to Monarchs

Rosa joins the Monarchs after five seasons in the Detroit Tigers organization, most recently with Triple-A Toledo last year.

An 18th-round draft pick by Detroit out of Kent State, Rosa has impressed with his defense plenty of times in his career. 

The Chicago area native earned first-team All-MAC honors his final season at Kent State, hitting .314 with 14 home runs and 50 RBIs in 47 games, good for a 1.044 OPS. 

“Dylan has some power, really good defense, and he’s a great person,” Calfapietra said. “He reminds me of some of the great athletic outfielders we’ve had in the past.”

Rosa has mostly played corner outfield in his career, but has pro experience at center field and first base as well. He was also teammates with Robson as the two moved up the Tigers farm system. 

Eye-Popping Strikeout Rates Highlight Jeans’ Signing

Jeans, who’s from Texarkana, Arkansas, is entering his fourth professional season and first in the American Association. He spent three years as a Chicago White Sox prospect, reaching Double-A last year. 

The White Sox drafted Jeans in the 33rd round in 2019 out of Louisiana-Monroe, where the left-hander posted a 3.76 ERA his senior season. 

A starter in college, Jeans moved to the bullpen at the professional level. He struck out 11.9 batters per nine innings over 33 games (one start) between High-A Winston-Salem and Double-A Birmingham last season. 

“When you look at his strikeout numbers, that’s a lot of swings and misses,” Calfapitera said. “To get that many strikeouts as a left-hander is impressive. We’re hoping he can continue that rate with us in Kansas City.”

The Monarchs open their 2023 season on Friday, May 12, on the road. The Monarchs’ home opener is set for Friday, May 19.

About the American Association

The American Association of Professional Baseball played its first season in 2006. It is a professional partner league that is affiliated with Major League Baseball but not specifically with any one team. The league consists of 12 teams located primarily in the Midwest and the South of the United States. Its season runs from May to September and features players who are looking to showcase 3their talents for a chance to be signed by a major league team. 

About the Kansas City Monarchs

The Kansas City Monarchs are a professional baseball team in the American Association, an MLB Partner League. This year, they are celebrating their 20th year of baseball in Kansas City, Kansas. In 2020, the team partnered with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and changed their name from the T-Bones to the Monarchs in honor of the legendary Negro League franchise that played from 1920 to 1965. The Monarchs won ten Negro American League championships and two Negro League World Series championships in their history. The team featured numerous notable players over the years, including Hall of Famers Satchel Paige, Jackie Robinson, Ernie Banks, and Buck O’Neil.

Utility Bat and Local Product Heading To Monarchs

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KANSAS CITY, Kan. — A do-it-all bat with plenty of experience and a local product coming off a career year are heading to the Kansas City Monarchs.

The American Association club has signed utility player Olivier Basabe and infielder LJ Hatch for the 2023 season, the club announced Monday.

Basabe Brings Versatility To Monarchs

An eighth-round draft pick by the Padres in 2017, Basabe is a true utility player who has significant pro experience at six different positions.

Monarchs manager Joe Calfapietra said Basabe will be an impact signing, thanks to his experience and versatility in the field.

“He’s able to give us innings in the infield and the outfield,” Monarchs manager Joe Calfapietra said. “It’s very important to have players with flexibility.”

Basabe, 25, grew up in Maracaibo, Venezuela, but attended college in the U.S. He played two years at Indian Hills CC in Iowa, hitting .333 his sophomore season.

He played his junior season at Faulkner University in Alabama, helping his team to the NAIA World Series. Basabe finished the 2017 campaign with a .342 average and .875 OPS.

Basabe made his pro debut in the Arizona League before advancing to Low-A Tri-City in 2018. He impressed with the Dust Devils, hitting .313 with an .851 OPS over 40 games. He earned a spot in the starting lineup of the Northwest League’s midseason All-Star team that year, and was promoted to Class A Fort Wayne soon after.

Basabe continued to rise through the Padres’ system, heading to High-A Lake Elsinore in 2019 and making his Double-A debut with San Antonio in 2021.

He spent 2022 with High-A Fort Wayne. A shortstop in college, Basabe played first, second and third base last season, as well as both corner outfield spots.

Basabe is the fourth position player the Monarchs have signed for the upcoming season, joining former big leaguer Jacob Robson, Gio Brusa and Micker Adolfo. Fans can check out the Monarchs’ full roster at monarchsbaseball.com/roster.

Hatch Heads To Monarchs After Career Year

Hatch is set to take the latest step on a remarkable journey. Undrafted out of college, he made it to Triple-A with the Colorado Rockies organization in 2021 and played in big-league spring training games earlier this year.

Born in Shawnee, Kansas, he attended Johnson County Community College in Overland Park before finishing his college career at New Mexico State. Hatch is the fourth native of the Kansas City area to join the Monarchs, alongside pitchers Grant Gavin, Dalton Moats and Zach Matson.

Monarchs manager Joe Calfapietra says this is the most hometown players he can remember having on a Kansas City roster.

“They’re all connected; they’re all the same age, same level,” Calfapietra said. “We’re excited to get them in the clubhouse.”

Hatch is primarily an infielder; he spent time at shortstop, second base and third base this past season. He’s also appeared at each of the three outfield spots in his pro career.

Last year at Triple-A Albuquerque, Hatch posted a .280 batting average, an .830 OPS, and a career-high eight home runs in 49 games.

“LJ definitely fits the bill. He’s versatile, plays shortstop, second and third. He’s going to be a great player for us,” Calfapietra said.

The Monarchs open their 2023 season on May 12 on the road. The club’s home opener is set for May 19.

About the American Association

The American Association of Professional Baseball played its first season in 2006. It is a professional partner league that is affiliated with Major League Baseball but not specifically with any one team. The league consists of 12 teams located primarily in the Midwest and the South of the United States. Its season runs from May to September and features players who are looking to showcase their talents for a chance to be signed by a major league team.

About the Kansas City Monarchs

The Kansas City Monarchs are a professional baseball team in the American Association, an MLB Partner League. This year, they are celebrating their 20th year of baseball in Kansas City, Kansas. In 2020, the team partnered with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and changed their name from the T-Bones to the Monarchs in honor of the legendary Negro League franchise that played from 1920 to 1965. The Monarchs won ten Negro American League championships and two Negro League World Series championships in their history. The team featured numerous notable players over the years, including Hall of Famers Satchel Paige, Jackie Robinson, Ernie Banks, and Buck O’Neil.

Buck O’Neil Classic To Return April 11th

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LAWRENCE, Kan. – The second year of the Buck O’Neil Classic at Legends Field in Kansas City will return this year on Tuesday, April 11 vs. Texas Southern at 6 p.m. CT. Kansas will wear its uniforms designed after the Kansas City Monarchs, while Texas Southern will wear replica uniforms of the Homestead Grays.

“We’re excited to participate this year in the Buck O’Neil Classic,” Kansas Head Baseball Coach Dan Fitzgerald said. “Our student-athletes and coaching staff had the opportunity this fall to visit the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and learn about Buck O’Neil and the Negro Leagues from Bob Kendrick. There is a deep baseball history integrated in the Kansas City area and we’re grateful that we have the opportunity to play this game in honor of Buck and everyone from the Negro Leagues who helped set the foundation for baseball to become what it is today.”

Buck O’Neil was a first baseman and played a majority of his career for the Kansas City Monarchs. He later would be a player-manager for the Monarchs. Upon the conclusion of his time in the Negro Leagues in 1955, O’Neil was hired by the Chicago Cubs as a scout. In 1962, the Cubs promoted O’Neil to their major league coaching staff, making him the first African American coach in Major League Baseball history. O’Neil, who died in 2006, was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in July 2022 for his contributions to the game as a player, scout and manager.

Last year, Kansas won a 7-6 thriller against Texas Southern in the inaugural Buck O’Neil Classic at Legends Field. The Jayhawks led 5-0 in the game before falling behind 6-5 and ultimately coming from behind to win with a sacrifice fly in the eighth inning.

“In the second year of the Buck O’Neil Classic, we are excited to expand the community engagement component of this year’s event to include the Kansas City Urban Youth Academy, the Kansas City Kansas Unified School District 500 and the University of Kansas Student Union Association,” Paul Pierce II, Kansas Associate Athletics Director for Inclusive Excellence said. “The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum has been an awesome partner in elevating our athletics department’s desire to create community-wide opportunities to discuss topics related to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, and we felt that the addition of our new community partners into this year’s initiative will further amplify a wonderful event.”

All seats for the game will be general admission. Adult admission will cost $10, while youth and senior citizens will be $8. Season ticket holders will receive a ticket to the game as part of their season ticket package. Fans wishing to purchase tickets can contact the Kansas ticket office at 785-864-3141, or visit the ticketing page here. Legends Field is a cashless facility and will only accept card transactions.

For those unable to attend, the game will be streamed on Big 12 Now on ESPN+ and fans can also listen to the game on KLWN and the Jayhawk Sports Network on KUAthletics.com and the Kansas Jayhawks app.