Monarchs Announce Sale to Quint Studer and KC Roots

Kansas City, KS — The Kansas City Monarchs today jointly announced that owner Mark Brandmeyer has completed the sale of the franchise to Quint Studer and KC Roots, marking a thoughtful and optimistic transition for one of independent baseball’s most storied and community-driven organizations.

“Selling the KC Monarchs isn’t about stepping away — it’s about positioning this franchise for its next era of growth,” said Mark Brandmeyer. “This team belongs to Kansas City, and my responsibility has always been to ensure it has the leadership, resources, and vision to thrive long into the future.”

Brandmeyer reflected on his tenure with gratitude and pride in what was built alongside the community, staff, and partners across the American Association.

“When we stepped into Kansas City, the goal was to honor the rich history of the Monarchs while building a modern, sustainable organization,” Brandmeyer said. “Together, we accomplished so much — including winning two championships and establishing the Monarchs as a strong, stable, and community-focused franchise. That success is a direct reflection of the incredible staff, players, and partners who made it possible.”

He also emphasized the importance of local collaboration. “Our partnership with the Unified Government has been essential from day one,” he said. “Their belief in this franchise and commitment to the community helped create an environment where professional baseball could not only survive but thrive.”

Brandmeyer added, “I want to personally thank the Monarchs staff — past and present — whose dedication, creativity, and resilience built this organization into what it is today. Independent baseball isn’t easy, but this group has consistently found ways to innovate and deliver for our fans.”

The decision to sell came after a direct outreach from Studer. “I would not be making this transition if not for Quint Studer,” Brandmeyer said. “His passion for community, his success in baseball ownership, and his track record of building meaningful, lasting organizations made it clear he is the right person to lead the Monarchs forward.”

Studer, a nationally respected healthcare executive, community developer, and experienced baseball owner, expressed deep appreciation for the opportunity and a commitment to continuity.

“I am incredibly grateful Mark took my call,” said Quint Studer. “What he, the Monarchs staff, and this community have built is truly special. Two championships, a strong partnership with local leadership, and a reputation for delivering affordable, meaningful experiences — that’s a foundation we deeply respect.”

Studer emphasized that the transition will prioritize stability and momentum. “One of our top priorities is supporting the outstanding Monarchs staff already in place,” he said. “They are the heart of this organization, and we are excited to work alongside them to build on the success that’s already been achieved.”

Studer also highlighted his personal connection to the region and the broader mission ahead.

“I have a deep affinity for the Kansas City area through both my professional work and personal relationships,” he said. “The history of the Monarchs and the legacy preserved by the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum are incredibly meaningful to me. Our commitment is to honor that legacy while continuing to invest in community engagement, youth baseball and softball, and creating memorable experiences for fans.”

Brandmeyer concluded with confidence in the future of the franchise. “The Monarchs are in excellent hands,” he said. “This is a transition rooted in respect, trust, and a shared belief in what this organization means to Kansas City. I’m proud of what we built, and even more excited about what comes next.”

The Monarchs open the 2026 season on the road on May 15th against the Kane County Cougars. The home opener is scheduled for May 19th against the Chicago Dogs at Legends Field with a first pitch scheduled for 6:35pm. To view the full schedule, please visit monarchsbaseball.com/schedule. Single game tickets are on sale now.

About the Kansas City Monarchs:

The Kansas City Monarchs are a professional baseball team in the American Association, an MLB Partner League. 2026 will be their 23rd season at Legends Field 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.

 

Hendrickson Signs to AAA Space Cowboys

Kansas City, KS 2025 Kansas City Monarchs left-handed starting pitcher, Josh Hendrickson signed with the Houston Astros AAA affiliate Sugar Land Space Cowboys on Friday, flew to Houston and then started on the mound Saturday afternoon in Game One of a double header against the Salt Lake Bees in on Saturday afternoon at The Ballpark at America First Square in South Jordan, Utah.

The 28-year-old Perth, Australia native, pitched 5 innings of one hit baseball with no runs and six strike outs in a 2-1 Space Cowboys win.

9th year Manager Joe Calfapietra announced the signing and said “The entire Monarchs organization is so excited for Josh!  He was a big part of our ball club in 2025 going 10-5. We all wish him much success with Sugar Land!”  The signing comes just weeks before the Monarchs start Training Camp at Legends Field on May 2nd.

Hendrickson went 10-5 with a 3.61 Earned Run Average in 19 starts with the Monarchs in 2025. Before he was traded to the High Point Rockers of the Atlantic League in late August.  He pitched for the Adelaide Giants in the Australian Baseball League and represented Australia in the World Baseball Classic earlier this spring with winning his only start of the Classic.

Hendrickson was drafted by the Kansas City Royals in the 20th round of the 2018 Major League Baseball June Amateur Draft out of the Barton County Community College in Great Bend, Kansas and later drafted in the 38th round in the 2019 draft by the Philadelphia Phillies after pitching for the University of San Diego.

The Kansas City Monarchs open their season on the road in Chicago against the Kane County Cougars on May 15th. Their home opener is set for Tuesday, May 19th at Legends Field in Kansas City, Kansas against the Chicago Dogs. Tickets for the 2026 season are on sale now.

About the Sugar Land Space Cowboys:

The Sugar Land Space Cowboys are the Triple-A affiliate of the Houston Astros, competing in the Pacific Coast League and playing at Constellation Field in Sugar Land, Texas. Rebranded in 2022 from the Skeeters, they won the Triple-A National Championship in 2024. They are owned by Diamond Baseball Holdings. 

About the Kansas City Monarchs:

The Kansas City Monarchs are a professional baseball team in the American Association, an MLB Partner League. 2026 will be their 23rd season at Legends Field 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.

Monarchs Renew Partnership with Local College

KANSAS CITY, Kan. – The Kansas City Monarchs and Kansas City Kansas Community College are continuing their partnership for another season. KCKCC will continue as a Proud Education Partner of the Monarchs for the upcoming 2026 season.

“We are proud to partner with a respected Kansas City, Kansas institution for another season,” said Owner, Mark Brandmeyer. “Education and community initiatives are two factors that drive the Monarchs organization and being able to continue that with KCKCC is exciting.”

The partnership includes ticket and merchandise discounts for all KCKCC faculty, staff, and students with proof of their KCKCC ID’s along with opportunities for KCKCC students to get involved with the Monarchs internship program, which allows students to jump-start their careers in the sports industry.

“We are so excited to continue our partnership with the Kansas City Monarchs,” said Kris Green, Vice President of Marketing and Institutional Image. “We are proud to support a quality baseball experience right here in Wyandotte County.”

Founded in 1923, Kansas City Kansas Community College is a two-year public institution located within the city limits of Kansas City, Kansas. The college enrolls about 9,000 students annually and offers a variety of two-year degrees, one-year and short-term certificate programs.

The Monarchs open the 2026 season on the road on May 15th against the Kane County Cougars. The home opener is scheduled for May 19th against the Chicago Dogs at Legends Field with a first pitch scheduled for 6:35pm. To view the full schedule, please visit monarchsbaseball.com/schedule. Single game tickets are on sale now.

About the Kansas City Monarchs:

The Kansas City Monarchs are a professional baseball team in the American Association, an MLB Partner League. 2026 will be their 23rd season at Legends Field 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

Monarchs Sign Pair of Pitchers

Kansas City, KS Denver native Wyatt Wendell has been added to the Kansas City Monarchs this week. Wendell attended Indian Hills Community College (Centerville, Iowa) where he tied the season win record with 15 leading the team to the JUCO World Series.  He finished his intercollegiate career at Purdue University where he went 5-3 in 14 appearances for the Boilermakers.

“Wyatt is a young man that has worked extremely hard to get back to playing shape and to be able to compete at a high level” said Monarchs Manager Joe Calfapietra.  “We are excited to have him as a part of our staff.  We are hoping that his hard work pays dividends at his stop in Kansas City.”

The 26-year-old 6’ 5” right hander was signed as a free agent by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the summer of 2022 after pitching in the Major League Baseball Draft League.  Wendell spent the 2023 season at Visalia and 2024 in Hillsboro of the Northwest League.

Wendel’s father Turk, pitched in the major league for 11 seasons, primarily with the Chicago Cubs and New York Mets including the 2000 World Series between the Yankees and Mets.

Ryan Middendorf is another right-handed pitcher who has joined the Monarchs after spending the last four seasons in the Milwaukee Brewers organization.  Middendorf is 28 years old from West Chester, Ohio and pitched and played basketball at Lake Erie College.

Joe Calfapietra when asked about Middendorf said “We are very excited about Ryan – he gives us flexibility both as a starter and reliever – flexibility that will serve our pitching staff tremendously in 2026.  He has high level experience pitching at the AA and AAA levels over the past two years.”

Middendorf pitched for two teams in 2025 – AAA Nashville Sounds and AA Biloxi both Milwaukee Brewer affiliates.  In Nashville Middendorf was 3-1 with a 7.50 ERA in 14 appearances and in Biloxi he pitched in 20 games with a 7.48 ERA over 21 2/3 innings.

The Monarchs start training camp at Legends Field on May 2nd. Their season kicks off against the Kane County Cougars in Illinois on May 15th with their home opener on May 19th against the Chicago Dogs. Tickets are on sale now at monarchsbaseball.com. To view the 2026 schedule, fans can visit monarchsbaseball.com/schedule/

About the Kansas City Monarchs:

The Kansas City Monarchs are a professional baseball team in the American Association, an MLB Partner League. 2026 will be their 23rd season at Legends Field 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.