Detroit area team will become the fourth team from Michigan in the NWL
Rochester, Minn. – The Northwoods League is excited to announce the addition of the Royal Oak Leprechauns to its roster for the 2024 season. This exciting development brings the NWL brand of baseball to the Detroit area in Southeast Michigan and promises an unforgettable experience for fans, players, and the community alike.
The Royal Oak Leprechauns are set to make their Northwoods League debut in 2024, bringing high-quality collegiate baseball to the city of Royal Oak. Fans can expect a season filled with exceptional talent, and family-friendly entertainment at Memorial Park.
“The Northwoods League is very pleased to welcome the Royal Oak Leprechauns to our family of teams for the 2024 season,” said Northwoods League Baseball President/Commissioner Ryan Voz. “This marks an exciting chapter for our league, and we’re confident that the Leprechauns will continue to bring an exceptional baseball experience to Royal Oak and the entire Michigan region.”
Mark Sackett, Owner, and General Manager of the Royal Oak Leprechauns is excited for the challenge, competition, and benefits of joining the Northwoods League.
“For the past three seasons in Royal Oak, the Leprechaun organization has grown, and our fan base continues to expand. By joining and competing in the Northwoods League, we’ll have more games for our fans, more opportunities to partner with businesses and non-profits and create new rivalries with well-established Michigan and surrounding Midwest teams,” Sackett said.
D.J. LeMahieu is also taking a more active role as President of the organization. The current New York Yankee and partner with the Leprechauns knows the higher level of competition will bring an elite tier of players to Royal Oak.
“My vision with this team is to continue to provide a unique opportunity for players and coaches to improve their baseball skills and keep moving up,” LeMahieu said. “Partnering with the Northwoods League will provide that and give fans a great night out at the ballpark with our players and partners.”
As a non-profit, the Royal Oak Leprechauns have made more than $500,000 in park improvements since moving to Royal Oak in 2018. But now the focus is on the fans. New bleacher seating, press box, suites and other fan amenities are on the list to make Memorial Park more memorable.
For more information you can visit the Leprechauns at royaloakleprechauns.com. Also be sure to follow the Leprechauns on social media: Instagram @roleprechauns, X @roleprechauns and on Facebook Royal Oak Leprechauns.
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The Northwoods League is the proven leader in the development of elite college baseball players. Having completed its’ 30th season, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 26 teams, drawing significantly more fans, in a friendly ballpark experience, than any league of its kind. A valuable training ground for coaches, umpires, and front office staff, 340 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including three-time All-Star and 2016 Roberto Clemente Award winner Curtis Granderson, three-time Cy Young Award winner and World Series Champion Max Scherzer (TEX), two-time World Series Champions Ben Zobrist and Brandon Crawford (SFG) and World Series Champion Chris Sale (BOS). As well as 2019 Rookie of the Year and 2019/2021 Home Run Derby Champion Pete Alonso (NYM) and 2021 All-Star, MLB Gold Glove winner and 2019 Second Team All-MLB shortstop Marcus Semien (TEX). All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League website at watchnwl.com and on ESPN+. For more information, visit www.northwoodsleague.com or download the Northwoods League Mobile App on the Apple App Store or on Google Play.
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Author: David Keech
David Keech is a retired teacher and works as a sportswriter, sports official and as an educational consultant. He has reported on amateur sports since 2011, known as 'KeechDaVoice.' David can be reached at [email protected]
